professional oblivion
I had gone from being proud to say my age--because of all I had done so young--to not bring it up, for fear I was getting too close to forty and, therefore, professional oblivion.

Professional oblivion, what does that mean?

Question

professional oblivion
I had gone from being proud to say my age--because of all I had done so young--to not bring it up, for fear I was getting too close to forty and, therefore, professional oblivion.

Professional oblivion, what does that mean?

Answer

It means that because of his age, people would consider that he was too old to perform within his profession, and so he would be passed over for promotion, not given new responsibilities, etc.
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(for example, in the tech industry,  40 is considered ancient)

Answer

Yes, you are right.
The author is talking about aging.

Answer

The expression "professional oblivion" in this sentence means that it would be the end of his or her career, or that it would be harmful to his or her career. It's likely a purposeful exaggeration and the writer probably does not mean it so literally. The meaning is that the profession he or she is in favors younger people over older people.

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