Overcoming Ageism — A Late Bloomer's Journey in the Creative Industry
For over a decade, I wore suits, built PowerPoint decks, and played the corporate game. It paid well and had its moments, but it never felt like home. The real me was the kid in preschool whose clay rocket models drew a crowd. Like so many others, I stayed on the safe track until the creative urge became impossible to silence.
The Leap from Corporate to Creative
Switching careers later in life felt like jumping without a net. Almost no one around me had done it. Friends asked, "Aren't you a bit old to start now?" One close mate gave me the final nudge.
I didn't know anyone in the industry. No mentors, no contacts on set. YouTube tutorials were scarce back then, and film school wasn't an option. So I entered sideways. I pitched low-stakes gigs like product videos for friends' businesses, wedding extras, anything to get behind a camera. I built a portfolio from scratch with hustle, a tripod, and raw clips. No traditional route, just proving I could shoot, edit, and deliver.
When I finally stepped in, ageism was waiting. People assumed I'd be slow with tech, expensive, or out of touch. I turned those assumptions around. My real-world experience became the advantage clients value most.
Ageism Is Real and It's Everywhere in Creative Work
It's not just a feeling. In film and media, older characters and professionals face clear biases. Studies of top-grossing films show female characters over 50 make up only about a quarter of older roles, often portrayed as frail or senile far more than men. Behind the camera, opportunities skew younger too, with buyers and executives favouring creators closer to their own age for perceived relevance to teen and young adult audiences. This creates a cycle where seasoned voices get sidelined, even though diverse age groups bring broader appeal and stronger storytelling.
How I Broke Through: Practical Steps That Work
These moves opened doors for me and many late starters I know:
Turn life experience into your edge. Clients seek depth and authenticity that usually only come with years.
Stay current. Learn one new tool or trend every quarter and share your work. Actions beat words.
Build a network of mid-career shifters. Swap leads, collaborate, and support each other.
Challenge bias politely. Most people don't realise they're doing it until it's pointed out.
Own your strengths. Resilience, perspective, and mentorship skills are assets. Highlight them confidently.
Late Bloomers Who Prove It's Possible
Many icons thrived later:
Alan Rickman landed his first major film role at 42.
Samuel L. Jackson broke through at 43.
Morgan Freeman gained wide recognition in his 50s.
Thelma Schoonmaker continues winning Oscars as an editor in her 80s.
Vera Wang launched her fashion empire at 40.
Their success shows creativity often peaks once life gives you something meaningful to say.
A Call to Creative Teams and Leaders
Age-diverse teams perform better. Younger energy brings speed and fresh ideas. Seasoned minds add strategy, calm, and client trust. Companies mixing generations unlock both. The ones that don't leave potential untapped.
If you're feeling that creative call later in life, trust it. The second chapter can outshine the first. I'm living proof: deeper work, happier clients, no regrets.
Ready for your own shift? Drop me a message.
