How Your Ego Is Costing You Job Opportunities in 2026
What if I told you that your ego is costing you job opportunities? Not your lack of skills or experience or whatever else you believe is holding you back.
If you’re thinking, "My ego? That couldn’t be me! I'm humble. I don't have an ego problem," then here’s the surprise—you're exactly the person I'm talking to.
After 20 years as a career coach and working with thousands of professionals, I can confidently say that 2025 and 2026 have brought us one of the worst job markets I've seen in my entire career. But here's what's interesting: some people are still landing great opportunities, even in this terrible market. Want to know their secret? They've learned how to set their ego aside and do what actually works.
The Ego Problem You Don't Know You Have
When I talk about ego in the context of job searching, I'm not referring to arrogance or thinking you're better than everyone else. I'm talking about that sneaky little voice in your head that gives you a million excuses for why you shouldn't do the things you know you probably should be doing.
That voice sounds rational. It sounds protective. But really? It's just fear dressed up as logic.
As humans, we're hardwired to avoid rejection, failure, and social ostracism. Our brains are literally designed to keep us safe from perceived threats. And in 2026, one of the biggest "threats" your ego sees? Putting yourself out there on LinkedIn.
Welcome to the Quiet Hiring Era
Here's what most job seekers don't understand about today's market: companies aren't publicly posting jobs the way they used to. We've entered what I call the "quiet hiring era."
Recruiters have openings, but instead of posting them online and dealing with hundreds of unqualified applications, they're quietly searching LinkedIn for the right candidates. They're looking for people who show up in their searches. AKA the people who are visible, active, and demonstrating their expertise.
The formula is simple: It's not who you know anymore. It's who knows you.
If you're not visible on LinkedIn, you won't get found. Period. You could be the perfect candidate for dozens of jobs right now, but if recruiters can't find you, those opportunities will go to someone else.
Why Your Ego Is Holding You Back
I hear the same objections constantly:
"What will my friends think?" "My family will judge me." "My colleagues will think I'm desperate." "I don't want to look like a narcissist." "Posting about myself feels icky."
Every single one of these thoughts? That's your ego talking. That's the alarm system in your brain screaming at you to stay hidden, stay safe, don't risk rejection.
But here's the truth your ego doesn't want you to know: there's a system and a process for posting on LinkedIn that doesn't make you look desperate or narcissistic. You can document your knowledge, share valuable insights, and feed LinkedIn's algorithm in a way that feels authentic and professional.
The people who are getting hired right now have figured this out. They've put their ego aside and committed to showing up, even when it feels uncomfortable.
The Cost of Staying Invisible
While your ego protects you from the imaginary judgment of others, you're paying a real price. You're spending hours applying to jobs online, many of which are fake postings or already filled. You're wondering why you're not getting callbacks. You're watching less qualified people land opportunities.
Meanwhile, the professionals who are visible on LinkedIn are getting contacted by recruiters, building valuable connections, and creating opportunities that never hit the job boards.
It's Time to Put Your Ego Aside
Look, I get it. Putting yourself out there is uncomfortable. But you have a choice: you can let your ego keep you comfortable and unemployed, or you can get uncomfortable for a little while and start creating real opportunities.
The job market isn't going to change to accommodate your comfort level. You have to adapt to the market we're actually in, not the one you wish existed.
Ready to Take Action?
If you've made it this far, I'm guessing you're ready to put your ego aside and do what it takes to land your next opportunity. I want to help you.
I offer free live group coaching calls where you can get your questions answered and learn exactly how to post on LinkedIn in a way that doesn't feel icky. You'll see real examples, get feedback, and start understanding what actually works in today's job market. Just provide your email address, and I'll send you a notification 60 minutes before each session, plus the recording if you can't make it live. Sign up HERE.
The professionals who are winning in this market aren't smarter than you, and they don't have better qualifications. They've just learned to recognize when their ego is holding them back—and they've chosen to push through it anyway.
Will you join them?
J.T. O’Donnell
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