So many lines in this post where I was nodding along. I relate on so many levels, Jacob. The performative persona…gives me the ick. I stopped dancing for IG, performing for LI and just said f-off to FB. Deep down we just want real connection with ourselves and those around us. Thanks for saying the quiet part out loud. 💜
Also a former CEO that shut the company down from lack of alignment—instead of selling it. Sounds like you and I will get along just fine. Thank you for commenting.
Masochist. Hi, it’s me…I’m the problem, it’s me. The weight of being where the buck stops and the payroll starts is scarier than when I was in the OR literally responsible for ensuring a person continued to breathe.
Really enjoyed reading this, Jacob. I've been thinking a lot about LinkedIn and some of the insanity I've been seeing on it. When you talk about people dismantling their careers, it really captured the thoughts I've been having when I come across a post with 250 comments of people bickering about something that doesn't ultimately matter.
My second job before going to college was working at home depot, in the garden aisle :)
Really enjoyed this read - thank you for your honestly and reflection. LinkedIn is a pretty dark place that masks as a land of opportunity and connection - I see its value to your point about people trying to build their brand and expertise - I just wish there was a more clear way to exist professionally other than IRL (which is of course the most valuable)
All social media is ripe for disruption. I’m not looking for an alternative, but the growing popularity to move more analog in our experiences is encouraging. Perhaps AI will force our hand anyway.
All of social--including Substack--is performance art, fundamentally. With Substack there can be some immediate monetary exchange, by way of subscribers, but largely Notes (Lives etc.) are hours we spend working *for* the platform...not necessarily it for us. I'm not sure the solution--how we go about getting our voices out there, in world were that seems dependent on these platforms. BUT! I agree with your point about real-relationships being the point. In reclaiming our time (offline) we can (re)build a more solid network. Appreciate this message from a person with your vantage point.
I hear what you're saying. I'm a Silicon Valley refugee living in Oregon. I also quit LinkedIn - the platform is terrible - 99% of every connection request is a shart. Three personal contacts and WOM yielded millions and a healthy 25-year business.
Amen brother. Best use of shart I’ve heard in a long time.
I can attribute ~80% of my business to a single person. I reckon that can be dangerous, but it’s all collectively grown from there — into hundreds of advocates.
After 2 weeks, I have no regrets. Clarity around my life and family has improved as well. It feels like I’m right where I need to be and there isn’t a huge rush to get “more” — I like that.
I didn’t realize how creatively constipated I was on LinkedIn until I can to Substack and felt I could finally write freely without it needing to be”fit LinkedIn” - be it the topic being business specific or the format of the post being written a formulated way. I would certainty not use the word “constipated” on my LinkedIn posts either 😂
Im in the midst of figuring out what my relationship to the platform is now. It’s the easiest place to invite people to in person networking events I host. But I can’t say outreach and posting have generated business as much as referrals and people I’ve met off of LinkedIn 🤷🏻♀️ Thanks for sharing ✨
Really fascinating article. I think many of us - myself certainly - share your hatred of LinkedIn. I'm not yet there to delete it - I wish I could but it isn't the right time. But I respect your decision and particularly support your ask not to bet against your resolve. Whatever is right for you at this moment in time - you do. Nothing is forever.
Your story is a perfect cautionary tale for anyone still treating LinkedIn like it's 2012. What hit hardest was the revenue audit. 80% energy on a platform driving 0% revenue is the kind of math that sneaks up on you. Deleting takes guts, especially after building so much on it. Bravo
As someone who just realized a) linkedin is my second longest subscription relationship (netflix is #1), and b) how little value I get from the platform now that it has become FB/Insta 2019, this article resonated with me. But I feel trapped by my "professional" subscription and the networking outreach opportunities it promises me (even though the realities are not as good). So much to think about here!
I totatally understand your logic. I only discovered that you left Linkedin when I was writing a post in praise of your Severance piece and trying to point people to you.
I did not publish the post when I saw you weren't on the platform. I guess I can send them to Execs and the City. It is a bit akward recommending my professional network to a person who can't be found on LinkedIn. On the upside perhaps being hard to find generates its own sense of mystique for branding. You made the right call for you.
I've just become a father, and my son turned 3 months yesterday. I deleted Instagram, Facebook, and Telegram from my phone, and I thought LinkedIn was the most productive and efficient option. Your post gave me a new vision, so I'm not deleting it yet, but I will stay on the lookout. Substack feels more in-depth for now; I will consider switching it here, little by little, by using the LI audience first. Thanks a lot, Jacob. Good luck to you with your business of raising sons! Also, thanks for the amazing recent episode with Lenny.
Congratulations on becoming a father and the phone cleanse. I’m right there with you. Still not missing it, though others still challenge me to return.
This post (and watching your interview on Lenny’s podcast) are a breath of fresh air. Thank you for the proof that one can be popular, likeable and successful and still be a human person who reads, quotes Aristotle and watches cartoons. I thought it was just me who never belonged on LinkedIn, which seems to be full of leaders, enablers (whatever that means) or strategists of something (half of them appear to have no jobs), it always makes me feel small in some way. Looking forward to the book of yours.
We have 8 year old triplets and when they were babies, we were watching Baby Boss series (for ourselves!), because our brains were totally fried. These days I try to catch up on AI news in the evening, this is how I came across Lenny 😁
Spot on! PS… I’m also a strategist and former home depot kid haha.
I just made a note about LinkedIn this morning. After months of de-activation status, I popped into LinkedIn land to get info of an old contact. I… was … horrified. The part that makes me the saddest is how millions of people are on there sharing only a tiny sliver of themselves, and that part is controlled by the guidelines of professionalism - so it’s not even THEM in the first place. So much to say about LinkedIn and you nailed it. New subscriber here!
So many lines in this post where I was nodding along. I relate on so many levels, Jacob. The performative persona…gives me the ick. I stopped dancing for IG, performing for LI and just said f-off to FB. Deep down we just want real connection with ourselves and those around us. Thanks for saying the quiet part out loud. 💜
Also a former CEO that shut the company down from lack of alignment—instead of selling it. Sounds like you and I will get along just fine. Thank you for commenting.
Absolutely - 100% here to support the others saying the quiet parts out loud.
Anyone who wants to be a CEO — probably isn’t qualified or perhaps doesn’t understand it — or may be a masochist.
Masochist. Hi, it’s me…I’m the problem, it’s me. The weight of being where the buck stops and the payroll starts is scarier than when I was in the OR literally responsible for ensuring a person continued to breathe.
This hits me in the soul. And nice Tay Tay reference.
Thanks for noticing. 😉
Really enjoyed reading this, Jacob. I've been thinking a lot about LinkedIn and some of the insanity I've been seeing on it. When you talk about people dismantling their careers, it really captured the thoughts I've been having when I come across a post with 250 comments of people bickering about something that doesn't ultimately matter.
My second job before going to college was working at home depot, in the garden aisle :)
We both stocked chicken sh*t! We’re forever brothers!
Really enjoyed this read - thank you for your honestly and reflection. LinkedIn is a pretty dark place that masks as a land of opportunity and connection - I see its value to your point about people trying to build their brand and expertise - I just wish there was a more clear way to exist professionally other than IRL (which is of course the most valuable)
We are existing in the mess we’ve made.
Thanks again for the share!
All social media is ripe for disruption. I’m not looking for an alternative, but the growing popularity to move more analog in our experiences is encouraging. Perhaps AI will force our hand anyway.
I am excited for snail mail to make its way back into the zeitgeist again 📫✉️
We just want connection more than ever now - it’s exciting to think of what that could look like.
Whoever brings back Blockbuster and Tous R Us in all its glory will make my day. It’s about the experience more than the convenience.
All my kids got a hand written letter from me this Christmas.
All of social--including Substack--is performance art, fundamentally. With Substack there can be some immediate monetary exchange, by way of subscribers, but largely Notes (Lives etc.) are hours we spend working *for* the platform...not necessarily it for us. I'm not sure the solution--how we go about getting our voices out there, in world were that seems dependent on these platforms. BUT! I agree with your point about real-relationships being the point. In reclaiming our time (offline) we can (re)build a more solid network. Appreciate this message from a person with your vantage point.
I’m open to a better way — but not looking for it necessarily
I hear what you're saying. I'm a Silicon Valley refugee living in Oregon. I also quit LinkedIn - the platform is terrible - 99% of every connection request is a shart. Three personal contacts and WOM yielded millions and a healthy 25-year business.
Amen brother. Best use of shart I’ve heard in a long time.
I can attribute ~80% of my business to a single person. I reckon that can be dangerous, but it’s all collectively grown from there — into hundreds of advocates.
Enjoy Oregon, it’s high quality living.
Passionate read. Spending more time being present with your kids and family is priceless. Time just keeps ticking.
After 2 weeks, I have no regrets. Clarity around my life and family has improved as well. It feels like I’m right where I need to be and there isn’t a huge rush to get “more” — I like that.
I didn’t realize how creatively constipated I was on LinkedIn until I can to Substack and felt I could finally write freely without it needing to be”fit LinkedIn” - be it the topic being business specific or the format of the post being written a formulated way. I would certainty not use the word “constipated” on my LinkedIn posts either 😂
Im in the midst of figuring out what my relationship to the platform is now. It’s the easiest place to invite people to in person networking events I host. But I can’t say outreach and posting have generated business as much as referrals and people I’ve met off of LinkedIn 🤷🏻♀️ Thanks for sharing ✨
Creative constipation should be trademarked 😂 “Substack, getting your creative blockade moving…”
How freeing 🥲
Really fascinating article. I think many of us - myself certainly - share your hatred of LinkedIn. I'm not yet there to delete it - I wish I could but it isn't the right time. But I respect your decision and particularly support your ask not to bet against your resolve. Whatever is right for you at this moment in time - you do. Nothing is forever.
Plenty is forever. Thank you for not betting against my resolve.
Great post and message. I deleted LinkedIn too and made me feel the same way.
When did you pull the plug?
End of last year.
Your story is a perfect cautionary tale for anyone still treating LinkedIn like it's 2012. What hit hardest was the revenue audit. 80% energy on a platform driving 0% revenue is the kind of math that sneaks up on you. Deleting takes guts, especially after building so much on it. Bravo
As someone who just realized a) linkedin is my second longest subscription relationship (netflix is #1), and b) how little value I get from the platform now that it has become FB/Insta 2019, this article resonated with me. But I feel trapped by my "professional" subscription and the networking outreach opportunities it promises me (even though the realities are not as good). So much to think about here!
Curious… What networking opportunities turned into wins for you that can be attributed to LinkedIn?
How many? When was the last one? Why?
Brutally good !
Very kind comment to read. Thank you, Mat.
Hi Jacob,
I totatally understand your logic. I only discovered that you left Linkedin when I was writing a post in praise of your Severance piece and trying to point people to you.
Love your work. Wish I knew about you years ago.
Bill
Appreciate you friend! Were you still able to post? Should I have a media page up? I can ask my team to provide resources for those occasions
I did not publish the post when I saw you weren't on the platform. I guess I can send them to Execs and the City. It is a bit akward recommending my professional network to a person who can't be found on LinkedIn. On the upside perhaps being hard to find generates its own sense of mystique for branding. You made the right call for you.
I’m studying what people will do regarding that. Excellent data point either way. I’d love a post if you are open to sharing.
I've just become a father, and my son turned 3 months yesterday. I deleted Instagram, Facebook, and Telegram from my phone, and I thought LinkedIn was the most productive and efficient option. Your post gave me a new vision, so I'm not deleting it yet, but I will stay on the lookout. Substack feels more in-depth for now; I will consider switching it here, little by little, by using the LI audience first. Thanks a lot, Jacob. Good luck to you with your business of raising sons! Also, thanks for the amazing recent episode with Lenny.
Congratulations on becoming a father and the phone cleanse. I’m right there with you. Still not missing it, though others still challenge me to return.
Thanks a lot, Jacob, appreciate it! My boy Luka and my wife Vikki says thanks as well🙏
👋 Luka + Vikki
This post (and watching your interview on Lenny’s podcast) are a breath of fresh air. Thank you for the proof that one can be popular, likeable and successful and still be a human person who reads, quotes Aristotle and watches cartoons. I thought it was just me who never belonged on LinkedIn, which seems to be full of leaders, enablers (whatever that means) or strategists of something (half of them appear to have no jobs), it always makes me feel small in some way. Looking forward to the book of yours.
We have 8 year old triplets and when they were babies, we were watching Baby Boss series (for ourselves!), because our brains were totally fried. These days I try to catch up on AI news in the evening, this is how I came across Lenny 😁
Boss Baby is LEGIT! SUCK IT! (To the binky of power)
You made my day. What cartoons are you on right now?!
Spot on! PS… I’m also a strategist and former home depot kid haha.
I just made a note about LinkedIn this morning. After months of de-activation status, I popped into LinkedIn land to get info of an old contact. I… was … horrified. The part that makes me the saddest is how millions of people are on there sharing only a tiny sliver of themselves, and that part is controlled by the guidelines of professionalism - so it’s not even THEM in the first place. So much to say about LinkedIn and you nailed it. New subscriber here!
How many Homer badges did you ACQUIRE? 🙃