[jegea]

Of course, there's plenty of people in their 40s experiencing the struggles you describe. But, as a matter of fact, I've met as many of them in the 20s and 30s range with the same problems (maybe not so tired, but troubled and egomaniac nonetheless).

In the context of entrepreneurship, however, I find that those traits are much less prominent, regardless of the age.

In my case, today I just sold my part of the company I founded 10 years ago to my cofounding partner. Not a big, glorious exit, BTW. Just the opportunity to try again, and get better results this time.

Being 46, I do feel much more aware now that I felt 10 years ago. Aware of my strengths and aware of my limits. And aware of my motivations.

However, I must confess that, ten years ago, I had the same image that you describe about fortysomethings. That's why I decided to start my own company then, to avoid becoming one of them.