3 Reasons Why I Closed My LinkedIn Account

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Last updated 15 September 2017

I opened another LinkedIn account in September 2017. I'm looking into other career options and it seems like LinkedIn is a good way to network. I wish LinkedIn had an option where you could take a break.

Closing my account
I closed LinkedIn in September 2014 wary of what would happen when I deleted over 2,000 contacts and 3 dozen recommendations. Now nine months later, I have no regrets and feel less stressed thanks to backing away from social media. There were 3 reasons why I decided to close my LinkedIn account.

1. Spam: It came in many different forms. There were people selling gold, asking for dates, and just random "just my business" spam. I didn't want to deal with any of it.
2. Privacy: Lack of privacy was a big issue. Although I was partly to blame since I had so many contacts and had added my information, I wanted to get away from it and protect myself. I don't think everyone needed to know where I went to school, where I had worked, or what conferences I had been to.
3. No leads: I had originally joined LinkedIn in order to network and learn about jobs. The only job offers I had were from pyramid scheme or multi-level marketing.

LinkedIn Isn't the End All
Some people never had a LI account. Others have decided that they'd had enough and closed theirs.

• Chris Brogan closed his in 2012.
• Doug Belshaw closed and then re-opened his account.
• Finding the Forest listed a number of issues leading to why they closed their account. 
• Heather Bussing from HR Examiner closed her account.
• Simply Zesty closed theirs in 2011.

There are plenty of ways to network and get good jobs without using LinkedIn.

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