I am 39. I worked in the corporate world from 21 years old (post-university) to 38 years old.
At 38 my wife and I moved from London to Italy, just outside a city here. We then had our first born.
Life has been nice this year. I've got fit and healthy. I've really thought deeply about my health and have made vast changes that would never have happened if I was just stuck in the rat-race unable to think through these things.
We are both currently not working. We both look after our son, but my wife does more as I'm studying Italian – and have tried a few different things over the last year but none have really taken off. Studying Python for example.
Life is much cheaper here than London, and we have more than enough money to keep us afloat for years given both working well-paid jobs in London for a long time, so the financial pressure is basically non-existent here.
I've realised this year that what I want now is a very quiet life. I think I shall be happy finding a job that doesn't require intense responsibility, hosting meetings, pitching and reporting to annoying clients, worthless office bs politics and conversations, chairing group / office meetings, forced fun at work.
It is just all BS that I put up with as I didn't stop to think about it very much. But on reflection now – and especially as an introvert – I've realised that shit just isn't and never was for me.
Moving into my 40s next year I want to create a quieter and simple life with lower career responsibility; even if this means a hefty salary reduction longer-term.
Did anyone else feel like this as they moved into their 40s? Did anyone else achieve this? Is this selfish that I am not maximising my potential to give my family the maximum money I can make?