Chief
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Chief
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Don’t be terrified. It sounds like you’re aware of the issue and the challenges people can create for themselves. You have the answers. Focus on your craft, stay curious about today’s culture, and don’t vilify younger generations.
It sounds like you're being ageist yourself, to be honest, with your post. I'm in my mid-50's and I've never said anything like that, nor have I heard it from colleagues my age or older. I also haven't had any trouble finding work. I changed jobs three years ago and moved up the ladder, so my age hasn't hurt me at all.
OPDD That is unfortunate. I’m 50 and on a freelance UX/UI project. It’s been 4 years since I designed, and Sketch was the standard. I learned Figma inside a couple weeks and it’s amazing. Saves SO much time over Sketch/Invision. My new favorite tool.
Also agree with C1. Never actually thought I’d have this much trouble after 45.
Ageism looks really different at different seniority levels. In my experience it hits hardest in creative depts, too. The ones who navigate it best strike a balance between acting their age (aka not awkwardly trying to act 28 at 45), and not expecting deference or a pass on anything new/emerging because of it.
The most obvious example of doing this wrong is Slack. The number of talented 40ish people I’ve seen just throw up their hands and say “this is stupid, we need to use email instead” is higher than you’d expect. They don’t get that this looks like generations before them complaining about email.
(Oh, and I’m 40 - I’m writing this about my own cohort here)
If you’re only 40 and complaining about Slack being complicated or more hassle than email, age is not the problem I can assure you.
Then don’t become like them. I can guarantee you that most of the 40 and 50 something creatives I know are amazing conceptually, great at their craft and quick as hell because they have experience and they don’t lose time on politics or nonsense.
Are you in New York? I feel like ageism hits the hardest here. If you can, I recommend cultivating some freelance clients outside your agency, as they care way less about how cool and young you look. For all their DEI talk, ad agencies are public enemy number one for purveying (literally) criminal ageism.
Absolutely.
Some people age out because they get culturally old. Some people age out because they get lazy. Some people get aged out by assholes. If you’re a person who can get great work done, you should be ok.
Chief
Could be your age. Could also be the worst economic situation this industry has faced in decades.
Could be you and not us. I’m 62 and in best place ever so you just don’t know and it’s all in your attitude, your destiny is not their fault. I will say turning 50 was harder than tuning 60. Each birthday came after a layoff too.So ironic! Just deal with the inevitable.
also an ep about to turn 60. ageism is in every business. sr. mgt. thinks younger, cheaper talent can do more work. most ep’s i know can do the work of 3 producers at least. age=wisdom and experience. although i will admit, i think ageism is less of an issue in production. nobody wants a 20-something producer in charge of a multimillion dollar production. they want people with battle scars.
Ageism is real and palpable. But I’m 56 and hanging on. I try not to do those things you say we all do. That helps. Luck and timing is part of it too.
I gotcha. All good
I’m 42 now and I worry less about this than I used to. I see far more diversity of age in our agency now than I saw earlier in my career. It still concerns me but not as much as it used to.
Start your own thing. The work can speak for itself more organically that way.
Chief
I want to start a design studio but I think I need a little bit more reputation
Nitwits. You mind posting this on the Over 40 Bowl? I want to pin it for the next decade.
Ageism is a real thing in this business—and in the world. So is AGING! It’s a waste of energy to fight either of those inevitabilities. You will age. And your abilities will change. Some people will hang in—or hang around—longer. But the healthier approach is to adapt, not fight. Being vital as you age is a different thing from being in denial. Change, evolve, adapt.
Pro
In 3 years.
You will turn exactly into one of those people
It's all in the mindset. I don't feel old and I'm now 42. Also, it helps to keep up with technology trends and the business you are in. It will greatly help you in the future.
Thank you for saying as much. “Ageism” is a buzzword I see thrown around more and more, never with any acknowledgment or consideration to the fact that it operates on a two-way street. Not only does it very much exist “in reverse,” but is actively and steadily corrosive. I think anyone would be hard pressed to find a single young professional who has not been seriously affected in the first 5 years of their career.
Think about that, and shift the experience back on to your 20-year-old self. One has a 40+ year successful career to their name, and is now having to navigate this undue and unfair struggle. The other is also, and they are at Day 1.
In an imaginary world, this obvious working condition would be just that -obvious- and perhaps we could all help each other out. Unfortunately, and I do hate to say it, the older generation appears unwilling to participate in the real conversation, let alone grow some shame and accountability and acknowledge their fault.
For a generation that seemingly loves to decry the “victim mentality,” the ageism narrative is a real kicker. Said what I said.
I’m 48 and I’m actually the youngest in my department (creative director and other graphic designer are both over 60, videographer is late 50’s)… that being said, I am in-house for a financial firm, so my experience is likely different.
Are you hiring?