"THE LINKEDIN STRUGGLES NO ONE TALKS ABOUT"

Joblessness isn’t just about money—it’s a mental and emotional rollercoaster. In Kenya, where success is often tied to employment, being jobless carries an unspoken stigma. People assume you’re not trying hard enough, that you’re lazy or too picky. But what if you’ve done everything possible, yet nothing seems to work?

I know the feeling all too well. There were days when I questioned my worth, refreshing my inbox endlessly, hoping for just one interview invite. The rejection emails started feeling personal. The worst part? Logging into LinkedIn and seeing post after post of “I’m thrilled to announce…” Meanwhile, I was just there—stuck, unseen, and exhausted.

Don’t get me wrong—LinkedIn is a great platform. It connects people, opens doors, and highlights opportunities. But when you're unemployed, it can feel isolating, like standing in a massive career fair where everyone has a job except you. What surprises me most is the growing number of people updating their profiles with “Open to Work,” while, at the same time, job vacancies seem to be posted every minute. How is it that so many people are searching, yet so few are getting hired?

I’ve applied for countless roles, sent networking messages, and even reached out to senior connections—only to be met with silence or polite “We’ll let you know” responses. Some say networking is the key, but what happens when the doors just don’t open?

Then there’s the pressure to look okay. You don’t want to seem desperate, but you also need recruiters to notice you. Should you post about your job search? Will it make you look weak? Does anyone even care? The constant balancing act of maintaining an image of success—even when drowning in self-doubt—is exhausting.

And let’s not forget the comparison trap. Every other post is a celebration of someone’s new job, promotion, or milestone. I’m happy for them, truly. But I’d be lying if I said I never wondered—When will it be my turn? Some days, I push through. Other days, I consider deactivating my account just to escape the pressure.

Despite everything, I remind myself that joblessness is a phase, not a definition. LinkedIn may be overwhelming, but it’s still a tool. The key is to keep showing up, learning, and applying—even when it feels pointless. Most importantly, I remind myself that my worth isn’t tied to a job title.

If you’re in the same boat, I see you. You’re not alone. The right opportunity will come—maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but it will. Until then, take a deep breath, keep pushing, and don’t let LinkedIn break you.

This is my experience navigating LinkedIn as an unemployed accountant turned writer—because, as you can probably tell, I may have taken a step back from job applications. Your journey might be different, maybe even better, but if you can relate, just know that you’re not alone in this.