Since starting my internship three weeks ago, I have left the office before 6:30pm only twice: on my first day, and on the third of July. Mind you that on the third of July 95% of the office was out of there by 1:30pm. On average though, I would say that I leave around 7:30pm… but I have been known to be there until 10:00pm on several occasions.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining. I’m fully aware of the nature of the industry and none of this comes as a surprise. Plus, I’m an intern, so a lot of my work consists of tasks and duties that more senior employees don’t bother with. But that’s OK with me. I get it – pay your dues, start at the bottom and work your way up, put in time now and reap the benefits later.
However, as I’m beginning to discover, working 12 hours per day is really no life to live. Sure you can do it when you’re young, have few commitments, and live a mostly temporary life. But I can see now that such an existence cannot be sustainable. How can you possibly have a relationship? How can you have hobbies?
I always heard about the rigors of the Advertising industry, and I’m certainly not pretending to be experiencing even half of what may lay ahead. I’m lucky though because I’m doing something that I am very passionately interested in and engaged with. I can’t help but think how miserable an existence it would be to work 40 hours per week, let alone 60, at a job that you care nothing about. Its encouraging also to be surrounded by others who share your passion. Advertising is certainly not a profession for those just seeking a job. No, for them I’m afraid it would be too much.
Perhaps that’s why the industry is so young. But where do all the old advertisers go? I would hope they are all rich, retired, and doing nothing or everything – but exactly what they want to do. But true advertisers, the real successful ones, can’t get enough of it I don’t think. People who find success in this industry seem to be the over-achievers who never want to stop learning and can never seem to be home before dark.
Well, I never want to stop learning… and I love what I’m doing. So, I guess I’ll be the one to tell you where all the old advertisers go – just give me another 25 years.
Until then, full speed ahead.
