Overcoming Ageism — A Late Bloomer's Journey in the Creative Industry

For more than 10 years, my life was a series of suits and ties, PowerPoint slides, and office politics. I still have many great memories, but was it me? Deep down, I knew I had this unshakable urge to be creative. I was actually the kid that others used to gather around as I showed them clay rocket models I'd built early on in pre-school. But like so many of us, I stuck with what was familiar. Until that pull towards creativity became a roar I couldn't ignore anymore.

My Transition from Corporate to Creative

There was a time when switching to a creative career was like jumping into the unknown without a parachute. Guidance was hard to find. But I took the leap. Some friends early on even asked, "What are you doing?" and "Isn't it a bit too late to make a shift?" If it were not for the support of one of my closest friends, I may have never had the courage. When I finally did, I was faced with a wall of prejudice known as ageism. But guess what? I turned that wall into a stepping stone. My age wasn't holding me back, it was pushing me forward, giving me a unique perspective.

Busting Aging Stereotypes

We've got to wake up to the fact that ageism isn't just a myth, it's a dangerous misconception. And it's everywhere. In the office, in healthcare, even in the way we see ourselves. Age is diverse, and what's true for one person might not be for another. Our society often pegs older adults as frail or out-of-date, but I've seen firsthand that this couldn't be further from the truth.

Ageism's Damaging Reach

Think ageism doesn't affect you? Think again. This bias impacts everything from job prospects to medical treatments. The media industry isn't immune either, with a 2021 report showing that characters over 50 are often marginalized. I have seen businesses make diversity and inclusion big points to tackle, but I don't see a lot about people combating age stereotypes. As a filmmaker, sadly, wisdom and expertise can often be ignored, and I know other creatives also feel the heat.

Breaking Free from Ageism's Grip

Want to combat ageism in media? What can we all do as creatives? Here's how I've been doing it, and you can too:

Educate: Learn about aging and break those myths. Share what you know.

Push for Diversity: Fight for more age representation in meaningful roles.

Connect: Network with others who began their creative journey later in life.

Stay Fresh: Keep up with trends and tech. Be nimble, be adaptable.

Trust Yourself: Your age isn't a liability, it's your superpower.

Extra Wisdom for the Road

Tap into Life Experience: Your years can be your strength, enriching your work with wisdom and perspective.

Find or Be a Mentor: Learning and teaching can be both rewarding and stereotype-smashing.

Take Care of You: Stay healthy and vibrant to break those false images of aging.

Speak Up: Your voice can change the narrative. Also, don't be afraid to step into your shoes and become a thought leader.

It's Time to Redefine Age

Age isn't a luxury, it's a treasure trove of experience and knowledge. If you're feeling that creative pull but you've played it safe until now, heed my words: It's never too late to follow your passion. I'm here, living and breathing proof that it's not just possible, it's the journey of a lifetime. Make the leap. Embrace your creative spark. Show the world that age is nothing but a number. It's time.

Businesses, It's Time to Step Up on Ageism

Business leaders, are you listening? Ageism isn't just a buzzword. It's a barrier we've got to tear down, and it starts with you.

Mix It Up: Creativity isn't about age, it's about ideas. Get the young guns working with the seasoned pros. Trust me, the collaboration is gold.

Never Stop Learning: Training isn't for the young alone. It's the river of progress that everyone can navigate. Everyone. It’s not charity. It’s strategy.

Bust Those Myths: Age stereotypes? Kick 'em to the curb. Make your stand clear and lead by example.

Recognize Real Talent: Applaud success, no matter the age. Talent is talent, period.

Inclusive Media: If you're in media, show some love for all ages. It's time to tell the real story.

Smart Hiring: Age on a resume? A number, not a narrative. Focus on what matters. The fire, the skill, the passion. That's your team, not a birthdate.

The change is not a favour. It's a future. Your business doesn’t just have to adapt. It has to lead. Embrace age diversity not as a slogan but as a creed. Break the mould, and let the creativity flow like a river, unhindered by the dam of age.

And here's a truth, unvarnished and real. This is a message for all of us. You may be reading this in your 20s, invigorated by youth and promise. But years from now, you may be fighting the same fight, standing on the same side of the barrier, looking back, wishing for a world that saw age not as a boundary but as a bridge.

It's not just a word. It's a revolution. It's time.