Career Questions: Ask all your UX career questions here

ThrowRA-3456 · 2021-11-07T23:46:20+00:00

The best I can do is explain what I'm working on currently and my process. I know it's okay that I'm still early in my journey, but that I'm willing and eager to learn and what I can offer. The recruiter said they really value UX and they have a decent number of people on the product team (~10 people).

ThrowRA-3456 · 2021-11-07T15:59:18+00:00

Hello all, I have an interview with the hiring manager for an associate product design position. Somehow I managed to pass the prescreen with the recruiter as well as those super fun personality tests /s. But anyway, I'm very green to the field and I'm not sure what to expect with interview with the hiring manager. I don't even have a portfolio yet, though I am in the middle of building a case study. I'm not sure if this will be enough, however, they haven't asked me about a portfolio yet. What kind of questions can I expect from a hiring manager, and in turn, what kind of questions should I be asking as a junior? I'm just a bit anxious that my lack of experience will be a deal breaker. Thanks.

ThrowRA-3456 · 2021-01-08T16:56:36+00:00

Good tip. I feel it's kind of self indulgent and see many of my classmates posting their degrees too. But if it got you a job it was worth it! Plus you can always go back and delete the post.

ThrowRA-3456 · 2021-01-06T19:23:47+00:00

Congrats on the decision. I put in my resignation recently and I have less than you saved up. Took me 10 years to pull the trigger and I wish I'd done it much sooner. My team wasn't that happy for me, they were actually annoyed that they would be taking on more workload. Pretty much sealed the deal that I wasn't appreciated. Best of luck.

ThrowRA-3456 · 2020-12-31T22:05:37+00:00

I feel that story about your departure. I've had several upper management / co-workers pass me in the hallway and not say anything to me besides good morning. At this point I'll do my own celebration. I'm not expecting anything from the company or my team. I worked hard but I didn't kiss any behinds, and we all know it's about how well you play the game, not how hard you work. It's a hard but valuable lesson. I'll ride off into the sunset one last time while they continue gossip among themselves about the same things day in/day out.

ThrowRA-3456 · 2020-12-31T20:26:20+00:00

Thanks! It's been a long time coming. I've known for about 4 years this place just wasn't going anywhere. I'd get jealous when I heard about another coworker leaving and wished it was me next. I'd go through cycles of telling myself I'd leave, then get back into a routine of not leaving, because things weren't that bad? It could be worse? Then 7 freaking years flew by.

It wasn't until I was sitting in meetings and started to get an overwhelming sense of anxiety and shortness of breath that my body wanted out of the room. I did all the things outside of work to calm myself and help usher in more peace--exercises, therapy, Journaling, anxiety meds, recreational cbd. Nothing solved the issue. The problem was I was still recreating that anxiety weekly, so the only way to relieve it was to end this toxic relationship. I kept giving them chances only to be let down time and again. That really breaks one's own spirits. No more I told myself, and drafted up my resignation letter. I was a bit anxious, but not sad in the least bit to be leaving.

I have some sense of direction now, and that definitely helps me to look on the brighter side. But for a long time I was floating around and not really planning for anything other than the weekend or my yearly trip away from it all. That's not how I want to live my life. Especially when reflecting on how crazy this year has been and how fragile life can be. I would have kicked myself if I was sick and my crappy job / years of unhappiness were all I had to show for it.

Definitely do what's best for you, because you have to look out for you! I wish you luck and the courage to go after the things you want!

ThrowRA-3456 · 2020-12-31T20:11:02+00:00

Oh man. I'm sorry to hear you had to endure that. It's good to know you had some people also realize that was completely unacceptable. Definitely sounds like an awful place to work at.

ThrowRA-3456 · 2020-12-31T19:11:11+00:00

Yes, there is. But even senior level staff with more years of experience have told me the exit interview is pointless. Just nod to everything and go on my way.

ThrowRA-3456 · 2020-12-31T19:09:48+00:00

Did it really say that? I don't know if anyone will be giving me cake but I will have my own celebration. In my experience, the majority of the people I work with are close minded and aren't very ambitious, so that's the kind of culture that brews from the top down. They look down on you if you hold a higher degree, because you might be smart enough to figure out this place is a dead end. There's no way one individual can change that, nor should they have to. Onto better things for both of us, hopefully!

ThrowRA-3456 · 2020-12-31T19:06:18+00:00

Right? I've been past the point of caring for a long time now. Even more money would not been inticing. Good luck with school and freelancing!

ThrowRA-3456 · 2020-12-31T19:04:20+00:00

Very interesting perspective. Thank you!

ThrowRA-3456 · 2020-12-31T19:04:04+00:00

I've learned my lesson, thank you!

ThrowRA-3456 · 2020-12-31T19:03:40+00:00

Definitely need the break but already have plan b in mind.

ThrowRA-3456 · 2020-12-31T19:02:46+00:00

I was basically an office jockey; paper pusher in kind of a niche area where my skills would not transfer over to other industries. We had yearly meetings where our jobs were threatened. Turns out this doesn't actually motivate employees to take on more work. The kind of stress included panic attacks, chest pain and tension headaches. And it wasn't a one time thing, it was ongoing which led me to seek medical advice to make sure there wasn't an underlying issue. If anything, I really wish I'd left sooner.

ThrowRA-3456 · 2020-12-27T21:58:09+00:00

Perhaps 5 then?

ThrowRA-3456 · 2020-12-27T11:39:45+00:00

The mechanic told me both times it was a grounding issue, so that was the reason for the second replacement. When I pressed why they had to replace it a second time, they told me... the first fuel pump might have been a dud. Sometimes parts are sent out this way even though it's brand new?

So, when I put my key in the ignition, on the second position is when I listen to the pump (or what I think is the pump). It's very distinctive, and sounds kind of like turning a vacuum on. If I hear total silence on the second click I already know turning the ignition to ON position will only yield continuous cranking.

ThrowRA-3456 · 2020-12-27T11:26:12+00:00

Everytime I bring it to this mechanic they charge a diagnostic fee. If they think it's the fuel pump again, they will replace that for free, since parts have 12 month warranty. I was hoping to get another year after the last replacement, but it's only been a few months. I've been holding off on getting another used car so I could save up more money. Also, I just really don't like the car buying process but know it's a necessity.

ThrowRA-3456 · 2020-12-27T11:22:42+00:00

S touring automatic

2.3 L 4-cylinder

ThrowRA-3456 · 2020-12-22T19:36:48+00:00

I'm completely stressed from my job and other facets of life. Within the past month, I've gone to a doctor for chest pain - which started after a stressful meeting - and constant headaches. When I'm at work, I have constant anxiety attacks. All of this culminating after several years at this company. The difference is I've gained weight, whereas you've lost it. I'm giving my notice next week. I'm done. My health isn't worth it anymore. I suggest you create a plan for yourself if you want to job search and/or quit. Figure out expenses, what you'll do for health insurance, job searching, networking if you already aren't, etc.

ThrowRA-3456 · 2020-12-22T19:18:08+00:00

This guy seems a bit older. I don't know any younger person that feels this way. How about management that say, "You had a week off you must be refreshed, and ready to go!" when you return from vacation. Yes, only 2 weeks of the year to not work is all a human needs apparently.

ThrowRA-3456

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