#linkedinstruggles

[worklesslady]

I’ve been going through a lot of ups and downs. Being unemployed has really taken a toll on me, and it’s not just the worry about my savings running out; it’s much deeper than that. It’s strange how tightly our society ties our self-worth to our jobs. I didn’t lose my job due to poor performance—in fact, I’d just been promoted, and my results were above average. But because some high-level exec decided that our team wasn’t worth their bottom line, here I am, jobless. And somehow, even though it wasn’t my fault, there’s this nagging feeling of guilt.

The job search process is humbling, to say the least. It’s a frustrating reality we all seem to face in today’s world. I’m focusing on improving my resume, building my skills, and studying, but social media really amplifies these feelings.

I’ve talked before about how I think LinkedIn can be such a toxic place, and I’m feeling that even more now. Ironically, I’m having to lean into it more, building my “brand,” networking, trying to stay visible. It’s like this paradox of needing to play the game while hating the constant stream of job updates and “inspirational” posts that just make me more anxious.

However, there has been a silver lining. A younger woman reached out for advice on getting into marketing, and mentoring her has been one of the most rewarding experiences. Mentorship feels like a true calling for me, so in a strange way, LinkedIn ended up giving me something positive despite how much I struggle with it. I’m realizing that maybe it’s less about the platforms themselves, and more about how we approach them and our own mindsets.

For anyone else in a similar position, I hope you have a strong support network to remind you that you’re not at fault, that there’s nothing “wrong” with you just because you’re currently unemployed. And hold on to that optimism as best as you can, even though it’s natural to have moments of doubt. We’re all in this together, and we’ll get through it. If you need support or advice, feel free to reach out or message me privately.

[worklesslady]

LinkedIn sucks

So far, I have been lucky and have never had to go through a lengthy application process to look for a job. I have always found my previous positions through word of mouth and recommendations, so navigating the various platforms in search of jobs to apply for is a new and nerve-wracking experience.

However, nothing had prepared me for the obscenity of LinkedIn. While I understand its usefulness, especially for networking, I wonder why we all comply with fueling this platform designed to make us all look like over-caffeinated mega managers.

Enthusiasm. Everyone on LinkedIn is enthusiastic about any trivial thing they do at work: Today we are proud to present this thing that is spectacular and fantastic and makes us all so happy. Or: how great it is to work for this amazing company, my God, they are the best, I can do so many things like 'my job that I'm paid for' and feel wonderfully useful… I don’t know how to tell you that the same company you’re showing so much enthusiasm for is ready to kick you out in a heartbeat if the CEO risks earning 10 euros less than usual.

LinkedIn is unnatural, especially when you are job hunting and your enthusiasm is waning. You're there, in tears, reading about how everyone else is successful while you're struggling to get past the first round of CV screenings and feeling awful. But you have to play their game and post enthusiastically; enthusiasm is important. How wonderful the course you're taking is! My God, I really couldn't wait to spend another thousand hours studying instead of spending time with my family, studying things I've already learned on the job, but I need to get a little certificate to hope to pass the CV screenings.

And the recruiters? I think they love LinkedIn; it's the platform where they have the most power. After all, they are the matchmakers of many people's happiness. So they're there giving advice that contradicts itself, and you're left not knowing what to do. Did I put too much in my CV? Too little? Getting the layout wrong already costs you points, regardless of what's inside. Do you try to contact them for a specific position? They can't respond to you, you know, they're very busy, THEY are.

You can't complain. I can only do it here, anonymously, because otherwise, it's your fault. It's always your fault, always! You who didn't write your CV well, you who didn't sell yourself enough. I feel like a prostitute wondering how short her skirt should be and how high her boots should be to get noticed by passing cars.

It's not fair, because this is a show designed to burn people out. 10% is useful for making job connections, 90% is just a circus where people show off, just like any other social media. Here, however, you can't dare to be yourself even a little; it's just the showcase where you sell yourself. One misstep and a recruiter won't look at your page, one misplaced comma and the job you would be perfect for won't be offered to you.

If you are also looking for a job and absolutely hate LinkedIn, but still have to bend to its rules, just know that you are not alone.