Bursting the bubble

Working for Apple, Google, Amazon, or Netflix used to be a dream for many designers.
Many say the best part about a corporate job is the stability.

Well, think again - especially in junior roles thousands are being fired every year and it’s only accelerating.
When I asked people on X lately what they think will happen to UX in 2024 the majority (44.7%) said it will grow.

To some extent that may be the case, but it’s just January and already there have been multiple layoffs in all those big brands.
So we can do wishful thinking and hope for the best but that’s a pretty stupid strategy.

Sailing the rough seas

Here’s what to do instead:
Start off doing work for nonprofits and on freelance sites. Sure - it’s low money or even completely free but you gain experience.

This is how I started.
Then start your own company and the more work you do the more clients will come to you. It builds up slowly and it’s tough at first but being your own boss is THE WAY to go.

At least you’re 100% in control of your destiny instead of some Excel spreadsheet in a big corp that says people in that column need to be fired.

Go do it!

Community Says

• kqlona: I'm 17 going for architecture and also leaning towards UX as better pay. Is it worth starting early now (I'm already doing the Google certificate) or leaving it for a later time?

• Michal Malewicz: Better now than later for sure as it will only be harder. However, if you're doing regular architecture (and not interior design which is more risky) then money will be better in architecture than in UX down the road.

• jsadir30: I’m flexible with this approach. You can still have a worthwhile career and not work at a big company, as sometimes working for FAANG might not be for everyone. Don’t get me wrong, working for those companies and having them on your resume is great to land more jobs easily. But hey, success is different for everyone

• Michal Malewicz: There are some companies for which having FAANG on a resume is actually a red flat - there was a whole story about it on TechCrunch a while back. Generally, any kind of experience is good, but my point is that these jobs aren't "safe and stable" as many people believe.

• 3aishaaam: I think UX is going to grow to something more strategic away from UX. The new role would need a UX mindset embedded into the company's business.

• Michal Malewicz: There will definitely be some strategy shift but the current trend is sadly going more towards optimisation at all costs. At some point, it will have to reverse itself though.

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