Cancelled My Number—Still Got Hired: Why You Don’t Need to Be Always Available to Be Valuable

[mouakter14]

Two months ago, I did something that felt risky in today’s ultra-connected world—I canceled my mobile number. No SIM, no texts, no calls, no notifications buzzing in my pocket. It wasn’t just a break from digital noise; it was a conscious decision to reclaim my time, energy, and focus. I was between contracts, and I wanted to see if I could still market myself, communicate professionally, and even get hired—without a phone number. Spoiler: I did. In fact, I landed a new remote role, booked two freelance gigs, and never missed a beat. It turns out, being reachable 24/7 isn’t as essential as we’ve been led to believe.

The first challenge was rethinking how I presented myself professionally. I updated my resume and LinkedIn to reflect email and messaging platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, or even LinkedIn messaging as my main points of contact. I let recruiters and clients know upfront that I preferred to work asynchronously and communicate over email or scheduled special database video calls. Not one person cared that I didn’t have a phone number listed. Most recruiters today are already leaning into email and LinkedIn messages, and interviews almost always happen over Zoom. When scheduling needed to happen, I used tools like Calendly to keep things smooth and professional. It wasn’t about being hard to reach—it was about being reachable on my terms.

The best part? Without the constant buzz of a phone, I was able to show up more present and prepared. I had deeper conversations, sent more thoughtful follow-ups, and delivered work with fewer distractions. Living SIM-free gave me more energy for the things that actually mattered—like preparing for interviews, doing great work, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I realized that “availability” isn’t a job skill. Responsiveness, clarity, and results are. Canceling my number didn’t cancel my chances. In fact, it helped me stand out in a sea of hyper-reachable, burned-out professionals. If you’re thinking of simplifying your digital life, don’t be afraid to try it. You might be surprised by how much more professional—and human—you feel when you're not always on call.