Realizing LinkedIn is its own social battlefield.
REALIZING LINKEDIN IS ITS OWN SOCIAL BATTLEFIELD.
Follow for more unfiltered insights into the post-grad odyssey from the hallowed halls to the harsh realities.
We spent years honing our minds, mastering complex theories, and engaging in debates that felt like they'd reshape the world. We thrived in an environment where intellectual curiosity was currency and ambition was simply expected. The transition from that vibrant campus bubble to the "real world" – specifically, the job market – has been, to put it mildly, bizarre. Nobody really prepared us for the profound disconnect between acing a thesis defense and then staring blankly at a "junior associate" job description requiring three years of experience for an entry-level role. The job hunt after Ivy isn't just a pursuit; it's an unexpected psychological test.
Then there's LinkedIn. What we thought was a professional networking tool quickly reveals itself as an intricate social battlefield. It's a performative arena where everyone seems to be perpetually thriving, landing dream roles, or posting eloquent humble-brags about their latest "impactful" project. The pressure to curate a flawless professional persona, to "strategically" connect, endorse, and engage, can be exhausting. It feels less like a straightforward job board and more like a high-stakes popularity contest intertwined with algorithms. You’re not just applying; you’re managing a brand, battling for visibility, and constantly wondering if your carefully crafted summary is compelling enough. Unspoken competition, curated successes of others, and constant digital noise can make you question everything. If you’re feeling this, you are absolutely not alone. This weird transition is a universal experience we never anticipated.