Trendy Era of UI/UX Design Career is Fading Away
Two years ago, starting with Google’s UX certification in my hand — in the midst of my Graphic Design career, a profound encounter with a UI/UX Designer ignited a transformative conversation. With conviction, they remarked,
“Consider delving into the UI/UX Design domain; it offers far greater financial rewards.”
At that juncture, I respectfully declined. My unwavering self-awareness guided me — I refused to pursue endeavors solely for monetary gains. Transitioning from a seasoned freelance Landscape Photographer to a Graphic Designer had ingrained a crucial lesson:
prioritize fulfillment over affluence.
Unaware of the burgeoning trend in UI/UX Design, I remained oblivious to the concept of “trendy professions.”
My epiphany regarding a passion for UX Design dawned during tasks like constructing my blog’s website, customizing it per my vision, crafting web landing pages for freelance clients, delving into Web & Mobile Graphic Design, and providing UX insights, testing, and solutions for clients like UNIQLO. These experiences, post app-launch, unraveled the allure of the UX sphere for me.
“The UX career frenzy has plateaued, besieged by a surfeit of substandard and inadequately trained professionals.”
A YouTube discourse by Wesley Hong, a seasoned US-based senior UX Designer, eloquently expounded on the waning allure of UX Design. His pragmatic observations resonated deeply, especially concerning the glut of bootcamps promising swift transitions into UX careers for exorbitant fees, misleadingly guaranteeing job placements.
“The surge in UX popularity during the COVID era spawned a deluge of aspirants seeking careers as Designers and Developers, flaunting their lives on social media platforms.”
Consequently, a proliferation of online bootcamps ensued, touting flashy programs to lure students. While a few upheld quality, many raced to capitalize on the trend, churning out low-caliber courses. Subsequently, a wave of graduates flooded the market, scrambling for entry-level roles. Initially, breaking in seemed facile, but now, compounded by layoffs, the landscape is bleak.
“In the midst of despair, a beacon of hope persists for fervent UX enthusiasts.”
While the entry-level UX job market appears chaotic, Wesley Hong’s encouragement resonated. The demise of UX Design hype signals the resilience of those committed to improving and evolving within the field, fortifying their determination and expertise.
“The truth of the design world reveals itself starkly — autonomy dissipates, subject to multitudinous considerations and critiques.”
Understanding oneself is an art — a life mission. For me, personality tests, introspection on childhood passions, and candid discussions with seasoned UX professionals illuminated the reality of a UX Designer’s vocation. I realized that merely observing glossy portrayals on social media isn’t a reflection of the actual challenges one faces in this field.
“Let’s foster optimism, unwavering dedication, continuous learning, and diligent work toward our true passions. Eventually, the right opportunity will manifest at the opportune moment!” ✨
