Taeko, 60
Happy, positive, enthusiastic
“ At 60 I pivoted careers from producer to real estate agent. I joined a Winter Lake Plunge Group.
Some people asked if I was retiring .. oh hell no. I'm just getting started!”
✨ Twinsight: Taeko has demonstrated a resiliency that is admirable. She has made several career changes amidst personal challenges. Change is where we find our strength. It’s too easy to stay within our comfort zones but it’s been shown that real growth happens when we step beyond those boundaries. So, in order to create a new narrative for yourself, you must believe in your resilience and welcome change. We think it’s all about personal evolution, and it IS within your grasp. So, take a deep breath and write your story, just like Taeko; hers is a tale of hope, determination, and the power of self-discovery.
I've always been a late bloomer so I'm not surprised that at 60, I've finally come into my own.
In my 40s, I pivoted careers from HR in the insurance business to a print producer at a commerical photography studio and also got my drivers' license.
When I turned 50, my marriage ended. I ran my first half-marathon. I travelled on my own for the first time. Bought my condo. Got a road bike and cycled to and from work as well as trips to Colborne, Niagara and up through P'tit Train Du Nord in Quebec.
At 60 I pivoted careers from producer to real estate agent (Matsu Real Estate). I joined a Winter Lake Plunge Group. Some people asked if I was retiring .. oh hell no. I'm just getting started!
How old are you and how are you feeling about that?
A: I'm 60 and I love it! I'm confident. Fit and strong. I know where I'm going and how I'm going to get there. I only feel old because I had to stop running because of my back.
Three words that describe you.
A: Happy, Positive. Enthusiastic.
You've made several changes in your life. Could you talk about these changes?
A: Acknowledging that I wasn't happy in my marriage was difficult. The women in my family did not have the best marriages. My grandmother, my mom, and my aunt were divorced and even my great-aunt (my grandmother's sister) was married twice. This is very unusual for Japanese women of that generation. At my wedding, I remember one of my mother's cousins saying to me "Taeko you have to keep your marriage together - be the first to break the chain". I did think about that comment and also how hard it would be for my kids but at the end of it all, we all need to find our happiness - not just me but my ex-husband and kids. So looking back, I have no regrets.
There is much talk about the advertising world and its focus on youth. With each passing year, I could see that the people I worked with were closer to my kids' ages and when I would make comments like "I feel like a grandma" who was I kidding because I really am a grandma! I loved being a producer because I was good at connecting with people and ensuring that the t's were crossed and i's dotted which are basically the skill sets required to be a good real estate agent. I was fortunate to have my stepmother as my mentor and partner in real estate. As a top producer in her field, it didn't take me long to think about jumping into real estate. It also helped that it was the pandemic and the most opportune time to study and get my license during the lockdown.
What’s the one life lesson that you wish you had figured out earlier?
A: Don't worry what other's think or what other's do.
Proudest accomplishment?
A: At 50 years old, I finished my half marathon. When I first started running, I could barely make it down the street and back without stopping to walk. I realized that taking small steps toward a goal will accomplish a lot of things that I once thought were insurmountable. Once completed, it really elevated my confidence to try other things.
What’s the worst part about aging and what’s the best?
A: Best thing is the accumulation of wisdom and experience that I can share and also helps me to navigate my future! The worst, particularly for women, is the fear of looking old(er). I'm guilty of fixating on the eye-bags and jowls but I'm striving to embrace the changes!
Taeko at 60. Taeko with her daughter. Taeko priorotizes her health by staying active. She loves her cold plunge and cycling.
Have you experienced ageism?
A: I think generally, the advertising industry is focused more on the younger demographic and I was starting to feel my age because I could be a mom to many of those I worked with LOL. But overall, I never really felt ageism because, in my head, I'm still 30-something. I have friends who are in their 20s as well as those approaching 70.
What’s your message to the world?
A: To age is a blessing. We should be thankful to have reached this age and especially for women -- we must embrace our natural beauty! No one needs fillers, botox and plastic surgery!
Was there something you learned the hard way or something you would tell your younger self to avoid?
A: Don't worry about what others think and just go for what you want. When I was a teen, all I wanted was to fit in and blend in but it's important to know who you are and that it's ok to be different (Japanese) and to have an ethnic name.
What were your "hiccups" or challenges along the way?
A:
Do you have any regrets?
A: I generally don't have regrets; however, I wish that I knew that there were career possibilities in the arts when I was in high school. Jobs such as stylists (makeup, wardrobe, prop, set) - I had no idea they existed at the time. Being a mom and working full time with long hours was definitely a challenge but I am thankful for my mother who was always there to help with the kids when they were young as well as my extended family. I believe that it really does take a village to raise children.
What’s next for you? What does your future self look like?
A: To continuously improve as a real estate agent. To always be active and happy. To travel to those destinations that are on my bucket list!
What sparks your joy these days?
A: To be active! I love my gym gals who hold me accountable for showing up. I love my bike. And I love my beautiful grandchildren!
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