The Importance of Being Humbled in Your Career

“The modern career is full of devastation,” Tim Denning boldly states in his article, Being Humbled in Your Career Is the Best Thing That Can Happen, Right? He describes a world where technology can replace you overnight, where change is relentless, and where the old dream of lifelong stability in a single company is all but dead. It’s a tough pill to swallow, isn’t it? Especially when you’re the one grappling with the sting of a career setback.

I’m not just writing about this—I’ve lived it. My career has been a kaleidoscope of highs, lows, and unexpected plot twists. One of my proudest achievements turned into my most rapid exit. That’s humbling, to say the least.

The truth I’ve uncovered in those moments? Sometimes, all you can do is get up, breathe, and put one foot in front of the other. Not because you know exactly where you’re going, but because you have to keep moving toward the new direction you sense is right.

Lessons from Being Humbled

Career setbacks don’t just test your resilience; they can shape it in ways you never imagined. Here are some hard-earned lessons I’ve gathered along the way:

Find Mentors Who See You
Surround yourself with extraordinary mentors who believe in you. The ones who’ve seen it all—successes, failures, and the messy in-between. Their wisdom becomes your anchor when the waters get rough.

Work with People You Respect
Life’s too short to work with people you don’t trust or admire. Seek out those with whom you share mutual respect and a positive chemistry. It makes even the hardest days more bearable.

Don’t Be the “Only”
Being the “only one” on a board, whether as the token woman or the transformative voice, can be isolating. Tokenism is a trap—don’t fall into it. Instead, seek spaces where you can thrive with genuine allies.

Learn from Innovators
Growth driven by innovation sounds great in theory, but very few achieve it sustainably. Find those rare individuals who’ve done it and immerse yourself in their brilliance.

Beware the One-Industry Experts
Beware of those who’ve spent their entire career in one industry. Adaptability is a muscle, and it atrophies without practice. Diversity of experience often trumps longevity in one sector.

The Gift of Being Humbled

Tim Denning’s words resonate deeply: “Setbacks destroyed my ego and took me out of my comfort zone. Only from there could I grow.”

Looking back, I can see how the humbling moments in my career weren’t roadblocks—they were stepping stones. Each forced me to reevaluate, adapt, and grow. They made me stronger, wiser, and yes, a little more patient with myself.

Now, I want to hear from you.

What was your biggest career setback? And what did you learn from it?