Finding Your Place: Thriving as a Mature-Age Creative

Starting a creative career later in life can feel daunting, especially when you're surrounded by younger peers who seem to have years of experience ahead of you. But here's the thing: your maturity isn't a disadvantage – it's actually one of your greatest strengths.

This question was answered by Jasmin Bedir – CEO of Innocean Australia – who brings extensive experience leading creative agencies across multiple markets and understands the unique challenges facing mature-age professionals entering the industry. The conversation was hosted by Andy Wright – Founder of Never Not Creative.

Celebrate Your Courage

Jasmin puts it perfectly: "Congratulations, you have the courage to pick up another career, which I never had the courage to do." Making a career change takes incredible bravery, and you've already taken the hardest step. Many people dream of switching careers but never follow through – you did.

Don't underestimate this achievement. While others might wonder "what am I doing?" or think about that psychology degree or horticulture course they never pursued, you actually made the leap. That's "fucking amazing," as Jasmin says.

Embrace the Unsettled Feelings

Those feelings of being out of your depth? They're completely normal. Jasmin admits she feels "unsettled most of the time, feeling completely out of my depth" – and she's a CEO with years of experience. If industry leaders feel this way, it's natural that someone new to the field would too.

The key is to sit with these feelings rather than fight them. Don't try to pretend you're one of the 20-year-olds – you don't need to be.

Your Maturity is Your Superpower

The creative industry often lacks "adults in the room," and your life experience brings incredibly valuable insights. You understand perspectives that younger colleagues might miss entirely.

Jasmin highlights a crucial point: "We in advertising constantly forget 50%. We forget all the women that are making all the decisions. And then also we forget how much power an older population holds in terms of household spends and insights."

As someone with more life experience, you likely understand these overlooked audiences better than anyone. You might be exactly what agencies need to connect with the demographics they're struggling to reach.

Focus on What You Bring

Instead of dwelling on what you lack, lean into your strengths. Your maturity, life experience, and understanding of different consumer perspectives are genuine assets. Andy shares the story of meeting someone in their 40s or 50s who had just gone to university to become a graphic designer – and it was "awesome to see them there learning with everybody else."

Assume People Want You to Succeed

Andy offers powerful advice: "Try and embrace every opportunity and assume that people want you to succeed." It's easy to assume people want you to fail or that you don't belong, but approaching situations with the belief that others are rooting for you can completely change your experience.

The creative community is becoming increasingly open to diverse people entering the industry, and diversity includes age diversity.

The Industry Needs to Change Too

Both speakers acknowledge that the industry has problems with ageism. Those "horrible 30 under 30 and 40 under 40" lists make everyone feel inadequate if they haven't achieved something spectacular by a certain age.

Jasmin suggests the industry should celebrate "the merits of experience" rather than just youth. Some publications are already shifting – Andy mentions Forbes' "50 over 50" list as an example of this positive change.

How Never Not Circles Can Help

Never Not Circles creates safe spaces for honest conversations about the challenges facing our industry. As a mature-age creative, you might find tremendous value in connecting with others who understand the unique pressures you're facing. These peer support groups can help you navigate feelings of imposter syndrome and connect with others who've made similar career transitions. Learn more about Circles.

Never Not Finishing School Support

Never Not Finishing School bridges the gap between creative education and employment, offering practical guidance on finding work, talking about yourself and your work, and maintaining your wellbeing throughout the process. While designed for recent graduates, the program's focus on navigating first steps in the industry could be particularly valuable for career changers who need support transitioning into their new field. Find out more about Never Not Finishing School.

Remember, your journey into the creative industry might look different from others, but that doesn't make it less valid. Your experience, perspective, and courage to start fresh are exactly what this industry needs more of.