From Watercooler to Watercolor - Tara J. Agen
A year ago, I retired from my Fortune 100 corporate job, leaving behind decades of deadlines, high-pressure PowerPoints, and the constant buzz of emails, texts, and DMs. I had spent years climbing the corporate ladder, achieving success and financial stability. However, I knew that there was something next. My sense of fulfillment came from the people I worked for and with the teams I was privileged to lead and the customers and partners I was able to create innovative products for. With what I loved about work, from strategic planning, and business travel, to last-minute ‘everything’asks, I never had the time to discover and uncover what was possible if I had more time to dream.
Now, my days are filled with the tranquility of my art studio, the vibrant hues of paint, and the big buzz of creativity. I even started drinking coffee; something my corporate life never needed. The transition from a company executive to an evolving artist has been transformative, delightful, and fun. Each morning, I wake up excited for my routine to physically and mentally work out and then, pick up a brush, physical or digital, and bring my inner visions to life on canvas, screen, or watercolor paper. My corporate routine almost seems incredibly distanced now, especially those formerly structured environments. My moments and time have been replaced by the freedom to explore creativity, express my emotions through art, and turn my attention to myself.
This past year has been a journey of self-discovery and joy. I’ve learned to see the world like I did as a young girl. I find inspiration in everyday occurrences and translate them into my creative work. I am navigating social media for my art business; which is a whole learning opportunity itself. The corporate world taught me discipline and determination, but my artist life is teaching me to embrace spontaneity and imperfection.
Retirement was not an end, but a true beginning. 🤗 I worked incredibly hard during my thirty years to earn this time to be ”like an artist”. Feeling more alive and connected to yourself is not just a dream; it is a possibility if you are open to being more of yourself. My next chapter has brought me a deeper sense of purpose and an elevated level of contentment. I am happy — proof that it is never too late to follow your dreams, pursue something new, and learn/grow into a future you!
