I've resigned from my position as a Creative at Apple after 5 years in the company. This time last year I was preparing to go to California to embark on my second career experience. I didn't think that same year I would fall into a work-related depression that would cause me to seek therapy, take leave for a month, and ultimately resign, but here I am today on the eve of my last day in the position. When I started Apple in 2018 as a Product Zone specialist at Corte Madera, I always envisioned being a Creative Pro and eventually making it to corporate working with photo or music in some capacity. I even made a Keynote and presented it to the team with the aspirations of being a Creative Director one day, hoping with Apple. About 2 years in, I began to doubt whether this would happen. During the earlier part of the pandemic I used my time and internal tools to reach out to different folks and teams hoping to get the attention of someone with my portfolio and website on hand. Dozens of canned responses and "You're not qualified" conversations later - I eventually landed a career experience with the video team with Apple Arcade and App Store team. It was amazing - one of the higher moments of my tenure - but it was temporary and thus I had to consider if then was my time to leave. But then, in 2021, I got a promotion to move to New York as a Creative and I'd hoped the energy of the city and the surplus of opportunity would work in my favor. It did not. Instead, fighting the uphill battle of my skillset being minimized and under-utilized, roles being unfulfilled, and a downsizing in Today At Apple, took its toll on me, worsening after returning from my second career experience. Here at Apple we're tasked with doing our best work. In my role - as good as redundant - the meaning shifts and dealing with ambiguity takes up more energy than doing actual work a lot of times. My fellow Creatives have seen our role get reduced to a skeleton of what we signed up for. It almost feels like a punishment, and transitioning to other roles in store is just as challenging - if not more challenging - than getting into Apple in the first place. I say this to say...There's a lot of work to be done on the retail side to make sure employees feel supported and developed, especially with regards to the Today At Apple team. Many of my peers are suffering in silence unable to do their jobs but we smile and carry on - continuing to shine a light just to stand outside of it. I'm thankful for the leaders/colleagues who've made this experience beautiful. I'm glad to return home to Baltimore with opportunties that align with my mission. I'm also open to freelance opportunities. My website is cousintito.com. Thank you.
Alex McGraw
9mo
Hi mate - I worked in the Product zone and Genius bar in total around 3 years. As much as I wasn’t a creative I fully emphasise your feelings towards suffering in silence and quite significantly how the politics of Apple retail will string you along with hope of a future role tied towards your greater ‘non retail working’ interests when the actual answer is to just leave and pursue your goal freely. When you’re in the uniform, Apple feels like the whole universe and if you don’t get a career experience etc it feels like the end of the world, (which is just an outrageous bubble that needs to be popped.) I really appreciate reading your story because it bares a lot of resemblance to mine.
Joel Fisher
9mo
Welcome back to Bmore!
Taelor Clay
9mo
i support everything you do! you've always been a force and it's their loss. i feel there is a renaissance coming in the workplace. too many of these stories.
Their loss. Another team will be fortunate for you to join them. Take care of yourself. We got your back. Let's go for a walk soon, Jeremy Collins.
Joy Thompson
9mo
I’m glad you’re free. Congratulations on your new life and wishing you all the best with your new found alignment ❤️❤️
Brandy Easter
9mo
Good for you! It’s really sad what has happened to T@A, it’s a shame and such a waste of talent and great experiences for customers. Hope you find your own way to be a creative
Joe Rodger
9mo
Preach man. Empathy abounds. I finally resigned and found other work in 2019 and it was the best decision I ever made after 8 years with Apple. I was a Creative Pro in the end but I was still underutilised and stifled. It was literally killing me. You will go on to bigger and greater things, trust me. I vibed so much with your story. Godspeed 🫡
Matthew Lysser
9mo
I had a very similar experience while working as a Creative in the London Covent Garden store. The role underwent a significant shift shortly after I secured the position, and the actual responsibilities were far from what I had initially applied for. As someone passionate about sharing my creative knowledge and inspiring young creators, this deviation from my expectations was disheartening. I persevered in the role for just over a year before deciding to transition to a position with a creative agency, where I could genuinely leverage my skills in a supportive environment. One notable issue within Apple retail, particularly concerning creatives, is not solely the relentless focus on sales. The Today at Apple sessions themselves are crafted in a standardised, copy-and-paste manner, leaving no room for personal creativity from the facilitator. This limitation diminishes the potential for a more dynamic and engaging experience for both the facilitator and participants. RIP Today @ Apple
Malkah B.
9mo
It’s like that in corporate environments too sadly. They have so many workers being underutilized, suffering through gatekeeping, and ego heavy culture that has gone on in corporations for too long. People need to start giving people who are willing and able, a chance to show and prove their skillsets. It’s a disservice to the multitude of talent that sits under the ones “at the top” that have the abilities to take a company to the next level if only given a chance. This is what pushed me to becoming a business owner. I’m done with getting by for a paycheck. I know my talents are meant to be used for the greater good and if [insert plethora of companies] can’t see that because I don’t know the right person, look the part, or whatever limited view or perspective they want to give, then I’m going to utilize my talents elsewhere where I am limitless. Thank you for sharing, being open and honest about your experience. Remember that you are limitless. This door closed to open up so many better ones for you 🙏🏼💜
Retired Graphic Designer/Trainer/aerial videographer/Film editor
9moHey. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I have recently retired from serving 16 years as a creative at Apple. I have so much empathy with you, especially as you’re more or less still on your work journey. Everything you say and worse is happening in Apple retail. Creatives are really no longer required, as the company has gone very sales-centric. Not what I signed up for. I hope you find a creative role outside the fruit shop. It’s a whole different world outside the bubble!… 😎