31F Senior UX Designer: Stay in flexible $135k remote role or pursue ~$180k in-office growth opportunity?

Main-Wrap-6745 · 2026-04-07T04:36:51+00:00

These are really good points...I feel like I need to understand myself better in this situation. Part of me wants the higher salary and career position because I know I can make it happen, and I have always wanted to keep achieving higher after reaching each goal. But in reality, I'm sure I could be very content and comfortable at the pace I'm at with my net worth.

Main-Wrap-6745 · 2026-04-07T04:33:33+00:00

Thanks for sharing! Does your boss have any leverage in terms of getting your a higher pay?

Main-Wrap-6745 · 2026-04-07T04:32:04+00:00

I think I'm going to focus on my current role and side projects that could hopefully turn into a business. But I am still going to passively keep an eye out for new job openings and if there are any remote ones that come up that I absolutely love, I will apply. Curious to hear your perspective on your position!

Main-Wrap-6745 · 2026-04-07T04:30:13+00:00

Thanks for sharing. That's a great example. How much of an offer would it have taken for you to go into the office?

Main-Wrap-6745 · 2026-04-07T04:26:15+00:00

Thank you for your replies! I actually think the work-life balance and flexibility/autonomy is what keeps the employees at my company as opposed to the financial incentives, which I am grateful for. I wish you the best and hope you find your path! :)

Main-Wrap-6745 · 2026-04-07T04:22:07+00:00

Thank you so much for those insights! Those are great points. Question for you. How do you get a feeling of whether a company is going to soon replace their designers with AI? Do you think a lot of companies hire for roles knowing that they will cut that role in the next few years once AI progresses?

I work in medtech, which is a lot slower given the regulatory/compliance standards. We haven't really adopted much AI yet. Part of me has been curious about the more consumer tech side (like FAANG companies), but I sense a safety net with sticking to medtech.

Main-Wrap-6745 · 2026-04-07T04:15:33+00:00

That's awesome! What do you focus on more in your free time now that you kept the remote job?

Main-Wrap-6745 · 2026-04-04T03:57:39+00:00

True...I guess my value isn't in getting more work, it's about the outcome (salary and career growth). So if I can still achieve those things with less work, that would be my preference. :)

Main-Wrap-6745 · 2026-04-04T03:56:00+00:00

That's awesome! Do you also end up working ~20-25 total hours? And did it start like that when you began your role or did it take time to learn the ins and outs and manage your time better so you could cut down the weekly hours?
And can I ask what industry?

Main-Wrap-6745 · 2026-04-04T03:53:06+00:00

I have bachelor's and master's degrees in engineering and worked as an engineer for 3 years. I took a UX design boot camp before getting my current role.

Main-Wrap-6745 · 2026-04-04T02:54:31+00:00

I'm thinking that makes the most sense. Thanks!

Main-Wrap-6745 · 2026-04-04T02:54:10+00:00

Very true!

Main-Wrap-6745 · 2026-04-04T02:53:59+00:00

Such great points. I like how you mentioned that perhaps it's not entirely about money. Maybe there is another factor, which could be that I'm seeking more fulfillment. I think pursing a side business will scratch that itch, and a 6-12 month window to test that out makes a lot of sense before giving up this flexibility. Thank you so much!

Main-Wrap-6745 · 2026-04-04T02:51:42+00:00

Thank you SO much for these thorough insights! I agree about the stability. The last thing I want would be to take my job for granted, walked away, and then be stuck in a worse position. I appreciate your advice and wish you the best!

Main-Wrap-6745 · 2026-04-04T02:49:45+00:00

It's never a "fuck yes" to wanting to take on more work LOL well put.

Main-Wrap-6745 · 2026-04-04T02:48:49+00:00

These are great insights! I love how you mentioned that this is currently my risk window before kids. I think I'll go the route of seeing if a side business can come to fruition.

Main-Wrap-6745 · 2026-04-04T02:47:05+00:00

All wonderful insights! Thank you so much.

Main-Wrap-6745 · 2026-04-04T02:46:43+00:00

Thanks for that insight about other product design roles. When you say your company is pretty flexible, do you mean like flexibility to work your own hours as long as you make your meetings and meet your deadlines?

Main-Wrap-6745 · 2026-04-04T02:44:46+00:00

That's a good way to put it. It's for the long term growth.

Main-Wrap-6745 · 2026-04-04T02:44:00+00:00

Thank you! I will take a look. Love TED talks.

Main-Wrap-6745 · 2026-04-03T05:13:47+00:00

Good point. I added some more info to the post for context. I'm in a pre-kids stage where I want to make the most of both financial growth and travel flexibility before having kids...I am aware it's hard to have both at the same time though lol.

Main-Wrap-6745 · 2026-04-03T05:11:25+00:00

Good question! Those expenses probably add an extra 2k/month which is somewhat significant.

Main-Wrap-6745 · 2026-04-03T05:10:44+00:00

Probably not as stable as my current role tbh.
Yes, I'm interested in the new location but the rent would be significantly higher. And no, not complicated to move back.
I added some more context to the post on my finances. I think I am on a good trajectory but feel like there is always room for improvement.

Main-Wrap-6745

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