The Case for Unconnecting: Letting Go to Move Forward

In this age of constant networking, the pressure to grow your LinkedIn connections can feel like a numbers game. New job? Connect. Met in a meeting once? Connect. Someone referred you to someone who knows someone? Connect.

But what happens when a connection no longer serves you—not just professionally, but energetically? What about the people who don’t advocate for you, who ghosted when you needed support, or who made it clear (in action or energy) that they were never really in your corner?

Let’s talk about unconnecting.

Connections Should Carry Value.

When you build a network, you’re not just stacking digital business cards. You’re creating a professional circle that ideally reflects trust, support, shared values, and opportunities for mutual growth. But over time, some of those connections might no longer align. And worse—some might actively bring negative energy into your space.

We rarely talk about the emotional weight of staying connected to people out of obligation. People who you know caused you harm, professionally or personally. People who operate in ways that conflict with your values. People who never rooted for you in the first place.

Unconnecting Isn’t Petty—It’s Powerful

Unconnecting is not about revenge. It’s about release.

It’s a quiet but intentional decision to say: “I don’t need to carry this energy with me anymore.”

Whether it’s an ex-manager who undermined you, a peer who competed instead of collaborating, or someone who was only connected to keep tabs, there’s power in making room for what’s aligned with who you are now.

How to Do It Thoughtfully

Pause before you purge: Ask yourself—does this connection reflect support, opportunity, and good energy? If not, it’s okay to release it.

No announcement needed: Unconnecting isn’t a broadcast moment. It’s an internal boundary.

Make space, don’t burn bridges: You’re not making enemies—you’re just no longer giving a front-row seat to people who don’t add value to your journey.

A Network Should Nourish You

At the end of the day, your digital circle should feel like a space where you’re seen, supported, and safe to grow. That doesn’t mean everyone has to be your cheerleader, but it does mean you don’t owe anyone access to you—especially if their presence is tied to old pain or stagnant energy.

Sometimes the most courageous career move you can make isn’t adding someone.

It’s knowing when to click “remove connection.”