Our Two Cents and 6 Money Moves for a Midlife Career Change

Welcome to Work & Wallet—a newsletter where finance meets career advice.

Our Two Cents with Carron Pedonti, Vice President and Group Director of Integrated Production at Fidelity

Read what Carron Pedonti had to share about why she chose a career in production, some of the biggest challenges in the field, and where she finds creative inspiration.

What drew you to a career in production?  

I've always been fascinated by advertising and filmmaking. As a kid, I used to watch commercials and movies and wondered how they were made. This led me to major in film in college, where I learned all about how to produce these kinds of advertisements myself. At Fidelity, I lead our in-house production team for social media. The team consists of talented producers, editors, colorists, audio engineers, cinematographers, and animators. Whether it’s a fast-turn in-office video on a trending topic or a large-scale shoot for a creative campaign, my team handles the execution of it all. 

What’s the best part about producing for Fidelity’s social media?

When you have small budgets, nimble crews, and fast deadlines, as you do in social, you have to get creative, and that’s where the magic happens. I love working on social media at Fidelity because every day is different. We’re in constant motion. I’ll be line producing a job but also be the grip, moving equipment, and assisting with prop styling. It’s a lot of work, but I take such pride in seeing the work across all our handles every single day.

What’s your favorite piece of Fidelity content you’ve produced to date?

We were recently tasked with making one of Fidelity’s senior thought leaders relevant on TikTok. We created a series called Invested, Not Stirred, in which he breaks down complex financial topics while concocting craft mocktails. (Hey, you gotta keep a clear head to invest!) It’s a fun series that our followers are responding well to, which is always rewarding to see.

Where do you find inspiration?

I’m a huge film buff. I watch TV and movies way too much. I drive my partner crazy because I’m more focused on how the thing was made than the actual storyline itself. I nerd out over every shot. I analyzed what editing styles were used. How they did the visual effects. I’m a student of everything I watch. And I like to bring a lot of these ideas and techniques to my team and into my own work. 

What skills do you think make a great producer?  

Being a great negotiator is key. Sometimes you have the luxury of working with bigger budgets; sometimes you have to work with smaller ones. Regardless, your job is to bring a creative vision to life to the best of your ability. “No” or “it’s not possible” are not phrases that creatives like to hear all that much, so you have to work with what you have, come up with out-of-the-box solutions, and lean on relationships to make it happen. 

What’s the craziest production challenge you’ve ever had to manage?

I once shot a spot with 30 cows on Wall Street. Talk about a logistical nightmare.

What's the best career or personal advice you've received? 

A creative director once told me to never settle for mediocrity. Push the work as much as you can. This advice really stuck with me throughout my career, and it’s advice I give to my team daily.

What’s your “I made it” moment?  

Getting nominated for an Emmy award for a TV campaign I worked on was a significant milestone.

What advice would you give someone looking to go into production?  

Don’t market yourself with just one skill; have many. The production landscape has changed significantly. Start questioning the traditional way of doing things, and don’t be afraid to reinvent yourself. That’s where I’ve found the most growth—and fulfillment—in my career. Oh, and go watch some TV. You might learn something 😊. 

What field are you interested in learning about next? Let us know in the comments!

6 Money Moves for a Midlife Career Change

Feeling motivated to make a big career change in your 40s or 50s? It’s not too late. We’re here to give you money moves that could help you make that pivot to something that brings you greater satisfaction:

1. Take control of your finances. Understand everything from your income, expenses, savings, investments, and debt levels. Plus, now might be the time to bulk up your emergency fund.

2. Know the financial impact. Things like potential income adjustments and shifts in employer-provided benefits may change your financial situation.

3. Build smart money habits. Having savings is an important part of a career change, especially if your income is going to decrease in your new role at first. Think about where you can make cutbacks and boost your savings to prepare.

4. Hedge your bets to reduce risk. Consider ways to make the transition easier, such as testing out your new career part time if possible or using your current skills in a new industry you’re more interested in.

5. Maximize your current employer’s offerings. Can your employer subsidize your transition? They might offer tuition reimbursement or other continuing-education funding. Or you might be able to make an internal move to a department more aligned with your long-term career goals.  

6. Reach out for help. A career coach or financial professional can give you valuable insights on the economics of a professional transition or even just offer you some peace of mind.

Read more about making a midlife career change here.

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