One of the more reliable tells in professional life is volume.

People who are secure in their work tend to be measured. They don’t need to diminish others to establish credibility. They don’t announce who is “replaceable,” “overpaid,” or “obsolete.” They’re too busy building.

In contrast, insecurity is often noisy.

It shows up as unsolicited disparagement.

As sweeping declarations about others’ value.

As confidence that hasn’t yet been tested by time, consequence, or responsibility.

This isn’t a generational issue. It’s a professional one.

When someone feels uncertain about their own footing, the instinct is often to undermine nearby structures rather than strengthen their own. But credibility doesn’t transfer that way. You don’t acquire stature by trying to shrink others.

Experience doesn’t need to announce itself.

Competence doesn’t require a target.

And professionalism never needs an audience.

Those distinctions become clearer the longer you stay in the work.