I’ve been freelancing in UX design for almost 4 years, and I've loved every minute of it.
I remember back in my finance days, I'd get into a role, then a year later, I'd think about what comes next? Being in finance brings it's share of challenges, but the challenges I most enjoyed were the ones where I was able to solve a puzzle, really deep dive into some new and interesting aspect of the industry and learn more. When I found out that UX design was a job that transcended industries, where I could learn about all kinds of things, I knew I found my calling.
I've loved being able to go into different industries, deep dive, ask the hard questions, break down the walls and create incredible user experiences. I've realized that I can't work in a vacuum and that I need to work with the greater team to really be able to achieve the best outcomes. Some of the best parts of my role as a UX designer remind me so much of my days in finance because it's mostly about facilitating open, honest discussion. What are the user's pain points? How can we improve on them? Is my design doing the job, or do I need to scratch it and start over? Whenever I facilitate discussions, I always say "everyone here has seen design done well before, you all have a voice" and I've really loved hearing all the diverse voices.
Something I often say, whether it be to the product team or other designers, is that I have no attachment to my work. It sounds funny, because I do take great pride in my work, but if my work isn't solving the problem and it isn't making the user experience better, I'm totally down to start over and work hard with the team to get it right. I see a connection to the creation of great design and letting go of the ego. It reminds me a bit of this buddhist quote below:
"Ego is just like dust in the eyes. Without clearing the dust, we cannot see anything clearly. So clear the ego and see the world."
As I look ahead to future projects, I look forward to the opportunity to learn, to let go of ego, and to make the lives of those around us just a little bit easier <3
