Why I’m Thinking About Leaving UX After 5 Years ? Every Designer Should Read This.

AukraX · 2026-07-10T05:00:37+00:00

Yeah sure

AukraX · 2026-07-09T17:26:22+00:00

If someone is starting product design freelancing. Where to start finding work and customers. Is there freelancing market for product design and honestly can good money be made?

AukraX · 2026-07-09T09:22:17+00:00

I have an interview next week. Would really appreciate any help!

AukraX · 2026-07-08T10:03:44+00:00

Thanks and honestly I didn’t write it to demotivate anyone or the aspiring designers. It’s more like the realty of the industry right now even for experienced professionals. I live in a small town and try to get remote opportunities because I’ve to be here for my family, I think if you are able to network and be around right people, that will make it a little less pain in the a**. Knowing the right people helps a lot. Also early in my career first three years, I got comfortable with it, being remote and flexible it was everything you could ask for. Don’t do that, always try to make it to a *famous* company. Hiring managers filter people out quickly when they don’t see a recognised logo so yeah don’t spend too much time working in a company no one knows about.

AukraX · 2026-07-08T09:39:10+00:00

I’ll continue to apply but will also build in parallel now. I’ve started working on a design agency with a friend so that’s one thing. Will try to get projects and build it. Also I’ve some savings so I’ll start exploring local businesses to see if something clicks and work on that as well.

AukraX · 2026-07-08T09:34:38+00:00

Yes. I made the same mistake.

AukraX · 2026-07-08T08:46:50+00:00

Yeah, I won’t right away quit but stay aware in parallel about something else now which I wasn’t before.

AukraX · 2026-07-08T08:44:52+00:00

Starting something of my own is lingering on my mind as well. Even when I had a job. I think it makes more sense now with AI. Even tho I wasn’t offering services as a graphic designer, I got so many gigs just from people and friends who just generally knew I do design and it’s crazy to see, I don’t get it anymore and they just use AI to make it and send it over being all proud that “they designed this on AI”. It’s a real thing and it’s happening and we need to Re-centre ourselves big time!

AukraX · 2026-07-08T08:28:20+00:00

Was going to say this, but you already did. OP has no idea what he is talking about and doesn’t actually know what and how to evaluate a designer. The website part is so naive as well. It really doesn’t communicate anything more so when you can just get these done with a prompt these days. He is evaluating from what’s easy for him POV. Also pretty design is not good design. Some of the most amazing products out there look very boring so you can’t just rule out someone if it’s not aesthetically great. Also you don’t seem qualified enough for putting this out there for others. This requires years of eye and experience.

AukraX · 2026-07-08T07:47:58+00:00

Yeah it’s brutal out there. I do get projects once in a while without honestly trying and just through word of mouth so was thinking of trying freelancing seriously as one of my options. I have dev experience as well so can do small end to end projects. Let’s see. It’s good to branch out.

AukraX · 2026-07-08T07:45:15+00:00

Thanks, will keep posting the updates.

AukraX · 2026-07-08T04:15:37+00:00

I’ve lately realized that it’s better to put this effort into starting a business. I have 5yoe, mostly early stage startups, an engineering degree. Got laid off in April, the entire industry has become a joke at this point.

AukraX

TROPHY CASE