The Challenge

The imbalance of professionals versus available quality positions has led to intense competition and limited opportunities for many.

Will this situation persist? — While we hope for improvement and have optimistic forecasts for UX Designers, significant changes may take time, particularly concerning UX maturity.

> The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 16% growth in employment for web developers and digital designers from 2022 to 2032, outpacing other career fields.

Another issue lies in the disparity between expectations and reality within the UX Design profession. This can often be attributed to the varying levels of UX maturity in companies and inadequate preparation from bootcamps for newcomers.

Although there are strategies to combat burnout, job search difficulties, juggling multiple responsibilities, and low pay, for some, it might already be too late.

“We gotta pay our bills and take care of our minds today.”

People can't afford to wait for the market to improve. Even with hopes for a brighter future, financial responsibilities remain. UX Designers deserve fulfilling jobs without the threat of burnout.

First, let’s acknowledge that change is acceptable.

If you've been in this field for a while and feel ready to "give up," know that you have not failed! If you dedicated time to learn the principles of UX, design thinking, research, UI design, and related skills, you haven't failed.

• Not landing a job.
• Finding it unfulfilling.
• Securing a role but with inadequate pay.
• Experiencing burnout that led you to leave.
• Facing job insecurity amidst layoffs.

Let’s be frank: this is not a failure!

Whether you are looking to take a break from UX or shift to another field entirely, your efforts thus far are not in vain and will not go to waste.

> The sunk cost fallacy This cognitive bias leads individuals to continue investing time, effort, or money into an endeavor because of past investments, even when the outcome may not be favorable.

You’ve done well; you’ve broadened your perspective and gained new insights. Your understanding of the world has likely grown, and whatever path you choose next will benefit from your UX expertise.

You’ve developed as a professional, regardless of your next steps. You’ve shown adaptability and a willingness to learn, which is exactly what companies seek in employees. This adaptability is a valuable soft skill.

For those who have been in UX for a while and feel drained or stagnant, it’s important to recognize that while some tasks may be unenjoyable, they shouldn’t be the norm. If your career no longer brings satisfaction, consider embracing the freedom to explore new opportunities.

Later, we will discuss the motivations behind the desire to change careers and how to navigate this process.

Changing careers multiple times will soon be the norm—there’s nothing wrong with that!

While making a career transition, you can:

• Gradually shift while keeping your current job.
• Save up and take the leap to quit.
• (If burnout is a concern, consult a mental health professional before resigning; a friend of mine received two months of paid leave after seeking help.)

I firmly believe that curiosity is inherent to us as humans; we thrive on learning new skills. Our work journey shapes us into knowledgeable and skilled individuals.

Before making any drastic changes, reflect on the reasons behind your decision. It may simply require a change in perspective or networking to secure a position at a better company. Every career path comes with its own set of challenges.

From personal experience, having switched industries throughout my life, I find immense value in exploring diverse fields. Each experience teaches me more about myself, and I can confidently share:

UI/UX Design can be particularly challenging.

> This is especially true for those working in companies with low UX maturity.

Often, your work is compared to that of others, and those unfamiliar with the field may provide unconstructive feedback without understanding the context. You may be asked to discard significant amounts of work due to arbitrary decisions. This can be mentally taxing!

In my 16 years of professional experience, I've never had to invest effort into something that would ultimately go to waste. No salary would ever compensate for discarding my creativity, time, and hard work without justification.

This practice can erode self-esteem, making individuals feel inadequate and increasingly small over time.

The main issue arises from the misconception that such experiences are unique to them, which is far from the truth.

You might argue:

> But Ilma, it’s about defending your ideas and persuading others regarding UX decisions.

I agree, and while this approach works for some organizations, not all are open to such changes. Achieving results and measurable outcomes may require time in certain contexts. Not every issue is a simple landing page or app design that can be quickly A/B tested.

Do you know anyone in tech or any other field constantly needing to justify their work? I’ve never encountered this outside of UX.

Regardless of your attitude, you will inevitably become weary of the situation.

Why Are UX Designers Quitting or Changing Careers?