Can I get a holla from all my ladies over 50? How are we all doing in the biz these days?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Holla!!! I’m amazed that things are going really well! I remember about 5 years ago, there was a thread on Agency Spy where people were hitting their mid 40’s and freaking the fuck out because they were all sure they/we would soon age out of the business. Everyone was talking about how to get our before we were forced out of this youth obsessed industry. Well then something unexpected happened...tech companies in particular started building in house agencies. And they are definitely NOT youth obsessed. They’re experience obsessed. In the past few years, I’ve been busy as hell with my freelance life. More than once, my age has actually been pointed out as a crucial benefit. Recently, the head of production at a HUGE tech company told me he needed “a grown up” on his team. And he didn’t blink at my day rate. This is the trend I’m seeing and I couldn’t be happier.

Call me the grown up. Call me the babysitter. Just CALL ME...and pay me what I’m worth.

I haven’t noticed a big change on the agency side, but even there, my age hasn’t become the liability I feared it would just a few years ago. They’ll catch up fully in the next couple of years. They’re already losing valuable projects to these in house agencies. When they realize they’re also losing valuable talent as well, they’ll stop trading seasoned and expensive for eager and cheap.

In short, things in the biz are going very well these days...and I expect them to get better. 50 is the new baller. You heard it here. 🙌🏼

likeupliftingsmarthelpful

Oh, and on the pragmatic side, it helps to look younger than you are. And flaunt your hard won sense of personal style, whatever it is. It’s something the kids cannot buy. This is not the time to get TOO comfortable in your own skin. After 50, we have to work a bit harder on our personal presentation. Moisturize like it’s your freaking JOB, get Botox if necessary (but I recommend The Ordinary instead), and keep ‘em guessing.

Do NOT lie about your age; it’s a sign of the worst kind of weakness. Just keep it fresh and timeless. That way, younger colleagues can look at you and say “goals” instead of “cautionary tale”. That’s all I’ve got. Thanks for asking!

likeupliftingsmart

and how have you kept from being pushed out? im in my 40s and can barely get an interview. recruiters wont touch me because im over qualified. ive dropped my salary to 1/2 of what i used to make and still cant get interviews. i see my past male coworkers, with the same awards and caliber of portfolio, making bank. how do we prevent this push out that seems to happen to women as the industry leaders become younger: white men in their late 20s/early 30s and they are getting younger each year?

like

Ladies, I don’t even know how you do it. I’m early/mid 30s and have already noticed that my agency career isn’t going to survive another 10 years. Where do all of the older women go??

like

I’m a survivor at 51 and am at a small woman owned boutique shop. I had a tough time in my last job search. Like Director 1, I feel like you are invisible after 50. Had an HR recruiter at a big holding company tell a friend of mine who work there that she wouldn’t interview me because they want to hire “people who are younger”. Yes - a SHE said this and she’s in HR. It’s horrible

like

Mid 40s and feeling invisible for sure. Add to that single and also invisible. Sorry, this just got really depressing.

like

Not there yet, but close. Been thinking about this a lot lately and willing to bet my next job won’t be in this realm. I’m already noticing I’m becoming invisible.

like

Botox and adjust resume by not including years ... though LinkedIn screws you w that.

like

It’s really challenging being a creative over age 50 in a traditional agency environment .Hiring managers at agencies generally ignore emails and check ins. Being a Producer is very different because clients and agencies want grownups to deal with money and logistics. I would suggest that you need to find your own clients who respect your experience. Forget about women in lead roles. Ageism is worse that anyone admits.

like

Completely agree that ageism is horrible for women. You are sort of treated like you’re dead..but you have so much to offer. Then they use money as an excuse - “our salary range isn’t that high” blah blah blah.

like

Freelancing seems to be the only option these days. Anyone here the same?

like

Why do you assume these folks don’t work insane schedules or that they have a partner? Or if they do, that their partner helps manage personal life?

like

Not great. No raise/promo because I can’t afford to threaten to leave like my Millennial counterparts

like

:( :( :(

like

all of this is hard to do when you are working 80hrs a week and have no partner to help manage personal life. many of the suggestions reek of privilege.

like

because many of the suggestions involve significant time & money

Related Posts

Pwc AC I've accepted an offer in PWC AC as SA and I would like to know what will be the office timings I'll be working in?

likesmart

R u going to office every week for 1 or 2 days?

Looking spend 3000 bucks on a watch but many say the watches in that range is just for wannabes of the luxury brands. Do people really judge you when you buy a only 3000dollar watch?

like

Going to Tulum, Mexico is December for New Years. Can anybody tell me if that place is safe and reccommend anything? Already bought the plane ticket cuz the virus made them cheap so no turning back...

like

Hot take: There’s nothing wrong with having ethnicity as a preference when it comes to dating as it indicates cultural similarity

likefunny

Hi,
Please refer me for below position. Anyone please help for @Citibank

Post Photo
like

Hi guys, what's the point of a circuit breaker when we already have iterative calculations on? Doesn't this just add an extra input, making a formula more volatile?

Thoughts on daycare vs. nanny starting at 4 months old?

like

Average salary for Account/Project Director w/10yrs experience in NYC?

like

I've put down my papers in TCS few days ago, and I received a mail from RMG to fill some online-form survey.
Can anyone shed a light on what would be asked on that survey?

like

What are pros and cons of working for a government legal department and is it a good lateral move for career advancement?

like

Hello from San Diego,

Recently separated from the Navy after 10+ years as a hospital corpsman. I have my degree in healthcare administration. I have years of leadership experience, leading teams, managing clinics etc. Having a hard time finding a job. Is anyone hiring or know of someone?

Thank you

like

My firm has a collections budget (80% of your billable rate x 1850 hours) and an hourly budget that must be met in order to be eligible for a bonus. The firm cares very little about originations and will reward someone for making their collections over someone who brings in new work. I missed my collection budget due to some odd timing with a client, but originated more than all my peers so no bonus for me. I’ve been at this same mid level firm for 9 years and it’s all I know. Is this normal??

like

Looking for a Manager or Sr Manager based in Charlotte or willing to travel there weekly (M-Th) for healthcare tech for large hospital system. Inbox me for details.

like

LA based strategy directors, or those that would like to be, DM me.

like

Newly promoted MD of which I am excited about and worked very hard to earn. I don’t feel as treated yet as a part of a peer group with other PPMD’s in my account need advice

likehelpful

Accepted to work again as a Property Manager. I return to the property with high vacant, major repairs needed, maintenance staff that can’t work alone always as a team, and week one back I am expected to clean all this up!? It’s a mess! I accepted to come back at a salary about $20,000 more than what I was making before. I was New to the position so I know I was under paid. This position come with no benefits, biweekly pay and no commissions. Is $50,000 enough for the headache vs expectations

like

It’s Tuesday morning and I am hunting for jobs already. Anyone here experience success with LinkedIn Easy Apply or cold applications on career websites? It feels like a waste of time.

likefunny

Anyone @kpmg know best way to get into management consulting?

like

Additional Posts in Women in Advertising

I feel like people don’t take me seriously at my job given that I have a junior title. Half my job consists of chasing after people and no one bothers to answer my emails or follow up. Usually the requests I have come from my boss or for big projects we’d be working on. Thankfully, my boss helps me out & emails the people I need when I tell her no one responds but they’ll answer her in 2 mins or less when she sends it. Though I’m happy she’s helping, it’s such a pain in the ass to wait around.

like

Have two job offers. Agency number 1 is offering more money, but I haven’t gotten that feeling that makes you excited for something new. Agency number 2 pays less, but I’ve clicked with the people and would be excited to take the job.

Advice/thoughts? Thank you!

like

Well ladies.. I went from getting dumped about a month ago for having ‘too much in common’ to literally so many men after me that I can’t juggle them. So wanted to give y’all hope. It can happen.

likeupliftingfunny

What makes a toxic work environment?

like

Anyone know anyone in the industry that's done foster parenting? Looking to connect with other foster dads and moms.

likeuplifting

Wanna get quick reminder on the sexism in this industry? Try having a conversation about Elizabeth Warren in the politics bowl.

likefunnysmart

How do you break up with someone when your entire social life has become their friend group?

like

Would you take a job for less salary if it was a less toxic environment than your current situation?

like

Looking for some advice on how to reach peace with this...I have a heart condition that doesn’t affect my daily life at all but am expected to get heart valve replacement (either surgery or catheter, TBD) prior to wanting to get pregnant years from now. My long-term bf & I have been talking about getting married at some point. His dad & brother are both doctors and he revealed to me that he shared general details about my case with them. This makes me feel extremely uneasy and anxious

like

I’m interviewing for a client-side job and am fairly certain an offer will come. I can’t help but think the roles and responsibilities are way junior for my 15+ years experience, and (cont)

like

Anyone can send a link or teach designing a package? From pdps, dielines, etc. I am an intern graphic designer and would like to learn more about these stuff. Thank you in advance.

Can we start a list of WOC Creative Directors? I was asked to recommend one for a special program my network is hosting and couldn’t name one. Which sucks.

likehelpful

I’m an older female CD/writer. Good at my job. Challenge is, I don’t have an art partner and can’t find one. At our agency, you’re paired up to CD. I don’t know if it’s my age or sex, but I’m hurt.

I’ve never made “a book” and want to apply for art director roles. Where do I look for inspiring examples?

like

Seeking advice. My company was acquired and the new CEO (white, cis gender) is a fragile misogynist. He's an old-school marketer and it's like having your dad in a meeting explaining (continued..)

Anyone have any insights into working at Amazon Music specifically? Looking for cultural insights on the marketing side of the house. Actively interviewing but these reports I’m seeing about Amazon’s work/life culture are slightly alarming….

like

“Returnships” - helpful or offensive?

So what’s the protocol on being harassed by a former employee - one that reported to you but that the company on the whole fired. For harassment, no less. This guy just can’t let it go after YEARS.

Just wanted to say, I posted in here about wanting feedback on my book and also about a mentor I can ask questions to bc I don’t have any female creative leadership at my agency. Con’t...

likeuplifting

I have a few shoots coming up, and I’m not sure what to wear! I’ve only really been on one very small set…. Any tips? Especially for ones that are multiple days?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Send download link to your phone

OR

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Messaging rates may apply

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal