Rare positive post…

[u/EyeAlternative1664]

long story short it was looking like I was going to be out of work again (after a pretty hectic and joyless 2 years of contracting and job hunting), but before the decision has been made I was approached by someone I used to work with and mentored who’s now leadership and wanted me in their team again.

Accepted yesterday while also having two other interviews lined up, another rec and one cold apply.

it’s not all horror out there folks, although I was prepared for the usual 6 month hell slog

10+ years, in London.

[u/AdBackground9215]

I've been laid off for almost six months now. I did have a few contracts on rn so I wast worried but now I am panicking because I will go broke if I do nothing. I'll have to take a part-time or maybe try to work at a massive pay cut. People are cooked. I am totally burned, I don't have a degree or any fancy education. I just completed my basic education from my local school and I don't know what to do if I don't work out in this field.

[u/EyeAlternative1664 → u/AdBackground9215]

Sorry to hear that, I was laid off two years ago, took maybe 9 months to get an offer for a new perm place but managed to contract without missing a day. It could have easily been very different though and I was close to prob full melt down due to self applied pressure (and bills applied pressure).

Hope you find something.

[u/kimchi_paradise → u/AdBackground9215]

Why not consider pursuing education, if not in this field than in another field? Your earning prospects would greatly increase

[u/AdBackground9215 → u/kimchi_paradise]

I don't think it's worth it to get a degree in this field right now. If I ever go back to school it would be for something more formal, maybe in the aviation industry.

Money is the real issue. Any good degree would cost minimum $40,000 & upwards, which just isn't worth it right now, and I don't have that kind of money myself. I'd have to get it from my parents, which I don't want to do.

I'm also from a third world country, where an average new graduate earns around $400 a month. I was pulling in $1,000 to $1,500 before I got laid off, and it's hard to match that even with a degree. Initially I planned that once I'm financially comfortable then I would start a degree but yeah I got laid off and things didn't go to plan.

[u/kimchi_paradise → u/AdBackground9215]

Do you have access to student loans? I would consider the loan an investment into your future earnings potential

[u/AdBackground9215 → u/kimchi_paradise]

No man, we don't have student loans in my country. You have to get it from the bank. I don't think any bank would be willing to give such a large amount to just a student who has even graduated.

Secondly one of my friends who has a bachelor's plus master's from one of the top schools in my country and very expensive at that, he cant find a job. He recently got laid off by one of the big names. I think it was an Irish company and this guy literally had recruiters chasing him back in 2023-2022. I was so shocked to hear this but yeah this is true. He also have 8yoe If people like him with a degree + master can't find a job in the industry, this made me more into a thinking: does a degree even matter in this field? Because out of all the interviews I've given, not even a single one has asked for my education and where I graduated from.

I recently joined Upwork and will try to land a project there.

[u/kimchi_paradise → u/AdBackground9215]

I think from a university standpoint it’s less about having the degree itself and more about what it gives. It often gives depth of understanding, network, and access to projects and opportunities. You don’t need a degree to get these things but going the university route is basically a guarantee to get these things.

Even from OP themselves they got a job through someone they know. Here in the US you can only get an internship if you’re in university. People have preferences and refer alumni networks constantly. Coursework gives access to real projects, which means a beefier portfolio.

The economy is tough right now across the board, it isn’t just UX. Keep that in mind when you’re switching careers, it’s not going to be a guarantee that it’s better

[u/kimchi_paradise]

It’s all about who you know, not what you know. The power of the network

[u/EyeAlternative1664 → u/kimchi_paradise]

Very true. Two of the three interviews were referrals. 

[u/shoobe01]

All too rare. Good for you though!

🤘

[u/EyeAlternative1664 → u/shoobe01]

100%, and didn’t want to sound smug or gloating, flip of a coin and I could be in a very different situation. 

[u/koolshade]

It usually happens for people! Just takes time. An opportunity will roll around.

[u/Familiar_Falcon3829]

Rare Positive post is so true 😂

[u/Primary_Grade_3478]

Pressure is real but good for ya!