But I'm nearly 40

I've seen and heard those who experience joy of discovery and change way past that number
Can't miss it if we try

A year ago I was miserable and stuck in a dead end job for a decade. I thought things couldn't get any worse. Major burnout etc.

Then they fired me and I found out it could in fact get worse lol. I despaired for 9 months, convinced that I'd thoroughly fucked up and would never be able to recover - especially in this economy. I was sure my career was dead.

Then, in August, I get contacted totally out of the blue by a headhunter looking for my specific profile. +50% TC over my previous job. Better benefits. Healthcare. A senior title. The works. Just when I was convinced it would be forever out of reach.
I started last Monday.

It really is possible and yes it also does require a measure of pure luck.
But you can do it.

Good for you! It's nice to see positive ending to this kind of story.

in a cute polycule with people i like in a place where nothing ever happens.