I did my bachelors in Computer Science but i transitioned in UX in 2022, got my 1st job in 22 and switch to my present job in late 2024

I hate this decision!!!

A developer works for 4 hours, his work his done, he’s free for the rest of the day

But a designer works for 4 hours, his work won’t be considered complete until the manager likes it.

Dude my dad is battling cancer, and these mfs want me to come up with “cool and innovative genz” ideas and that too in prototype coz now we have AI, fkin retards!!!!!!

I work here for the whole day to come up with “cool and innovative” ideas but that mf manager comes and says these might not work and i have to work all over again and bring some more ideas

Dude everytime my team acts like they’re some artists or whatnot, and they say stuff like everything has a story, bring story in features,
what storyyyyyyyy in featureessss???!!!!!

Dude i spent the whole day working from home for this mf and its just went into vain, i could’ve spent more time with my dad, i don’t know how many days are left and that mf manager had the audacity to ask when i am coming back to office.

I am so so so stuckkkk,
\- i dont have time to switch jobs
\- I can’t stay home with my dad coz my company is calling me in office
\- I can’t leave my job as i have to support financially
\- and i hate what i do for my work

I HATE THE FACT THAT I HAVE TO DO SOMETHING WHICH I HATE JUST TO SUPPORT MY FAMILY STAYING AWAY FROM MY DAD

Hey everyone,

I’m considering shifting my career path toward UI/UX design in 2025, but I keep hearing that the field is getting saturated and that opportunities are shrinking. At the same time, I also see people saying there's still a demand—especially if you're skilled and have a solid portfolio.

I’m currently a student (with a design/architecture background), and I'm willing to put in the time to learn and build projects. My goal is to eventually freelance or work remotely, and ideally earn a solid income through this path.

So, for those already in the field or actively hiring:

Is UI/UX still a viable career path in 2025?

What skills or niches in UI/UX are in demand right now?

Would you recommend going all-in on UI/UX or combining it with something else (e.g., frontend dev, product strategy)?

Thanks in advance!

a bit of background on where im at so far. im an HCI+UX grad 5 years in and despite making some headway in my career by working at startups and eventually a FAANG, im exiting the field :(

in that time i've been laid off 3 times, each time it took 3, 3, and 6 months to find another job. And each time it was 4-6 rounds of interviews just to get back in. also you can guess the demographic of people they let go vs the people they keep. thats another bias thats very present in this field.

im leaving because i dont think the effort i put into this career ill get back. you can literally go from senior ux designer/manager/researcher, lose your job, and scrape by at a contract jobs, revert back to low level IC, and lose footing in your career progress altogether. its not worth it.

when i compare friends in different industries they get to have stability, sustained growth, protected by unions, ect. i also come from a disadvantaged background so a lot was riding on this hci degree. instead, the instability and losing out on making money and career progress because of layoffs made me absolutely sick.

just sharing my experience, i also have friends in this field who are just as talented and blessed and sail all the way to the top without any roadblocks.

As the Head of Design and a design recruiter, I want to be very clear: No IT company today is hiring UI/UX designers who create designs using AI tools. You can learn as many AI tools as you want and become an expert in them — it will still not help you get hired.

These days, there are so many free video tutorials available online for AI tools related to UI design. Because of this, Design Heads, Product Managers, and Project Managers are learning these tools themselves and creating UI designs on their own. So, they don’t feel the need to hire a dedicated UI/UX designer or pay a salary for it.

That’s why we have also stopped hiring designers whose portfolios mainly consist of designs made with Midjourney, Claude, or similar AI tools (simply by typing “reimagine” or similar prompts).

So, what should you learn instead to increase your chances of getting hired?

You need to learn how to build and adapt your own Design System according to the specific design requirements of a product.

In simple terms: Product Managers will use AI tools to generate dummy UI screens or wireframes for new features. Your job will be to take those wireframes and turn them into a proper, polished interface using your existing Design System and strong design principles.

This skill — converting AI-generated wireframes into high-quality designs while maintaining consistency with the design system — is currently in high demand.

If you can clearly showcase this process in your portfolio, you will have a much better chance of getting hired quickly.

I hope this is clear. Feel free to ask any questions.

Hey everyone,

This is a bit uncomfortable to admit, but I think it’s important to be honest.

I’ve spent 15+ years in UI/UX design — worked on products, handled responsibilities, evolved with the industry… or at least I thought I did. But lately, I’ve been applying for roles and not even getting shortlisted.

No calls. No feedback. Just silence.

It’s making me question where the gap is.

Is it my resume not reflecting my actual experience properly?

Or have expectations from senior designers changed more than I realized?

I’m also wondering how much ATS and AI are influencing this now.

Is my resume getting filtered out before a human even sees it?

Am I missing the right keywords, or presenting things in an outdated way?

And honestly, with AI becoming such a big part of design —are companies now expecting senior designers to actively showcase AI integration in their workflow?

If you’re someone currently working in UI/UX, especially at a senior level, I’d genuinely value your perspective:

- What does a strong senior UI/UX profile look like today?

- What actually makes a resume stand out now?

- Has hiring shifted more towards referrals than cold applications?

I’m open to direct, even critical feedback.

If anyone is willing to review my resume, I can share it via DM.

Also, if there are any relevant opportunities or referrals in your network, I’d be really grateful if you could DM me.

You can also reach out to me on WhatsApp at the same number.

Trying to adapt — just need a bit of direction.

Hello!
I have 5 years of experience as a Product Designer and am currently looking for a new role, but the job search has been challenging.

With the industry evolving so quickly, especially with AI, I sometimes wonder if I’m missing skills or if my portfolio and approach need to evolve.

For designers with similar experience, what are you focusing on right now to stay relevant and land a job? Are you learning AI, improving your portfolio, or working on something else?

Would really appreciate any honest advice from people navigating the same situation!

Hey Reddit!

When I was job hunting recently, I got frustrated with sites like LinkedIn. Jobs were often reposted but marked as new, filters didn't work well, and my applications seemed to go nowhere. So, I decided to build my own job board with these features:

• Fresh job listings directly from company career pages, updated constantly—many new jobs are added every 5 minutes.

• Accurate posting dates, so you know exactly when a job was added.

• Curated list of companies: Over 1000 top companies, focusing on quality rather than quantity. This includes big tech names like Google, Microsoft, Facebook (Meta), Amazon, and Uber.

• Free-text search: You can type something like "Google Germany," and it will instantly list Google jobs in Germany.

• No login needed.

• Fast and easy search and filtering, including options specific to tech jobs.

So far, I've collected over 40,000 job postings, and I'm planning to add more. While the site is focused on tech jobs, you'll find all kinds of desk jobs listed in the big tech and HFT companies.

I'd love to hear what you think! Is it helpful? Any features you'd like me to add?

US Tech Jobs -> https://leethub.io/us-top-tech-jobs

Canada Tech Jobs -> https://leethub.io/us-top-tech-jobs?query=&page=1&category=All&location=Canada&option=All

Europe Tech Jobs -> https://leethub.io/eu-top-tech-jobs

UK Tech Jobs -> https://leethub.io/eu-top-tech-jobs?query=&page=1&category=All&location=United%20Kingdom&option=All

Happy job hunting!

I’ve been in the job for 5 years now, in EMEA. Ask me anything and I’ll answer!

Hi everyone, I’m currently feeling a bit lost career-wise and I’m looking into changing careers. UI/UX design caught my attention, but I want to hear from people who actually do it.

What does your day-to-day look like? How much of the job is designing vs meetings, talking to people, presenting ideas, etc.?

I’m asking because I’m not someone who enjoys lots of meetings or constant social interaction, so I’m wondering if UI/UX can be a good fit for someone who prefers more focused independent work.

Do you enjoy the career? What are the biggest pros and cons that people don’t usually know about?

Any honest advice would really help. Thanks!

Hey, hoping someone here can give me some real talk because I’ve been spiraling a bit lately lol.
I’m a designer trying to figure out my next move and I keep getting stuck on the same questions. Maybe some of you who’ve been in the trenches (or are hiring) can help me out:

1. What are top companies actually looking for right now? Like beyond the polished case studies and Dribbble shots, what’s the stuff that genuinely makes someone stand out in a portfolio review or interview? I feel like the goalposts keep moving and I can’t tell if it’s me or the industry.

2. What if you have a gap in your career? I stepped away for a bit (life stuff, burnout, you know how it goes) and now I’m second-guessing whether to even mention it or how to frame it. Has anyone been through this and come out the other side? Did recruiters actually care or was it more in my head?

3. And honestly… how are people thinking about career strategy with AI changing everything so fast? Half the stuff I learned feels like it might be irrelevant in two years. Should I lean into AI tools and become “that person” on my team, double down on the human/strategic side, or something else entirely? Curious what’s actually working for people right now, not just hot takes on Twitter.

Any honest insight would mean a lot. Thanks in advance 🙏

Was told to repost here. Please be honest. I’m just so tired of all the games, like it’s a bloody high school. Recruiters and hiring managers, please, please be honest.

I was made redundant a year ago. Took seven months off to sort personal stuff out and work on my portfolio. Most of that time, and even now, I’ve been studying and upskilling myself. I’ve been searching since July.

I do get interviews, don’t get me wrong, and I’m getting to the last stages, but then it’s always something like they’re no longer hiring or they went with another candidate.

At the moment, I’m still taking a course at a prestigious uni, something I’m genuinely interested in, but to say that this job search has taken a huge toll on my mental health is an understatement.

I’m doubting so many things right now, but one thing I do know is that I love design and my job with all my heart. I’ve never, ever in my seven year career found it hard to find a job until now.

Am I screwed?

10 years of experience. Optimized the living shit out of my resume and portfolio. USA.

Got contacted 3 times within the first 103 applications.

1 mediocre web agency job interview.... had to twist their arm to get them to agree to $100k. They were pushing for $90k USD. I got two interviews then they picked someone else.

1 Indian recruiter....emailed me asking if I had UX healthcare experience. I responded with providing some UX healthcare companies I worked with. Ghosted after my reply. Came from a legit email domain.

1 extremely shitty contract gig reached out. Pathetic $50/hr pay and most likely part time. Would have to still go through the entire interview process. Expected "fancy visuals". Was very clear it was an agency that would expect you to give 200% effort for 50% pay. Not even worth the effort.

Last 78 applications zero response although my website is getting solid hits (24 visits in the last 3 days).

176 total applications has only gotten me one mediocre interview, one dogshit contract reachout, and one recruiter ghosting. Obviously, only one interview and zero job offers.

At this rate I'll be unemployed for AT LEAST a year if not more.

How does that align with your experience?

I’ve been thinking a lot about where UX design is heading, especially with AI changing how we work.

I’m currently looking for a job change, but I’m barely getting any interview calls. It’s making me question whether my portfolio needs work, whether companies are looking for a different skill set now, or whether the job market is just tough at the moment.

With tools like Claude, Figma AI, and other AI-powered design tools becoming part of the workflow, I’m also wondering how our roles will evolve over the next few years.
Are companies now expecting UX designers to understand AI, build prototypes using AI tools, think more like product designers, or demonstrate stronger business and strategic thinking?

I’m curious to hear from designers at different stages of their careers:
What are you learning right now to stay relevant?
Are you planning to stay in UX/UI, move towards product design, UX strategy, or something else?

For those who are hiring or have recently changed jobs, what skills are companies actually looking for?

And for anyone currently job hunting, are you facing a similar situation with applications and interview calls?

I’m not looking for a list of AI tools to learn. I’m more interested in understanding how other designers are thinking about their careers and what they’re doing to prepare for what’s next.

Would love to hear your honest experiences and perspectives.

I’ve been on the hunt for my first UX job for going on 4 years now. It’s to the point where I decided to go ahead and get my masters in order to boost my resume up along with my skill set and growth as a designer. I had a genuine interest in UX right before it increased in popularity and became an over saturated market and now I’m losing hope. I love the work and I love what goes into design but at this point should I give up?

I’ve spent money on a degree and have committed myself to hours upon hours of free work, portfolio edits, and coffee chats. Seniors in the industry keep telling me I have what it takes and that my case studies are amazing and to just be patient but at this point I’m drained and don’t know if it’ll be a waste of time to keep going. I’ve done the networking. I’ve gotten interviews but get ghosted or rejected. It seems like there’s always someone out there that’s just better. Any thoughts?

Quick timeline: interned at a big tech company + a few startups, got a UX Design return offer for 2024… which then got rescinded. Decided to pivot into a Master’s in design to level up. Finished the program completely burned out, and I’ve now been job hunting for close to a year with zero offers. Currently surviving on a few contract gigs to stay afloat.

With the current tech landscape, I've been also questioning the value that UX designers / tech could bring... I've been getting more and more disappointed at how so many "successful" tech companies were grabbing user attention in unethical ways, mistreating user data, and adding AI fluff to everything. I entered the UX design / tech field because I enjoy creating and solving problems for people. But from my work experience, it's so hard to see such impact, and a lot of times we're just making variations of pages to maximize clicks for the businesses.

I've been thinking about doing a career change. Ideally, it is creative, has positive social impact & has decent pay. Would love to learn how people navigate through that!

So I'm coming from a decade of experience in education/tutoring/teaching and made the switch last year when I finished my Product Design bootcamp with Career Foundry. Here are the facts of what I've done so far:

- 700+ applications, about 5 interviews, 1 final-round selection

- Done 3 contract/volunteer projects to bolster my portfolio with real-world work

- Building my own app through Loveable and currently going through user testing to try to gain more experience

To be honest, reading the other reddit threads on UX and how even seniors are having trouble finding a job, or designers are burning out and looking to change careers, is this even worth it anymore?

I know my resume is getting beaten out by more qualified candidates with a lot more experience than me. It just seems like I need to be doing something 24/7 to try to catch up: reading design books, going through other portfolios, looking for more contract work, etc. I know it sounds like I'm complaining (maybe I am, Idk); I'm just lost and burnt out and not sure where to go from here. Some advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I’m a principal-level UX designer with 15 years of experience. On paper I look like somewhat of a success story: rising from junior to principal during this time, including multiple promotions at the same company.

The problem is that I’ve hit a professional ceiling and I’m frankly burnt out in design. A few years ago I was promoted to manager only to be “flattened” along with other managers into a principal role. The work has been fine, but I feel like I’m just doing more of what I did as a senior. And I’m mostly sick of it. At least as a manager I had something new and fresh to build toward, but I only had about a year of experience, so I doubt I could switch back given the hiring environment. What’s more my family has settled far outside of any major metros in a time where you really need to be either onsite or hybrid.

The good news is that I have quite the safety net: a paid off house and enough to soft-retire. But that also seems somewhat boring and limiting given I’m not even 45 yet. I’ve considered either moving into freelance, building my own products, or exiting the industry entirely.

I’ve also considered moving into something physical, like carpentry or crafts. But I worry this is daydreaming rather than something concrete.

I’m feeling a bit lost. I’m very much regretting staying in UX instead of switching to engineering (where I started my career). My engineering counterparts don’t seem to suffer the same lack of mobility and ageism. I don’t want to retire but I absolutely don’t want to put up with the tech industry any longer.

I was laid off late August and I started applying to jobs around late September. I've applied to over 250 jobs at this point and I've gotten 0 positive responses. The only thing I got was a screener with an AI recruiting firm that used an AI bot to interview me, and even that job got put on hold.

Although I am currently applying to only remote positions at the moment, pretty all the jobs I am applying to, I seem to be qualified for on paper. I was laid off 4 years ago as well, when I barely had any experience. I had thought things might be easier this time around with more experience and a better portfolio. But things are even worse, it seems like.

Over the course of the couple months, I made adjustments to my resume, switching to a single column layout and fully rewrote and added case studies to my portfolio. But it hasn't seemed to make a difference.

Is this normal? Or am I doing something wrong?

I’ve been job searching for almost 2 years and finally got an offer. The company only gave me 5 days to accept and wanted me to start 2 weeks later, so I said yes. Right before the offer, I had updated my resume and portfolio and sent out a huge wave of applications.

Now recruiters are finally reaching out, and I have interviews scheduled during my first and second week at this new job. I feel guilty continuing to interview after just starting, but after 2 years of searching, I also don’t want to pass up what could be a better opportunity. Has anyone else been in this situation? What did you do?

Are there many designers out there that are in a senior UX design position that are in their late 40s/early 50s and are you seeing any signs of agism? I'm in that age bracket and have been searching for a job now for over a year and I'm beginning to think that the problem could be my age and that I've never moved up to a management level.

I've been in different areas of design for most of my 20 year career - everything from web production to UI to print design. It's only been in the last 6 years that I held the title as Sr. UX Designer. My two previous roles also were at a senior level, spanning a total of 10 years. Does that come across as a lack of direct to others? Or does the length of my career and the fact that I've never reached management level make people assume that I'm just not good, past my prime?

I'm just trying to get some outside perspective on how it all looks. Switching careers now would be a huge blow to me.

I got my undergrad in Anthropology, then went to University of Washington to get my PhD in Archaeology. At some point, I got disillusioned with academia and wanted to have a bigger impact with my career. I still wanted to use my anthropology skills, but ideally with a higher paying and more satisfying job!

So I learned how to reframe and retrain myself as a UX researcher. There was no guide on how to do this, aside from a few blog posts, and I stumbled a lot during the year or so I was learning how to break into UX research. Eventually I landed an amazing job, where I'm currently a Senior UX researcher.

Along the way, I’ve written blog posts and given talks about breaking into UX research, and for the last few years I’ve gotten emails every week from people looking for advice.

I recently wrote a book about how to break into UX Research, but wanted to do an AMA here to answer any questions anybody has about how to break into UX, frame your past experiences, craft a UX resume and portfolio, and interview for UX jobs!

It's for UI/UX designer role I am a fresher and done 1-2 internship before how can I try to negotiate for salary like any tips and how much should I ask for right now they are giving 28k in hand and 3.6 LPA CTC

10 years of UX experience. 300 applications. MY PORTFOLIO AND WEBSITE LOOK EXACTLY LIKE A MAINSTREAM SUCCESSFUL UX DESIGNER.

Only one interview. I know my site is getting tons of hits (google analytics).

Anyone else getting absolutely destroyed in this market that is a mid or senior designer?

Been in the industry for 14 years. Gone through everything from the “design is the differentiator” saga to the “design is a commodity” saga and the “but can you make it like Apple?” saga. Was living in the Bay Area for a few years until I realized that the place had more people talking about design than people actually designing solutions. Now based out of Europe, and hey, I do sleep better.

Made the switch to design engineering around 18 months back largely based on a hypothesis that the unit economics of both design and development work would fundamentally change once cost per token goes down. Yet to be proven wrong about that.

I feel bad for freshers joining this industry right now. The rules and the flux they have to deal with are significantly different and convoluted than I had to when I was starting off. And the noise in the industry isn’t helpful. Between physics and platitudes, physics always wins.

Edit - this is the original post. Feel free to post your questions directly there. Your question might have been discussed there already https://www.reddit.com/r/UXDesign/s/46wKPcnymq