LinkedIn Is My Tinder: A Mid-Career Survival Story

Are you one of those mid-life, mid-career IT professionals like me? Then you probably know the feeling — sitting in a meeting, trying to decode Gen Z slang while pretending you totally get it.

Every time a teammate drops a phrase like “rizz” or “no cap,” I quietly reach for my phone, open Ask Anything Gemini, and type:

“What does this Gen Z slang mean?”

Recently, someone called me an OG.

I nearly spilled my coffee.

“OG? Does that mean ‘Older Generation’? Is it that obvious?”

But then I remembered — I just colored my hair last weekend. The selfie cam on my dated Android confirmed it: I looked fresh.

Gemini reassured me:

“OG means Original Gangster.”

Phew. Not bad. Who doesn’t want to be called a gangster?

While I’m decoding slang, I notice my younger teammates scrolling vigorously, giggling, and swiping like their lives depend on it. And I overhear phrases like:

“This guy has abs and a crypto startup!”

“She’s into pottery and podcasts!”

“Omg, he’s verified on Bumble!”

I sip my coffee, adjust my glasses, and — not wanting to be called an OG again — I start scrolling too.

Not on Tinder. Not on Bumble. And definitely not Shaadi.com.

I open LinkedIn.

That’s the only place I want to swipe, be accepted, and get matched.

I spot a profile:

PMP certified. 15+ years in cloud architecture. 20 mutual connections. Just liked my post. Hiring for a Director role.

I don’t waste a second.

I swipe right — professionally.

In my head, I’m already being interviewed in his plush office.

The only sweet voice I want to hear now is from HR saying:

“Hi Smitha, saw your profile. Are you open to new opportunities?”

I found the match I was looking for.

I smirk.

LinkedIn is my Tinder.

Forget roses. I want recommendations.

#CorporateSwipeCulture

#Mykindofmatch

#SwipeRightForOpportunities