How She Did It: Tamar Prager

We’re thrilled to introduce Tamar Prager, Founder, Owner, and Decluttering Expert, whose midlife career change reflects the power of reinvention and the impact of following your purpose.

After years in health care, Tamar reached back to an early passion for helping people through the highly personal process of decluttering. She blended her clinical-level empathy, deep listening, and hands-on organizing experience to build a career centered on teaching others how to let go.

Tamar now guides clients through decades’ worth of belongings with respect, insight, and grounded support. Her work offers a liberating shift in perspective, showing people that letting go is a skill that can transform how they live.

Read on to learn how she did it!

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What's your personal mantra, mission, or manifesto?

Helping people discern what is essential to their heart.

What inspired you to launch your current career/launch your business?

My inner voice; she was gently relentless and I finally decided to listen to her.

What's unique about returning/pivoting in midlife? Challenges & opportunities?

The absence of a roadmap felt daunting. I was looking for a template that would take me to the title "business owner," but I learned that there was no such thing.

I had to learn to move my ego out of the driver's seat, be willing to step way out of my comfort zone and be open to learning from experiences of all kinds.

The other challenge was forging a new path while maintaining a steadfast, reliable presence for my children. Learning how to optimize my waking hours remains an art, not a science. The unique opportunities come from the wisdom gleaned and interpersonal skills that you have honed by midlife!

What’s one intention you have for your work this year?

Never compromise my values, no matter the opportunities.

What are you most passionate about right now?

Showing up for my clients the way I show up for my family.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Every day is unique, but they usually follow some iteration of the following layout:

Drive carpool for my sons, do a Peloton stretch or strength class at home, get some housework out of the way, and then enjoy a latte or black tea with breakfast.

I'll head to a client in the late morning and work 4 or so hours in their home or office. Depending on the hour, I'll either head back to school for pick-up or head home to complete some deskwork-(scheduling clients, sending invoices) before pick up.

Once my kids get home, my attention turns to them, dinner, homework, and their sports. I might actually read for 15 minutes or talk to my spouse! 

What’s one thing that's advanced your career in the last year?

Saying "yes" instead of saying "no."

Who’s your “tribe” when it comes to professional inspiration or support?

My spirit sisters! I turn to the 5 women I met in a virtual 3-month program for women looking for their fire and drive in midlife.  

Favorite book, app or podcast?

My current favorite book is The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese, and I'm really enjoying Steven Bartlett's "Diary of a CEO" podcast.

You’re granted an extra hour in the day, how do you spend it?

Give back to my body and get a full-body massage.

The advice I would give my 20-year-old self is…

Leaving your comfort zone is a direct path to success and fulfillment.

The advice that I want to give my 75-year-old self is...

Be kind to yourself and be proud of the way you showed up for people.

Your theme song that plays every time you walk into a room should be?

That's a tough one; any of my top 30 Indigo Girls' favorites.

Best career advice for other women in midlife?

Our brightest light shines in midlife. Go for it. You will be forever grateful you jumped off the cliff! 

When did you feel you got “you” back?

When I started listening to my soul's whispers and taking action.

What’s up next?

Collaborating with others to add new dimensions to my services.