I'm also mid forties and am in a similar boat and mindset. I also just want to build things. I have found whenever I talk with a company about possibly working

I'm also mid forties and am in a similar boat and mindset. I also just want to build things. I have found whenever I talk with a company about possibly working there, they are considering me for hands off architecture/leadership roles which I could do but don't prefer. My solution so far has been freelancing, which has been working well. I can also see myself heading towards startups for similar reasons.