| I'm in my late 40's, and have been thinking about this a lot. I've definitely noticed changes, but I'm not sure what they mean, if there's a decline, or just a change. I notice that I tend to think more before doing. I reply slower, I try to fully form a complete response and think about what was said before I answer. It takes time. My answers are slower, but (I think) higher quality. I'm less self assured. I'm acutely aware of my limits, and I've long since left behind the pressure to prove myself. I don't boast anymore, but used to in my 20's and 30's. I don't feel the need to be "the best" anymore. I disagree with the "strong opinions, loosely held" philosophy. I'm better at listening. I'm not as snappy as the kids in clever conversations. But I also don't do all the dumb things that they do. I purposefully slow down my coding. I've had to deal with the pain of "stream of consciousness" code bases too many times. I spend about ten times as much time thinking than coding, and I'm ok with it. Sometimes I won't "do anything" for days, and just let my brain gnaw on a problem until a very clear solution presents itself. The result is less complex, higher quality, and better performing code. I'm approaching 50, and have come to understand that my role in society isn't to compete with the 20 and 30 year olds, it's to think differently, and to support them. |