Embracing Change: A Journey from UX Design to Real-World Connections
As a seasoned freelance UX designer, I once thrived on a handful of well-paying projects each year. However, recent experiences have led me to a crossroads that I never anticipated. Somewhere along the way, the joy I once found in my craft began to diminish, and I now find myself yearning for a fresh start outside the digital realm.
Let’s be honest: the world of UX has shifted dramatically. The overwhelming focus on Artificial Intelligence and relentless marketing strategies has created a chaotic atmosphere that feels all-consuming. I can’t pinpoint the exact moment it began—I only know that navigating this landscape has become increasingly frustrating.
Throughout my projects, I often felt more like an outsider than a contributor—like the person who swoops in halfway through a process to offer critique without having a hand in the project’s inception. My designs, once a source of pride, were seldom seen again, integrated instead into complex backend systems that removed the human touch entirely.
Initially, I pursued UX design because it allowed me to engage directly with users, to understand and address their day-to-day challenges through my work. Yet, I now find myself in situations where clients are desperate for solutions to declining sales, often neglecting the importance of data and analytics they ignore in their broader strategy. This disconnect has only fueled my sense of isolation as a freelancer. The continuous buzz of AI and countless people trying to sell their products certainly hasn’t helped alleviate these feelings.
Perhaps I simply haven’t found the right clientele or network, and this might have contributed to my dwindling enthusiasm for emerging trends and technologies. But enough is enough; a change was necessary.
I recently signed on to manage a small snack bar, a project that represents a dream I am eager to realize. With my background in catering, I am excited to return to the tangible world—where I can interact with real people and cultivate genuine connections. After spending so much time in front of screens, I have come to appreciate the invaluable significance of face-to-face interactions.
As I embark on this new journey, I recognize that I am stepping away from the ever-evolving world of digital design, but I am doing so in pursuit of something I believe is more meaningful. Here’s to new beginnings and the hope that they bring! I wish everyone navigating this fast-paced world all the best in finding what truly resonates with them.
Stay connected, and who knows—maybe our paths will cross again in the
