This week, like many in the UK, I have been feeling unwell. One of the side effects has been a deep sense of hopelessness and depression. Although the cause is primarily physical, my mind needed a distraction. This led me to think about my age (turning 55 in April) and why I haven’t achieved more success in my career.
If you have reached a certain age, you may have experienced similar feelings. When we start our careers, we often imagine a path to fame and success by a certain age. However, reality is often different. In today’s world, it can feel like we are regressing as demands increase, living standards decrease, AI impacts job opportunities, and younger individuals enter the workforce.
While these thoughts are common, there are positive strategies to overcome them. To gain advice from fellow creatives, we initiated a discussion on Creative Boom’s new social platform, The Studio. The best tips from this discussion are shared in the article below.
To read the full discussion, sign up for The Studio for free!
1. Embrace Your Age and Experience
Feeling down about getting older? Reframe the issue – aging is not a problem, it’s a benefit. With age comes knowledge, experience, and a deep understanding of our craft. Celebrate the wisdom you have gained over the years.
As we age, we become more selective in our work and relationships, leading to greater professional and creative fulfillment. Embrace your working rhythms and conditions that help you thrive.
2. Take Risks
Feeling stuck in midlife? Recognize that this is a choice, not a fate. Use the urgency of time as motivation to take risks and explore new ways of working. Embrace change and new challenges to keep your work fresh and engaging.
3. Consider a Change
If you feel stagnant in your current career path, consider pivoting to a new direction. Many find midlife to be the perfect time to refocus their careers and pursue new opportunities.
4. Prioritize Your Wellbeing
As we age, we realize the importance of prioritizing our health and wellbeing. Taking care of yourself, getting enough sleep, and maintaining a balanced diet are crucial for maintaining creativity and effectiveness in your work.
Exercise to the extent that your body permits.
Ben Mottershead, the founder of Never Dull Studio, shares his perspective on inspiration and creativity. He emphasizes the importance of taking breaks and engaging in new experiences for inspiration rather than constantly working. He also mentions the exciting challenge of expecting his first child and setting up an art studio at home.
Denise highlights the importance of resting enough to produce the best work, rather than overworking.
Leanne Mallinshaw and W.S. Cranmore emphasize the value of building connections with other creatives to stay inspired and supported.
Reuben Turner advises focusing on deeper aspects of creativity rather than fleeting trends, based on years of industry experience and instincts.
Liam Jackson discusses how years of experience have sharpened his design skills and instincts, leading to a more strategic and intentional approach to design.
The text encourages gaining perspective on aging and viewing midlife as a new chapter in a creative journey. It also emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, staying true to oneself, and looking forward to new opportunities. Wenn es nicht wäre, wäre es an der Zeit, über eine Änderung nachzudenken, aber selbst dann glaube ich nicht, dass ich es könnte.
Und ist das nicht letztendlich, warum wir überhaupt kreative Berufe gewählt haben?