LinkedIn was born as a site for making connections and discovering job opportunities. I admit that it has become one of my favorite social networks and that, on occasion, It helped me in my professional development. However, I want to analyze whether this social network is a source of inspiration or whether it imposes unhealthy pressure.
LINKedIn is a showcase only for successes
LinkedIn encourages us to show the best version of our professional life. Our profile is neat, we share our achievements in detail, We feel like we are moving forward at an enormous pace. What’s true about that? Do we do it because it is so or because we must live up to those who continue to share their achievements?
For many, LinkedIn has become a place where we are expected to always highlight the positive and positive aspects. Let’s set aside any setbacks or mistakes. How many of us post when a project isn’t going well, we lose a client, or we’re going through a tough time? This lack of authenticity can make us forget that professional success is full of ups and downs and that nothing happens if we don’t have a perfect life.
It should be taken into account that the pressure to have an impeccable profile can affect well-being. Constantly seeing the accomplishments of others can cause anxiety or make you we feel less qualifiedeven when you have a well-defined career. Additionally, it can intensify imposter syndrome, the feeling that no matter how much we accomplish, we’re always behind others.
I am 51 years old, I have a lot of work behind me and, of course, a lot to learn. I’m nobody and I recognize it I love sharing my successes on LinkedIn. Until a while ago, when I saw the profile of a man in his twenties who was already the CEO of something, I was impressed. Now I have a little laugh.
Opt for a more realistic version
Perhaps it’s time for us at LinkedIn to seek a little balance. It would be refreshing to see posts where people not only share their victories, but also the lessons they learned along the way. Showing that behind every success there are efforts, failures and learning could make us connect in a more real way. It would also make us feel less pressured and more human.
I thank LinkedIn because It helped me understand a lot of things and discover fantastic people, but there are also ghosts who live totally far from reality.
