Fabulous at Forty

Many a middle-aged person probably remembers being a teenager and thinking "I can't see myself being 40. That's so old!" If you're one of them, you're probably shaking your head at your once youthful folly. Granted, body parts might not hold up quite like they once did, and those annual exams have become part of your new normal. Still, for the well-adjusted man or woman at or over 40, there are several awesome advantages to where you're sitting right now that your sixteen-year-old self never imagined.

1. Your self-confidence has increased dramatically.

Remember worrying about zits and fitting in during your teenage years? How about the uncertainty of starting your adult life in your twenties? At 40 you're probably looking back and thinking "I would never want to go through that again!" You're older and wiser now. You've had time to learn who you are, what you want, and how to make your place in the world. Granted, no one is exempt from occasional bouts of insecurity, but overall you're too busy living the life you've built for yourself to waste time worrying about those old hang-ups of yore. That sure footing shows up in all kinds of cool ways, from how you carry yourself, to the health of your relationships, to your sex life.

2. Your financial status has greatly improved.

Sure, it's obvious, but it's still worth mentioning. Life's experiences have taught you to be wiser with your money. You've learned the importance of good credit. You've been in your field long enough to earn a higher salary. Your car insurance rates have dropped and so have some of your interest rates. You've had some time to save for a newer car, home, a cruise, and retirement. Let the younger set spend money on shoes that will be so out of style next season. Your fiscal priorities now are geared towards enjoying life for the long haul, not fleeting fads.

3. Your formative years taught you extensive adaptive skills.

You were there for the death of the eight-track, the birth and death of the cassette tape, and the arrival of the CD. You learned how to use some of the first personal computers – you know, the ones that sat on a desk rather than taking up an entire room. You saw the advent of video games and music videos. You watched cell phones go from being something only doctors used- to fashion accessories that even grade schoolers now own. Technology took off at the speed of light while you were still in braces. As a result, you're not the least bit frightened of Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn; you probably own a smartphone, eReader, iPod or iPad (or all of the above); and you're not afraid to go back to school to learn a new skill to stay competitive in the job market. As a child of the eighties your adaptability skills are pretty sweet, which means you have the know-how and the guts to stay relevant in today's rapidly changing society.

4. You are more likely to be an entrepreneur.

Statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau have shown that the largest number of business owners is from 45-54 years of age. And why not? Through hard work over the years you've gleaned the expertise, possibly the education, and probably scores of valuable networking connections. You might want to play a more active role in your quality of life, both now and in retirement. Maybe you want the satisfaction of creating the kind of work environment you desire, rather than just being a cog in the wheel. Perhaps you see an opportunity to more positively impact your community or mentor younger people. Whatever the reason, you've learned what works and what doesn't, and you're a prime candidate to be your own boss.

Sure, there are things you'll always miss about your impetuous youth, but there sure are some wonderful benefits of being the seasoned pro you are now. So the next time those young whippersnappers say "By the time I'm that old, my life will, like, totally be over", just remember your own long-ago naiveté, chuckle to yourself and rest in the knowledge that one day, they'll get it.