PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO
BECAUSE SIGNS OF THE TIMES is celebrating its 120th anniversary this month, we asked our Brain Squad, “Do you like your job better now vs. your ‘good old days,’ whenever they may have been?”
As published in May’s Buzz Session, by a margin of 2 to 1, the squad members who responded generally prefer the present to the “good old days.”
However, in their comments some expressed the wish to choose both options. These sign pros have mixed feelings about their current careers compared to their early days. Many want the knowledge they have now in a younger version of themselves. Others acknowledged the reality of how much time has passed. “I wish I could hit yes and no,” wrote Rick Ream, Media 1 Wrap This (Sanford, FL). “NO: I do miss being in the field and installing signs. YES: I am too old to be in the field installing signs.”
The following dozen Brain Squad members also see the advantages of each era. Some enjoyed hands-on practice from scratch, while others embrace the modern digital age. The use of AI also ranks as a prominent factor in comparing beginnings to present day.
- Yes and no. Older = wiser, but I do miss some things about the old days (no AI). — Raychel O., Burlington, MA
- If I could have selected yes and no, I would have chosen that. There are things that we do miss when it comes to relationships and how projects were handled. But overall, things are better as our industry has evolved into a more legitimate and recognized skilled trade. — Louis D., Colorado Springs, CO
- I kind of love both sides of it. When I first got into signs, it was just pure fun. Vinyl, cutting, messing with printers and figuring things out as I went. There was something really hands-on and satisfying about it that still sticks with me. Now it’s different, but not in a bad way. My role has grown a lot. I’m not back in fabrication anymore. They basically kicked me out, but I’ve found a new kind of excitement in project management. Seeing signage come to life all over the country, coordinating with so many partners, keeping everything moving, it’s a different kind of challenge. And honestly, one of the best parts is the people. Working with so many teams and building those relationships along the way makes the work even more meaningful. It’s not the same as where I started, but I still love it just in a different way. — Torey R., Troy, MI
- Somewhat better: LOVE AI integration but do miss the good old days. — Corey P., Flower Mound, TX
- Both actually. It was more fun making signs from scratch (no computer files) back then. However, with computers, the design process is faster — though not always better. Of course, now customers want quotes and drawings much faster. And since we have to deal with corporations, the stress is higher. — Rocco G., Pennsauken, NJ
- The day is what you make of it. I miss the good old days working with my dad in his heyday… but it’s a transition where he gets to see me in mine. 🙂 — Jeremy V., Salinas, CA
- Yes and no. It was a more relaxed way back when. Now customers think signs are made in 10 mins or less. — Cody M., Houma, LA
- I have mixed feelings. Overall, I miss how much easier it was, or at least I remember it being easier to land motivated clients with decent projects. Now it feels like we are bombarded by new clients that are mostly “window shopping” and have no real budget or understanding of the process. I think more people are starting businesses, and access to social media, AI and other resources has given them a false understanding of the time and money required for commercial signage. — Russell T., Austin, TX
- The good old days had pros and cons. Today has pros and cons. They’re just different. — Kelley C., Vancouver, WA
- Yes, and no. Running my own business now vs. working for one. More rewarding, but also way more stressful. — Gary F., Monticello, IA
- Yes, because I personally have more knowledge and freedom, but no, because it is not as “enjoyable” as it was in the “old days” (I am 64 years old). — Harold P., San Juan, PR
- After 40-plus years, I do like my job a little better than in the past. Mainly because of working with my great employees and customers. But I do miss those laid-back days when I had $500 in my pocket and not the stress. — Ben P., Seaford, DE