AIBU to worry I have limited my career progression prospects?

[Doowoddy]

To wonder if I've coasted too long and I've damaged my chance for career progression?

I'm in my 40s, have been in the same job for about 8 years at the same level. I'm good at my job but in this time I've also prioritised my young children and parents with variable poor health. Now my children are older and there's less pressure I am going back to full time.

I want to apply myself more, grab opportunities and make it into a more senior role but I'm worried I've given the impression of being comfortable at my level to long and colleagues won't really take any efforts I make seriously, especially in terms of internal vacancies.

Am I correct? I don't want to leave my current company but maybe I have to for a fresh start? But new employers would see I've essentially sat at my level for a long time. Has anybody managed to make this change?

I've been at my level for a similar length of time but made my intention to step up known and I've been informally been given more responsibility or higher scrutiny projects since. There's not been a promotion to apply for yet so we'll see.

A colleague (single parent with SEN older teens) has struggled getting roles she's applied for now they're much older, in part I think because she's over 50... But she's honed her interview technique and taken on lots of side projects, training and opportunities to bolster her interview.

I think it's eminently possible, i waited about 8 years between promotions whwn my kids were younger, but I got a second wind as they grew up, I think people can understand that and you can "tell that story" to demonstrate that you are hungrier for more now.

Im in a similar position and think its totally doable. If you're on IG start watching leadership content so you're being served inspirational content you can apply in life.
Tell you boss as part of routine reviews / objective setting that you're keen to make progress in X or Y area. Perhaps find a mentor.
You need to find confidence make sure people know you're in a new phase. Focus on influencing upwards. Listen to relevant podcasts and discuss them. Reinventing is possible if you do it!

Yes, you need to take on new responsibilities alongside existing role, lead some projects, become more visible, say you're keen for more respondibility etc