Let’s be honest — working in the creative industry can sometimes feel like riding a rollercoaster in the dark. One moment you’re flying high on a brilliant idea, the next you’re neck-deep in revisions, tight deadlines, or another client crisis. It’s easy to forget what made you want to do this work in the first place.

But even with all the chaos, many creatives stick around. Why? What makes it worth it?

We put that question to three people who’ve seen both the highs and lows of creative life. Rebecca Jones-Bateman (our host, Brand Manager at Bayer, and Head of Community and Growth at Never Not Creative), Shane Geffen (Executive Creative Director at HERO/McCann Melbourne, with more than two decades leading global brands), and Ben Searle (Organisational Psychologist and longtime researcher into workplace wellbeing and burnout, currently writing a book on the subject).

Whether you’re rethinking your path or just need a little reminder of why this work matters, their answers offer thoughtful insight — and a few much-needed sparks of inspiration.

The opportunities that creativity unlocks

For Shane, one of the biggest joys of working in this field is the freedom and opportunity it creates.
"If I wasn't in this industry I wouldn't be speaking to you guys right now," he says. "Working in this field allowed me to come over to Australia, allowed me to get a sponsorship... to work at an agency here."

It’s not just about career growth — it’s about seeing the world.
"I have friends and colleagues that are constantly now... people constantly going to New York, London, Amsterdam, New Zealand. People are just traveling and experiencing the world and this industry that we're in allows for that, which is just incredible that you can do that by using your creativity."

For a lot of us, that’s the dream — being paid to make things and see the world while you do it.

Seeing your creative work in the real world

There’s something undeniably thrilling about seeing something you made out in the wild.
"You’re putting it out there and it's seen by millions on TV, on out of home or online, on TikTok, on social media," Shane shares.

And no, the novelty doesn’t wear off:
"Everyone at work, we love it when we see a billboard. If someone's at the MCG and they see a film that we've created on the big screen, people take photos and then share it with everyone. Even if you've done it, you still every time you see it you get a kick – it's dopamine."

That little dopamine hit? It’s real. And sometimes, it’s enough to keep you going through the not-so-glamorous bits.

The incredible people you meet

One of the unsung perks of a creative career is the people you cross paths with.
Shane puts it simply: "People from so many different facets, whether it's in your own company and agency and all the different disciplines, but then also from the client side... CMOs and these leaders in these organizations and entrepreneurs and just amazing minds."

It’s not just the thinkers — it’s the makers too:
"When you've sold something in and you're creating it, you're working with all these production companies... producers and directors... these visionary makers and thinkers and doers."

If you’ve ever left a meeting or shoot buzzing from the energy in the room, you know exactly what he means.

Helping others succeed and grow

This one hits close to home for anyone who’s had the chance to mentor or support younger creatives. For Shane, it’s one of the best parts of the job.
"I really love working with creatives who have never won awards before and helping them to win them and get them on that path."

And when those moments happen, they’re not just career highlights — they’re personal ones too:
"This year we had a whole bunch of creatives that had won a Cannes Lion for the first time and it's just so awesome."

The bonds don’t end when someone moves on:
"It's like your kids in a way, like this family that you're a part of. And even if they leave the company and they go somewhere else, you know that you were a part of that person's life or you were there when they did something amazing."

It’s legacy, in the best kind of way.

Rediscovering your passion when it feels lost

Of course, no one’s immune to burnout or creative fatigue. When the spark feels distant, Ben offers gentle, practical ways to reconnect.

First, take stock of how far you’ve come:
"It's always worth reflecting on how your skills have developed. It's not something you notice happen... it takes a bit of reflection to be able to appreciate that."

And then, make that reflection part of your routine:
"Gratitude diaries and things, reflecting on a daily basis about... is there something today that made me feel good? Did someone benefit from something that I did? Did someone send me an email thanking me for something?"

It doesn’t need to be profound — just intentional.
"We need to do consciously, need to make an explicit part of our routine because it doesn't necessarily just pop into your head that... I've achieved these milestones or I'm developing my skills really well."

It’s not always about chasing something new. Sometimes it’s about remembering what’s already there.

The most satisfying parts of a creative career aren’t always loud or headline-worthy. Sometimes it’s seeing your work in the real world. Sometimes it’s helping someone else level up. Sometimes it’s taking a breath and realising just how far you’ve come.

When things feel heavy (and let’s face it, they often do), it helps to remember: the good stuff is still there. The excitement. The connections. The moments that remind you why you started. You might just need to slow down long enough to notice them.

As Ben reminds us, the joy doesn't always shout. But it’s there, waiting to be found — and worth seeking out.

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