# Insights from My First Year as a UX Designer: Lessons Learned
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Chapter 1: Embracing the Journey
Transitioning into UX from a background in law and the travel sector has been a challenging yet rewarding experience. Today, I want to share the nuances of my journey and the lessons I've gleaned along the way.
Much like driving down a dark road where only a meter ahead is visible, my path in UX began to reveal itself as I moved forward. Time seems to fly, especially after the pandemic, and I often wonder what accomplishments I want to look back on in five years. If you have a goal in mind, start taking steps toward it today. If you're unsure, think about what you’d like to achieve in the next year and start small.
Reflecting on my journey a year ago, I realized I needed experience to kickstart my UX career. So, I ventured outside my comfort zone and took calculated risks. I accepted a position at a reputable tech firm, even though the salary was lower than I would have preferred, viewing it as an opportunity to gain valuable experience.
Initially, I hesitated to accept jobs with low pay, but I quickly learned that not everyone enters the UX field with a salary comparable to their previous roles. My position wasn’t strictly focused on UX design, yet the flexible and remote work environment offered opportunities for growth. However, my enthusiasm waned when I discovered that due to a nondisclosure agreement, I couldn't showcase my work in my portfolio. This led to feelings of disappointment, but I resolved to seek opportunities outside of my main job to build my portfolio.
Taking on a challenging side project alongside my primary job proved to be a transformative experience. While I have a wealth of insights to share about my year, I will concentrate on the key lessons learned from working on high-stakes projects.
Ask Questions Before Offering Suggestions
When you join a new team and spot apparent issues with a product, your instinct may be to create a presentation advocating for changes. However, it's crucial to pause and consider the context. Often, the team might have already attempted similar changes without success, or they might be under time constraints and unable to address your suggestions. Building rapport and understanding the team's dynamics is essential before presenting ideas.
Identify Key Stakeholders
It’s vital to recognize who holds decision-making power within your organization. Introduce yourself and express how you can contribute. Building connections can open doors for your suggestions and enhance your standing within the team.
What Seems Obvious Might Not Be
It’s easy to assume that everyone on your team is aware of certain issues, but that’s often not the case. I learned this the hard way when I hesitated to voice my concerns about a product. After a few months, the team finally addressed a problem I had seen from the start. Don’t shy away from asking questions; your insights could save valuable time.
Learn to Let Go
In large organizations, it's common to feel disconnected from all team members. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your vision for a product may not be realized. Recognizing when to let go is a crucial skill. While advocating for your ideas is important, accepting that not everything is within your control is equally vital.
The Power of Persuasion
This year, I successfully convinced a startup client to prioritize research, which greatly influenced their project. As UX designers, we have the ability to guide teams and highlight the importance of user experience from the outset. It’s essential to ensure that clients understand the value of thorough research before diving into design.
Prioritize Your Well-Being
Despite juggling numerous projects, I chose to pause my job search and focus on building my experience. I didn’t want to rush into a senior position at the expense of my mental health. I appreciate the flexibility of my nomadic lifestyle, which allows me to balance work and personal time. Remember, your health is paramount; don’t sacrifice it for a title or a higher salary.
In conclusion, the past year has been both challenging and rewarding. The experiences I've had are just the beginning, and I continue to learn and grow. As you reflect on your own career, remember that every step is part of a larger journey. It’s not just about reaching the destination, but also about enjoying the ride.
Thank you for reading. I look forward to sharing more insights in future articles.
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