Staying Encouraged During the New Grad Job Search (Especially When Everyone’s Flexing on LinkedIn)
I was recently having a coffee chat with someone just starting their job search. I asked her, “What’s something you’re struggling with that I could help speak on?”
Without hesitation, she replied: “How do you stay encouraged during the job search — especially when it feels like everyone on LinkedIn is showing off?”
And she’s right. The pressure is real.
We’re in a time where LinkedIn culture has evolved into something that often blurs the line between inspiration and flexing. It’s one thing to share wins, celebrate milestones, or offer helpful recaps. It’s another when the underlying tone starts feeling like a competition. The number of internships you’ve had, the companies you’ve touched, or the virality of your posts shouldn’t define your worth — but when you’re on the hunt, it’s hard not to feel like you’re falling behind.
So it begs the question: Why are you really on LinkedIn?
Is it to prove something? To inspire? To genuinely connect? Or are you unknowingly turning away people who could grow with you, all while benefiting from their engagement without offering anything in return?
I don’t have all the answers, but I do know this — if you’re a new grad navigating the job search, it can feel overwhelming. What should be one of the most exciting chapters in your life — graduating, entering adulthood, starting your first job — can be clouded by economic uncertainty and a saturated market. Especially in tech, where the promise of stability, perks, and purpose has drawn in so many talented people. And yet, here you are, ready to work… but the market says wait.
And that “wait” hurts.
But I need you to remember this: delay is not denial.
You only lose when you stop trying.
You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take — not because they weren’t there, but because you didn’t give yourself the chance. Cliché? Maybe. But necessary? Absolutely.
Some people don’t find their purpose or land their dream job right away. Some pivot. Some start late. What matters is that you keep showing up — for yourself. Keep practicing. Keep learning. Even when doors close, don’t be the one telling yourself no. The world is wide enough for all of us (shoutout to Hamilton), and your time will come.
And when it does — leave the light on for the next person.
Because the season you’re in now? This is the part of your story that will resonate most. This is what you’ll look back on and say, “That’s what made me.”
So find what you love about this pursuit, and hold onto it.
This is just a storm — your rainbow comes after. And once you step into the next phase, you’ll see: everything in life moves in cycles. There’s always a new goal, a new challenge. If you got everything you wanted right now, life would lose its flavor. The chase, the wait, the resilience — it shapes you.
Keep showing up.
Don’t give yourself a permanent no.
You’re becoming someone incredible, even if it doesn’t feel like it yet.
