[Eleanorigby]

As I'm nearing 40, I constantly think about what direction to take in my career. Where I am now is very comfortable (research and analysis in a governmental organization). I have a relatively solid reputation, know ins and outs of the job and could easily spend next 10 years just polishing and refining my skills.

However, I feel the drive to achieve more. The next logical step in my job would be to take more active role in the organization, not simply supplying information and analysis to decision-makers but actively using this information - negotiating, chairing meetings etc.

I spent last three days trying out this role with people who have much more experience and understand so many nuances and fine points about it that I simply feel overwhelmed and almost humiliated. These possibly were the three most uncomfortable days of my professional life. In a professional setting, I usually feel very competent (often the most competent). All of a sudden I feel barely adequate and moreover I know that it will take quite long before I feel relatively secure in this role. Throughout this period I will probably be looked down on by more experienced colleagues (many of whom are younger than me).

Part of me wants to move forward and to work on those new skills. Another part of me knows that there is chance I will never be really good at it, especially that the role requires me to work in a non-native language (for most others it is a native language).

Can someone offer an advice? How would I know that this is something worth trying and investing my time in?

[One Big World]

I've recently been through a career change at 50 although comparatively it seems mine was maybe more forced than yours appears to be. IME the humiliation associated with being a newbie is a bit harder to handle in later years than when young. This might have a fair amount to do with the level of success I had achieved. It might also be the result of an older brain.
Change is both uncomfortable and exciting. Unfortunately the discomfort is more exaggerated with age, the excitement less exciting.
Factor these into your cost/benefit analysis.

[nwfn]

My 2c:

One thing I've figured out just this year is that if you're actively looking at alternatives, then you aren't happy where you are, even if you aren't registering that unhappiness yet. Spending the next 10+ years doing the same thing is probably not an option you'll find fulfilling in the end. Most likely you'll spend 1 or 2 more years at it (or 6 months...) before consciously realizing how miserable you are, and then you'll be back in the same place you are now.

After three days, you have an idea of where you need to catch up your skills to be competent in this new role. Do you think you can develop these skills to the point of competence? Do you think you will find developing and using these skills on a day-to-day basis fulfilling? Those are questions only you can answer.

Assuming the answers are "yes" and "yes", then expect to spend a few months (not a few days or weeks) growing into your new role. Consult with your manager/supervisor to understand their expectations, develop an action plan for your career growth over the next few months, and get your manager/supervisor to buy in.

[Paul Siraisi]

What's your IQ? That will decide it.

[PRBori]

Well, you will never truly know if it is worth it until you try it. That said, I would recommend that you go for it and stop thinking negative about it. In other words, never say or think you cannot do something, instead have a positive outlook and think that you can do it, you will succeed at it, and there is nothing or nobody stopping you.

Trust me, it works. Now, take a chance and go for it. You are never too old to attain a goal. There have been older individuals who have achieve their dreams, even attained a college degree. You're only 40 and still kicking, so don't stress about it and get it done.

Good Luck!!