Getting the timing right? Success in later life?

[Firey40]

I'm 40, and I've been thinking a lot recently about finding role models who have gone on to have success or totally changed their life post 40

I feel like the timing of women's lives is SUCH a big deal for us; unless you are one of the few who 100% knows you don't want kids, the whole 'will-I-or-won't-I-have kids' question can be a big pressure until you either decide, or you get too old and age takes that decision away from you. But if you do want them, trying to conceive, then birth, then raise kids, can really dominate our 'best' years...

I was lucky enough to have babies in my 30's, and while I adore them I'll admit I feel a bit sad that my career and income isn't how I wanted it to be. So now I'm totally lit by ambition, and I'm excited at the possibilities... (if I can just figure out the childcare, and running our home, and being a caring daughter to my elderly parents and blaa blaa blaa blaa..!)

Has anyone else felt the same way? It's become a bit of an obsession for me at the moment!

I started a business at age 42 (now 49) and I now employ 40 people. This was after taking a 10 year break in my 30s to have kids.

As a PP said, if I can do it, so can you!

There are lots of inspirational books on finance, business, careers, etc

Yes I had my kids in my mid 20s and I adore them, and didn't actually have much interest in anything else but them when they were young. Was open with work that they were my priority. Fast forward to now early 40s with teens and can't help feeling I've let myself down - no close friends and although I earn well it's not amazing. Now I have no energy to change any of this. I'm tired and feel alive not lived my best life x