Comments on: When is too Old

By: Gary Barber

Gary Barber — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 05:06:22 +0000

Thanks Justine

I know what its like, I have attended web industry events and felt sometimes like I should have checked my zimmer frame at the door.

I have been where you are, it’s all about self motivation. No one else is going to help you its all up to you. The fact that you’re attending web industry events is a good thing.

Then its just a matter of being ballsy and talking to people, especially the older ones (like me).

By: Justine

Justine — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 04:51:40 +0000

Hey, good article. I recently rocked up to a web function in Perth where the average age was 22. Even I felt old and I’m not even 30 yet [gulp: one year to go].

Actually, I was a bit annoyed that there were no familiar faces. I remember there were swarms of students in my classes at Tafe and Uni. Now I’m battling to name more than 3 fellow classmates who are still in the industry.

Hmm… Perhaps, it depends on the work environment we’re in?

I’ve spent the last 5yrs working for the same company who, I have to say, don’t really endorse creativity or high standards (or care about their staff). This has made me a tad apathetic and burnt out. Which is why I’m ready to change jobs. Maybe I can start mowing lawns?!

Or, maybe it comes down to attitude?

If you believe you can do something (ie. Have a lot of self-confidence / big ego) and put the time and effort into learning and improving your skills, then you might have a chance at staying put in your industry.

Maybe the tricky part is finding the right motivation? (eg. Money vs Job Satisfaction) Geez… It’d be nice to have either one.

By: Adam Schilling

Adam Schilling — Sun, 07 Jan 2007 03:18:37 +0000

I hit 27 this year and I’m only just getting started. I can’t ever imagine myself working outside of a creative environment. I need to be hands-on.

Oh, and I’m looking forward to being the not-so-hip guy at the end of the bar trying to be young forever!

By: Gary Barber

Gary Barber — Sat, 06 Jan 2007 12:47:21 +0000

Being well over 35, I believe that I have only just achieved my really best works to date in resent years.

And yes the traditional professions will tend to treat professionals they consider as equals with the same value systems as themselves. It’s in the professions where this does not occur that there can be a problem, which is tending to be a norm sadly.

By: Andrew Tetlaw

Andrew Tetlaw — Sat, 06 Jan 2007 06:18:16 +0000

I’m over 35 and I think I’m doing my best thinking now, much better than when I was younger.

I work for architects and it’s exactly the opposite there, where it seems the older the architect the more respect they gain.

There is something to be said for experience.

I think people too readily believe what others tell them. Especially their superiors in a company.

If the Internet has taught me anything it’s that everyone has an equal chance to find a rewarding life no matter their age or anything else.