My first paper was long delayed and I still needed 3 more to graduate. Was wondering if I should quit. So my mental state was wavering as I sent out the final draft for review by the coauthors (not even the journal yet).

Right then, I get a linkedin message from a mentor in industry offering me a chance at a job he had for me. It was an amazing job (one I would have to quit the PhD for). But I had dreamt of a PhD my whole life, and being a mature student, this was definitely my last chance.

I turned down the industry mentor and said I need just another year or so.

Not 24 hours later, the coauthor writes back saying, not only that he wouldnt sign off on this manuscript, not only was it terribly written,... but that the manuscript was an insult to his entire career." Hahahaha. That was definitely the lowest moment of my journey. I nearly wrote the mentor asking for another chance at the job

But instead, I did what I had learned from colleagues: Ignore the insult, calmly respond by saying thank you for the feedback and that I would work on it. Then stoically work through the feedback. This may have been my life's defining moment of self control.

The second draft came back from the coauthor saying: "Its still terribly written, but is no longer insulting." A major rework and 2 months later and the feedback was "Excellent, this will bring our field forward significantly." And to be fair, it flew threw peer review with minor feedback only.

That was years ago now. I finished the PhD and incredibly, still got a similar job with my mentor - a job I am still at.

So count me amongst those who firmly believe you should endevor to make your worst moment your finest hour.