Is marketing really a sustainable long-term career as you get older? I rarely see many people over 40 in agencies. Does the field skew younger, and is that a problem for those who want a lifelong career in marketing?

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

I’m 51 and I still work. It’s tough though. Need a young outlook. And not be afraid of Ai, or whatever is next.

like

Same here! 45 and still going!

When I was at an agency, we would say there are no old people because they’re retired at 50.

But I moved to an in house position and I think it’s easier here to stay in a role longer. But you do have to stay fresh and relevant

That is what I figured!! Thanks for the response :)

It’s a sustainable career, however,expectations change as you grow in the field. You may see a 50 year be a social media manager but they could be a social media strategist/ director and still do a great job.

That’s a good point. What I’ve seen comes down more to different goals and expectations. Definitely seen older folks around, but they usually retire soon or pursue something else. Not sure if they get burned out, want less stress, or what the reason behind that is, though.

I tend to see people move to in house roles as they get older for the slower pace. I made the switch three years ago for the same reason and I couldn't be happier. Marketing is absolutely sustainable as a lifelong career, but your goals may change as you get older and it's important that you keep up to date with the field.

Yeah, I agree that agency skews younger because it is more hectic and you learn a lot, and then in-house is for people who want less stress, which usually skews older.

Agencies absolutely skew younger - burnout and lifestyle mismatch push many out by mid-30s. The over-40 crowd typically moves in-house, goes freelance, or shifts to consulting where experience is valued over stamina.
It's sustainable if you plan the transition intentionally. Staying agency-side long-term usually means leadership or specialization roles. Have you seen this play out on your team? Where do the senior people actually go?

Related Posts

Hi team,

I left wipro and joined new company a month before. In new company's form 11 ita asking whether you have been part of epf and eps in last organization?
Epf i am sure i need to give yes. But what do i need to give for Eps? I am aware that wipro contributed 8.33% of pf to eps. Can i transfer that too?

like

Does anyone have any leads for government contracting roles that involve international travel. I also have a security clearance

like

Currently an EM at McKinsey, joined as a lateral hire after 6yrs in consulting (strategy boutique) and a short stint at a lesser known PE firm. What prospects would I have pivoting back to PE?

like

Looking for remote entry level business analyst positions! If you or anyone you know is hiring, please let me know.

How's TMA looking these days? Best accounts? Worst?

like

Dear Macchi bhaiyo / behno

Is it worthy to join Acquity ?? In IB ?? I am a fresher and have got an offer from there to join investment banking dept.

Plz suggest

Shukria / Thanks

like

Anyone looking for case partners for casing practice .Just to let you know I know basics of casing and their types but not much experience .Would like to partner with similar or experienced folks

like

Anyone looking for a sales role? Fully remote at a media and research company. Base+ Commission.

like

Any openings for .net MVC 9 years experience pune location

Thanks in advance

like

Anyone looking for Devops opportunity in Wipro Bangalore ..please DM me for refferal..

like

🍂November JOB THREAD!

Do you know of an opening or opportunity?

Share it in the comments below! Help another Fish. 🤝

like

Are there even any FDD type jobs in Pittsburgh? Been hard pressed trying to find.

Hi Folks,

Got this rating with promotion to Senior - 1 at EY GDS India location

How much hike and bonus I can expect?

How QRMTE rating is given?

New to EY GDS request you to help me with your insights☺

Post Photo
like

Hello fishes, what's the salary range for grade 6 in Cisco?

Thanks in advance

like

Moving to Boston from NYC and work in Cambridge. I’ve been recommended Back Bay, South End, and Seaport. Where do you recommend? Where is best for dating life?

like

What are your tricks for getting started at the beginning of the work day once you’re on site? I have the hardest time getting my brain engaged to begin working, often wasting huge chunks of time.

like

I am three months into my teaching career and dislike it so much...I'm not sure if this is normal but honestly I am questioning why I thought this was a good career path for me??

like

Asking for a friend: wealth management - currently manager for ops VP (10 yoe) making 80. Move to risk manager (no direct reports) with VP title for 92 with same company. Is salary for no risk experience comparable?

like

Just curious. Why are the ME offices always hiring? Is it because people are leaving all the time versus other regions? Or just that the business grows crazily all the time?

like

What’s the symbol that you can type in a cell so you can input a text, but that text would not appear in the spreadsheet? I want to describe the formula without using a text box, which uses more space.

The equivalent of this is in SQL, you can use the apostrophe in the beginning of and end of a text. That text will not affect the function of the query, but that text can be seen if you proofread the query.

like

Additional Posts in Salaries in Advertising & Marketing

These numbers are really irrelevant unless you know the agency. It would take a lot less dough to get me into w+k than say, a Translation or similar.

like

I live in NY and make $40k a year as a Copywriter, I have 2.6 years of experience. Pls rip on me and tell me I’m being underpaid, thx fam

like

Account Director / Senior (Sr.) Account Supervisor salaries for health PR, in NYC? …
Seeing many different numbers so looking for some guidance.

like

35 / F / SF / 115k+

like

This time last year, I was making 70k without bonus potential. Tomorrow, I am putting in my notice and I will be making 110k with potential bonuses. Remember to take care of you.

likeuplifting

An agency I freelance for wants to hire me full-time. They told me for a Sr Copywriter, 100-110k. I countered with 125-150.

I also said I'm interested in a higher-level title - I currently freelance as a Creative Director of Copy elsewhere (they don't have that title at this agency.)

They came back and said yes to the title and to 125, with a 6 month review that could raise it to 145.

Which is good for Sr Copy, but low for CD/ACD level. Don't want to screw myself over. What to say now?

like

Copywriter, 30/M/NYC/5 year’s exp. Currently at 90k. In-house at major global brand. Hoping to ask for raise/promo soon. What’s a realistic number?

What are salaries like for creatives working at advertising agencies in Tokyo? I know in general that the salary bands are lower than major cities in the USA but curious if anyone has any personal experience. This would be for an American agency with an office in Tokyo.

like

What should be my asking salary for a brand planner job at midwest independent agency? Made 58k at previous NYC IPG agency.

like

Does anyone think it’s out of the question to ask for a 20% pay increase without a promotion? My duties on our team are closer to Director-level and no other Senior PM is managing half of what I am, so I feel like I should be compensated fairly.

Someone bring me back down to earth if I’m asking too much

like

Any ideas on a yearly salary for a senior editor role at an agency in Atlanta? 10 years experience.
I’m thinking over 95k is fair for the market but want to know if I’m over/undershooting.

like

What’s the average $$ a mid level designer at an agency in NYC? I’m at 70k with 3.5 years experience. Is that to low or just right?

like

People need to stop asking if they’re underpaid based on superficial stats. How do I know whether or not you’re good?

like

M/35/Chicago/130k

I feel I’m fairly compensated, but sometimes I feel like everyone else is making more

Ah the great Ad Agency Bubble, your agency is doing great, growing exponentially then boom, clients are lost, there are layoffs and there are no raises/promotions for a year. What do you do jump ship?

like

any ideas on freelance rate for vp/svp strategy director in nyc?

like

Soon to be making 85k in LA, looking to move to a new apartment. What would you think is reasonable to spend on a 1 bedroom (not studio)?

like

Does anyone know the salary range in Chicago for an ACD? 8 years experience. Thanks!

like

What would be an Associate Director salary in Sydney or Melbourne for South Asian Female someone with 10yrs core experience?

like

I know it could differ depending on the company, but is It feasible to make 100k-200k as a client-side creative in NYC/be successful w. only client experience?

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

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

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