I think software has a bit of an "up or out" mechanism built in. If you're 40 and a seasoned team lead, effective manager, unflappable consultant, wizardly engi

I think software has a bit of an "up or out" mechanism built in. If you're 40 and a seasoned team lead, effective manager, unflappable consultant, wizardly engineer, or irreplaceable specialist, then you're fine. If you're 40 and just another serving of cannon fodder, you probably aren't. I know plenty of people well over 40 who are going great guns in the software industry, in leadership or consulting roles. I also have one former colleague who, sadly, isn't - he was a senior developer at a company for several years, but got laid off; he's experienced, but not as quick as he once was, and doesn't have any particular special roles on his CV, so couldn't immediately bounce into another job. I turn 40 next year, and can't honestly put myself into any of the categories i list above, so i should probably start worrying about this myself!