I'm "level 41" as well - a big thrill for me now is that when I was growing up in the early 80s I thought the best thing in the world would be to work with computers for a living - and that's what I do, on devices that I couldn't even have imagined in 1983 or so. Since I clearly remember Apple IIs and TRS-80s, I still get a bit of a "wow I'm in the future!" thrill whenever I fire up a modern computer or mobile device.

Being a bit older helps me recall the amazingness of the modern world.

Several commenters have pointed out that levelling up means cutting off choices - but I managed to mostly follow what I enjoyed when I was younger, and I would much rather be a capable developer than an olympic athlete or a rock star. I MAKE THINGS. THAT CHANGE PEOPLE'S LIVES. EVERY DAY. Most 'successful' people my age can't say that, if they ever could. Middle management doesn't MAKE anything, unless you count meetings and memos - but I do.

Random advice for younger folks: making at least some kind of a living doing what you love and making a difference is way better than making big money doing something pointless that you hate.

Part of me still thinks that I'm 25, but another part of me is now old enough to reflect on the clueless jerk I occasionally was when I was 25. Growing up is a balance between who you were and who you are now, and especially in technology it's important to not forget your 25-year-old self while still keeping the 40-year-old as well. If you can be both 20-something and 40-something at the same time, it makes for a great combination of enthusiasm and perspective.