Leaving LinkedIn

I'm probably not going to, but it's an increasingly enticing prospect

Hiya. I’ve been away on holiday.

Lovely, thanks for asking. We were skiing.

Skiing’s a great holiday if you want to switch off from the daily grind. You’re out in nature, which is always good. Not only is it active, but it’s something that demands your full attention (for me at least, not being an expert). It’s not easy or advisable to scroll on your mobile while attempting to say on the piste, so accidentally getting dragged by into work-related topics is less likely.

That said, on one or two occasions when I had some spare time I did find myself idly scrolling through a few sites and apps, and inevitably dipped into LinkedIn.

I’m not sure whether it was simply having a bit of distance from the professional coal face, or being in an entirely different environment, but bloody hell it was dispiriting. I’d say about 5% was useful. The rest…sheesh.

There are the hustle bros, of course, though that’s nothing new.

The commentary about AI, both the positive potential and possible negative impacts, is overwhelming. Again, perhaps the distance helped make it clear that very, very few people have a clue what they’re talking about. It all still feels incredibly hypothetical. Which it probably should do. But admit the fact, FFS, rather than suggest you’ve alighted on the answer.

The proportion of “hot” takes that are anything but, generally covering ground that has been well-trodden for months if not years, is extraordinary. If I see one more post from a PR person excitedly explaining how “LLMs draw on earned media in their responses and GEO represents a new golden era of opportunity for public relations”, my laptop may well be finding its way out of my office window. Just stop it, please.

It made me long for the day when I don’t need to worry about LinkedIn.

It’s a funny thought, right? A social network for which the utility largely disappears once you stop working.

I’m sure some people will still check in once their professional career ends (I don’t personally know why, but I’m sure some will. Maybe to keep up with acquaintances they’re not connected to elsewhere?)

I like it when I come across someone’s LinkedIn profile whose description reads “Retired”. Congratulations, you made it.

I’m certainly not there yet. I’m still working, so LinkedIn is something of a necessary evil. Though increasingly feels more evil than necessary.

Maybe we need LinkedOut?

Ah, fuck it. Ignore me. I’m just post-holiday grumpy.