My biggest Regret- starting a UI/UX career in 2023
This title is misleading, I should word it better. I shouldn't have started a career in UI/UX in 2023.
The second title is not any better than the first. And yes, it is misleading because I don’t regret starting a UI/UX career in 2023.
A few days back, I came across an article written in 2022 by LLMA Andrade titled;
The title looks discouraging, but I promise you, it is a good read, Especially for newbies. This article stems from that. The writer summarised the real deal about industry saturation and some important aspects you should know as a newbie.
The deeper I go into familiarising myself with the design industry, the more these articles, newsletters, and talks of how saturated the UI/UX industry is, how jobs are hard to find, and so on keep popping up. While it is true, I don’t think I am the only one genuinely tired of hearing it, mainly because I have barely done anything with my career, and this is happening? to be honest, it is demotivating and sucks all the effort to do better out of you, especially if you are new to the industry like me. I am not saying it should not be talked about, but tone it down a little will you? Regardless of all this- I do not let it deter me because while all this is true, I know it does not apply to everybody. The industry might be saturated, especially for entry levels but there are ways, and it does not mean I can not find a way to make it happen for me- I just need to set a few guidelines to follow and everything will be set.
Why did you start Design?
For most of us, money is the reason. For some, it is peer pressure. And for some, it’s the result of the recent tech wave from influencers marketing the tech industry with enticing pay, perks, and cool workspaces. But really, why did you start a UI/UX career? Will you be happy doing it for the rest of your life? If or when the money comes, will you still enjoy it? What if the money doesn’t come what then?
In the months following my learning, like every gullible newbie, I thought after six months I would get a job or freelance and earn lots of money, buy all the gadgets I wanted, and take care of my family. But after months of learning and research, I understood how much I love designing even though I did not earn a penny from it, I found passion in playing with colors, pushing pixels, and writing about tech, and I let it be my new motivation. I now design because I want to, I enjoy doing and getting a kick out of it (money will be good at this rate though)
When I realized this, I decided I wouldn’t apply for a job until I am sure I am so good that companies would have no option but to hire me. And almost a year later, I still have not applied for a job. I have yet to work on my portfolio. I have just been learning and doing some more learning. Because the truth is there are jobs out there, but mostly senior positions, but when you are good, they will not have an option but to give you that job. So yes understand and re-evaluate why you are doing this and work out a plan.
Tech is hard
Anyone who tells you otherwise is lying to you. Coding is hard, designing is hard, technical writing is hard. It doesn't come as easy and fast like you are made to believe, and most times, it is not pushing pixels or codes that is hard. It is the struggle that comes with job hunts, finding a workplace balance, and lack of funds, because I guarantee you the money, doesn't come easy, the constant frustration and wondering if you are good enough or will ever be good enough. Not everyone will make it through this means and it is okay just understand that tech is what it is and know when to hold on or let go.
Learn other design-related fields
Don’t just hang up on learning interfaces or user experience. Learn design thinking, strategy, and copywriting, and so on. This will keep you one step ahead of your counterpart because, in the real world, companies are more concerned with what will bring them profit and money than how you used gradients and shadows (It still is important) You do not necessarily have to be perfect in all these having an idea about it is sometimes enough and you will be surprised how much the industry will not be saturated for YOU when you do.
Research
I am very big on research. I will always tell you to research before doing anything. In this instance keep up to date with industry trends, find out about the industry as much as you can, attend conferences if you can, join communities and understand guidelines, and be up to date with everything design and be in the loop for any change and process.
Unrealistic Job standards
I sometimes see a job description and I think this is ridiculous. I have seen a company job list for an entry-level with 2 years of experience if that is not unrealistic I don’t know what is. While this is not fair to the newbies I understand the companies are not looking to train and then have them leave for greener pastures and sometimes this year’s of experience is just a ruse. Don’t let it deter you go ahead and apply, your work will speak for you.
The most important thing in all this is to know what you want, work towards it, and be good at what you do.
