Career progression after 40- positive stories

[Chanc]

I went to uni and did well. Went in to a grad position and was doing average/well. Then stepped off the ladder for 10 hrs to have kids. Have recently gone back aged 45 to public sector role.
But less well paid than when I was 34 :( Have I missed the boat for career progression?

I started in my sector at 40 and moved into a regional management role last year. Am nearly 46. There is talk of a national role being created next year which my skill set would suit. DCs are late teens now so I can travel when needed and have more time to focus. So yes, it's perfectly possible. People older than me are progressing in a similar way at my company too. 😀