Old Dog, New Trick
- Faiz Faisal
- Aug 4
- 2 min read
There’s a saying we all know:
“You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”
But in today’s world, especially in industries like tech, marketing, and digital media, you have no choice but to learn. Otherwise, you risk becoming obsolete.
As someone who's stepping into my mid-30s, I’m feeling this shift more and more.
And trust me, it’s real.
The Fast Lane of Change
When I started working, things were different. Social media was simpler. Algorithms weren’t that complicated. Brands didn’t need to dance to sell products. But today? It’s a whole new game.
Working in social marketing means being constantly in pursuit of what’s next.
New trends, new platforms, new tools, new lingo.
If you’re just following trends, you're already late because trends die just as quickly as they rise.
To stay relevant, I have to think ahead of the curve, challenge what I already know, and be open to reinventing myself over and over again. And honestly? It’s exhausting.
But also oddly thrilling.
Learning and Unlearning
Being in your 30s and 40s means you’ve already built a certain foundation.
You know your strengths, you’ve learned from your mistakes, and you’ve figured out a rhythm that works.
But that rhythm gets tested when the world around you changes overnight.
And that’s where the uncomfortable part comes in:
You have to unlearn old habits and relearn new ones.
Sometimes, it feels like starting over.
But that’s the point, growth is uncomfortable.
So Can You Teach an Old Dog a New Trick?
Yes.
But only if that dog wants to learn.
Age doesn’t stop you from learning, ego does.
We all know someone who’s stuck in their ways, refusing to adapt. And we also know someone older who’s constantly evolving, learning TikTok dances, trying out AI tools, or pivoting careers entirely. That’s proof that it’s not about being old. It’s about being open.
Or Do You Teach a New Dog an Old Trick?
Interesting thought, right?
Maybe it goes both ways.
While we, the so-called “old dogs,” learn to keep up with the new tricks, there’s also something valuable in teaching the younger generation some old-school wisdom. Things like:
Building genuine relationships (not just followers)
Understanding the why behind a trend, not just the how
Staying consistent, even when you’re not going viral
In a way, we all have something to teach and something to learn. It’s a two-way street.
So, to my fellow 30-somethings (and beyond) navigating your careers in this ever-evolving digital world:
Yes, we can learn new tricks.
Yes, it’s hard.
But it’s not impossible.
As long as we’re willing to stay curious, put in the work, and be okay with not having all the answers, we’ll keep growing no matter how old we get.
Because in the end, growth has no expiry date.
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