I'm 41 and one of the oldest engineers in my company, so I feel acutely aware of my age and it's been difficult grappling with the question of whether I'm aging out of this profession. I know my experience is what makes me a valuable engineer, and I am aware I have more obligations on my plate and more varied demands on my time and mental faculties than most younger engineers do. You've emphasized that this is normal, and I really needed to hear that.

You've also directed my attention to a strategy for remaining relevant that I am embarrassed not to have arrived at sooner. Older engineers need to actively steer themselves toward the class of work wherein experience is a greater asset than long, uninterrupted hours of sustained mental output. All problems require some combination of these two things, but not necessarily in equal measure. Us older engineers can still look like rock stars if we pick the right problems to work on -- assuming we have the luxury of doing so.

Altogether, your article has made me feel validated and given me some valuable things to think about. It's the best thing I've read today. Kudos to you! Thank you! Following!