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I generally disagree with this sentiment. There is an ageism issue in this industry, but I know many creatives working well into their 40s and 50s (rarely do I see the same for professional athletes). I’ve known a handful who are older than that, but it’s true they are rarer, and tend to work primarily in print-related industries. I think it’s important to emphasize financial literacy and prioritize saving and planning for retirement…because it will likely come sooner for creatives than other professionals. Then again, who knows what the world is going to look like in 20-25 years. AI is likely going to change society and the workforce in dramatic ways…and I don’t think it will be isolated to creatives. What profession will be safe at that point?
I’m 30 years in, have had the awards, worked with many Fortune 500s, and have the knowledge, skills, and leadership experience to add value to most organizations who would hire me, but it is difficult to find one that will. It seems that the only options for 50+ year old creatives are to teach or go the freelance route, but the only way to make good money is to start your own agency, and then you’re back to 60-hour weeks and a mountain of stress.
I agree with salaries in the creative industry being an issue. Unless you own your own agency or work for one of the leading agencies, it’s difficult to break the $175K barrier, and salaries are not keeping up with living costs. I have two teenage sons, and I’m glad they’re not following in their father’s footsteps. I love what I do, but if I could do things over, knowing what I know now, I definitely would have done things differently.
Really when the salary for someone 15 years in is 150k (with a good book and awards) to work 60h week minimum it better be a plumber.
What would you say to me? I gave up my career to go to portfolio school and am now a junior at 35 and I think this job is fun (work life balance is ok, could be better). Being able to make over 100k is something i’ve never envisioned for myself my entire life until doing this.
Overall, I think the creative industry is great, and it allows you to make a living at something you’re passionate about. It’s just an industry that seems to have a shorter lifespan than some others, although I think ageism is an issue in a lot of industries because hiring a younger person with a lot of talent but less experience will usually cost less than hiring an older person with decades of experience.
I made a decent living for a good amount of years, but there are many other career choices I could have made that I would have been much better off after 30 years in that career. Like most things in life, it often depends on individual experiences and everyone has different circumstances. Is great that you’re enjoying your career and are happy with making a change in direction. Wish you much success!
I’ve been working for 20+ years. I don’t know if it’s as dramatic as you make it out to be. Surely there’s an end to most careers well before retirement age but I don’t think that it’s futile or a worthless endeavour.
I mostly work with old creatives in their 50s so just go in house. You'll make more money too.
Going back to school and into debt isnt ideal