I’m a UX designer seeking my first job. I’ve worked on projects, networked extensively, and even taught others. However, the current job market poses significant challenges, prompting me to question my career choice. The financial burden has become so great that I can no longer afford to maintain my portfolio. I’m contemplating a career change or even returning to school. Could you kindly offer some advice on how to navigate these challenging times?

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I’ve been trying to find a job in anything “UX“ for over 2 years since graduating with a MS in User Experience. I worked as a User Research Intern while in school at the same university. I also had a summer Human Factors internship doing usability studies for a medical device. Before going for my MS, I completed a 6 month UX Design bootcamp. After graduating with my MS, I continued working half time as a User Research Associate at the same university for 16 months. During that time I also did a few unpaid freelance projects developing new or upgrading existing web sites to build experience in UX Design and Development. In April of 2024, I landed a 4 month contract gig as a Moderator doing usability studies for a new VR headset. That project ended after 2 months. I continued to look for any work related to UX with no success. I was also looking for any type of work. I finally found a job as an Art Mover in September 2024. It’s a decent job with low pay and way below my abilities, but it’s a job with a good company. I’m still actively looking for UX work, but the job market seems to be getting worse. There are few UX job openings for anyone with less than 3-5 years of experience and hundreds to thousands of applicants for just about any opportunity. Also, many of the UX job openings appear to be fake. Many appear to be reposted again and again. I hope the UX job market comes back someday, but I have little hope.

I honestly feel your pain. I was inline for a UX instructor role but the school shut down. I’ve been looking for UX role myself for 3 years with no success. Now I’m teaching myself software engineering again and going to college soon for UX. I hope when I’m done with college that I can land role or my own business starts thriving. Good luck my friend and you are not alone.

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