Joanne, 63
Curious, loyal, determined
“ The biggest person who was “ageist” was me! In my early 50’s, I convinced myself I was too old for the corporate world – was I still relevant? I now realize that was ridiculous, and age means experience, wisdom, and strength.
I think age is irrelevant…how do you feel, what you think, what you can contribute. That’s important.“
✨ Twinsight: Joanne talks candidly about her lost years. Amidst the challenges of turning 50 – marked by the loss of a parent, a broken marriage, and job loss – she transformed her "lost decade" into a period of resilience and self-discovery. Rediscovering who she was through education, writing, and sport, Joanne emerged stronger and wiser. And we think that her choice of becoming a career coach reflects her commitment to personal growth and showcases an impressive ability to turn adversity into an opportunity for positive change.
How old are you and how are you feeling about that?
A: 63 years old. How do I feel? Well, my mother always said that in a decade, I would kill to be this young! There is truth in that statement, so I enjoy my time now. I am finding my 60’s to be easier than my 50’s…I have a better perspective on what’s important. I have more confidence.
Three words that describe you.
A: Curious, Loyal, Determined
What’s the one life lesson that you wish you had figured out earlier?
A: Oh, I have more than one! One epiphany is that I confused action with progress…they are not the same thing. I move quickly and felt that if I wasn’t checking off items on some list, I wasn’t making progress. But this thinking sometimes led to choices that were not right for me (and I am thinking of my first relationship after my divorce). Now I allow myself to pause and reflect – how does this choice add to my life.
Proudest accomplishment?
A: The year I turned 50 was rough – my mom passed away (the night before my birthday believe it or not), my marriage broke up, and I was downsized from a job I loved. There were some bumpy years and I call my 50’s the lost decade. (Perhaps everyone has one.) But slowly, I gained wisdom, and love what I’m doing now. Going back to school to become a career coach, starting to write, and playing tennis helped me rediscover myself. I am proud that I value myself more and am resilient.
What’s the worst part about aging and what’s the best?
A: Worst part – getting harder to see at night! Best part – having long-time friends who still make you laugh!
Joanne emphasizes learning and staying curious. She returned to school, earning her coaching certificate and is writing a book. She continues to engage with her community through fitness, her clients and friends.
Have you experienced ageism?
A: Yes, but the biggest person who was “ageist” was me! In my early 50’s, I convinced myself I was too old for the corporate world – was I still relevant? I now realize that was ridiculous, and age means experience, wisdom, and strength. I think age is irrelevant…how do you feel, what do you think, what can you contribute. That’s important, not a number.
What’s your message to the world?
A: Appreciate yourself, others, and never lose your sense of humour!
What’s next for you? What does your future self look like?
A: Building my career coaching business during the day, doing a 2nd draft (and probably a third, fourth) of my novel at night, and working on tennis. (There is something great about doing a sport with a bunch of middle-aged plus people and re-discovering the joy of a game.) I hope my future self continues to be intellectually, socially, and physically active.
What sparks your joy these days?
A: New things to learn and the realization I am still growing!
Do you feel visible?
A: I do. I think the older I get, I become less self-conscious, and focus more on the other person. When you really listen to someone, they feel more visible and vice-versa.
Are there things you are doing now that you couldn’t do before?
A: It’s not so much a matter of things I couldn’t do, and more that I didn’t realize what I was not doing. I didn’t listen enough, I didn’t fully know my own worth, I didn’t enjoy the present enough.
What were your greatest hurdles, challenges or regrets along the way? Any advice on how to overcome these?
A: I worried too much about “what if” scenarios. I think women often do as we are conditioned to protect others and make sure nothing bad happens. But it’s exhausting to think about what if this happens, and oh what about that.
Before I started career coaching, I went to a coach myself so I could be intentional about my next phase of life, know myself better, and be happier. One very helpful thing I learned is to step back from a situation, assess what is making you anxious, what makes you happy, reframe an issue, know you are learning every day. Worry takes up so much energy – refocus that energy. I am still trying to do this but bit by bit, it’s becoming a habit.
Learn more about Joanne on LinkedIn. Her coaching business can be found here.