Life After Quitting LinkedIn
A Recap: I quit LinkedIn
A few months ago, I made a decision that surprised a lot of people: I quit LinkedIn. Yes, that’s right — I walked away from the endless professional networking, the constant barrage of “exciting new opportunities,” and the pressure to keep up with everyone else’s career milestones. And honestly? I haven’t looked back.
When I first started job hunting, I followed all the advice: I updated my LinkedIn profile, networked, and scoured job postings. However, with each interview, it became painfully clear that the world of human resources is anything but human. The offers I received were insulting — salaries that barely covered the cost of living, with expectations that even the CEO would find absurd if they were applying for that job.
After years of scrolling through endless updates about promotions, achievements, and corporate victories, I realized LinkedIn is a club I don’t want to be part of. The pressure to conform to the corporate mold, to constantly chase after the next big title, was exhausting. So, I decided to leave the platform behind and focus on finding a job that would truly satisfy me.
Life After LinkedIn
But the journey that followed wasn’t easy. I dived headfirst into job boards, determined to find a role that felt right. I thought I’ll be proactive and laser-focused. I’ll find the best opportunities for myself. What I encountered, however, was a series of dreadful interviews that made me question everything again. The recruiters I met were inhumane, treating candidates like disposable commodities rather than real people with aspirations, needs, and emotions. Each interview felt like a blow to my self-worth, and the longer it went on, the more disillusioned I became with the entire process.
How Did I ended Up In This Situation
Irish Chapter: Immigrant’s Life
Once upon a time, I was a young immigrant girl, full of life and expectations. Everything seemed possible, and I could feel that a world of opportunities was waiting for me.
One of the things that stood out to me immediately when I moved to Dublin, was how diverse and international the job market was. Ireland is home to so many global companies that value talent and ambition, no matter where you come from. This atmosphere of inclusivity gave me the confidence to chase after my goals without hesitation.
I found that these companies weren’t just looking for experience or education — they were looking for drive, for people with a hunger for success. And that’s exactly what I had. The openness of the Irish job market made it easy to believe in myself and my potential. It wasn’t about where I was from, but where I was going.
Looking back, I’m grateful for the way Ireland embraced me as an immigrant. It gave me the chance to grow, to learn, and to realize that my dreams weren’t limited by borders.
Germany’s Life as an Immigrant
Then I moved to Berlin, full of ambition, eager to prove myself in a new environment. But as time went on, my perspective began to shift, and the realities of the job market in Germany played a significant role in that change.
I quickly noticed how the corporate world in Germany often treats foreigners. It became clear that if you’re not careful, they’ll use you for your skills and hard work, but when they no longer need you, you’re easily discarded. There’s little regard for the individual behind the role, and that realization hit me hard.
As I navigated through this environment, I began to see the toll it was taking on me. Germany’s job market has profoundly shifted my perspective on ambition. The idea of burning out just to be used as a taxpayer started to feel meaningless. I don’t want to spend my life being a cog in someone else’s machine, only to be cast aside when I was no longer convenient.
I want a life of balance, contentment, and purpose. I want the same peace and fulfillment that many Germans seem to value, but I began to wonder: Am I allowed to pursue that? Can I step away from the relentless pursuit of proving myself and simply focus on living a life that feels right to me?
Adapt or you’re out… Welcome to Germany
After nearly five years in Germany, I’m exhausted from trying to find my place under the sun. With many working years still ahead, I am seriously considering to leave the business world behind. It’s true that many expats and immigrants, after struggling to make it in Germany’s business world, end up feeling defeated and often switch to healthcare. Why? Simple: demand.
Healthcare professionals are in high demand, and it seemed like the right path to pursue in Germany: e.g., Registered Nurse (RN), Physiotherapist, Medical Laboratory Technician, Occupational Therapist, Radiologic Technologist, Pharmacist, Paramedic, Dietitian/Nutritionist, Speech-Language Pathologist, Dental Hygienist, etc.
Yes, although healthcare salaries aren’t the highest in Germany, Switzerland is just next door. Maybe I can do what many Germans do and seek opportunities there. If I can’t find it here, I can always look elsewhere, right?
Check out: Professions in Demand in Germany
Hey everyone!
I’m excited to invite you to check out my YouTube channel, La Deutsche Vita. I’m sharing content about my journey, insights, and tips on navigating life and career changes.
