Community Member
If you would have asked me a while ago how things were going, I would have given you an answer full of uncertainty, emotion, and negative feelings. I had recently changed jobs and things didn’t work out the way I had expected. At that point, I started feeling uncertain about my whole career.
Since doing this exercise in November, lots of things have changed!
Luckily in UX, you are never alone! We have such a nice community that I felt understood and comforted by all the others out there that recognize these struggles.
What Feels Good, and What Doesn’t?
Brian gave me a simple tip to draw two columns: one for things I want more of, and one for things I want less of. “Let your feelings guide you,” he said, “and if you cry, you’re on to something big…” Here’s what I wrote down:
I want More
- Control over my work
- UX work
- Nice teams
- Laughter
- Value-based work
I want Less
- Political games
- Useless meetings
- Travel time
- Negative feelings
- Uncertainty
- Scope-fixed work
- Being a general servant
Taking Control
I had no idea that I could influence so many of the things on this list.
First, I organized some workshops! Controlling the sessions, involving different stakeholders, and time-boxing gave me more control over my work, and improved our team spirit.
Also, I started blocking my agenda from 3 pm. This allows me to get back home at a reasonable time. And I get more work done while working from the train and home.
What Did I Learn?
This situation helped me to realize again that I can overcome most struggles by initiating things myself. Uncertain and emotional times will keep coming, but I hope that UX communities will be there for me and help me get back on my feet again.
I would like to help and motivate others whenever I can, so please feel free to reach out to me. Keep up your superpowers!
Editor’s note: Special thanks to Kika Fuenzalida for the original cover illustration.