{"id":12263,"date":"2022-02-18T12:06:37","date_gmt":"2022-02-18T11:06:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/?p=12263"},"modified":"2022-02-18T13:05:16","modified_gmt":"2022-02-18T12:05:16","slug":"too-old-for-ui","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/blog\/ui-design\/too-old-for-ui\/","title":{"rendered":"Are You Too Old for a Career in UI Design?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The <\/span>2019 design census<\/span><\/a> showed something that many might have suspected\u2014that the majority of designers are aged between 20 and 30 years old. A figure like this might leave you questioning whether you are too old to become a UI designer. We have to strongly disagree.<\/span><\/p>\n

Firstly, since that census was taken, the Covid-19 pandemic and ensuing \u201cGreat Resignation\u201d has shaken up the global labor market, and the averages are definitely higher now. <\/span><\/p>\n

In fact, <\/span>a recent Zippia study<\/span><\/a> shows that the average age for a UI designer in the United States is 37 years old. While demographics like this are more encouraging, it would, however, be remiss of us to pretend that ageism doesn\u2019t exist in the tech industry.<\/span><\/p>\n

On the contrary, the tech industry appears to be worse than others, with a <\/span>2021 University of Gothenburg study<\/span><\/a> showing that in tech sometimes even over 35 is considered \u201cold\u201d. In the UK, 41% of tech workers reported observing age discrimination, versus 27% in other industries, <\/span>according to a CWJobs survey<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

With all this in mind, why are we so sure it\u2019s not too late to become a UI designer?<\/b> Well, even though you may come up against different hurdles compared to younger colleagues, successfully changing careers to UI in your 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond is definitely doable. Plus, there\u2019s a wide range of inherent advantages you\u2019ll find you have which your more inexperienced colleagues won\u2019t (yet).<\/span><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s get down to it. We\u2019ll get to grips with the obstacles and positives of being an \u201colder\u201d UI designer, how to surmount any barriers linked to age, and how to make it as a UI design success story, regardless of how many years you might have.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is what we\u2019ll cover:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. The potential difficulties of being an \u201colder\u201d UI designer<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. Getting past age-related barriers<\/a><\/li>\n
  3. Benefits of being an \u201colder\u201d UI designer<\/a><\/li>\n
  4. Final thoughts<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    1. The potential difficulties of being an \u201colder\u201d UI designer<\/span><\/h2>\n

    It can be challenging to make an eye-catching impression while breaking into the UI industry, regardless of age. That said, those with more life experience face particular obstacles at times, whether they\u2019re first arriving in the industry or starting to climb the ladder. Let\u2019s quickly look at those obstacles, as well as how to surmount them.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Getting and staying up-to-date with the latest design trends and technologies<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Being honest, this can be an issue for designers at all stages of the industry, such is the fast-moving nature of tech. Experienced pros who have been around the UI block can struggle to move on from tools and trends which worked for them in the past, and to embrace newer technologies.<\/span><\/p>\n

    At the same time, many fledgeling UI designers of any age can feel overwhelmed by the amount of new trends and tools flying at them, each being touted as the future of design. Combining this with the feeling that they aren\u2019t as \u201ctechie\u201d as they believe their colleagues are can create the perfect storm of feelings of inadequacy. Help, however, is at hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

    How to beat this challenge: <\/b>Creating good habits can be the key to keeping on top of the industry. Put aside just a few minutes every day, or block off a few hours each week, to look through UI design blogs or simply check out the latest work of your favorite designers.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Over time, as this becomes an unconscious habit, you\u2019ll also learn to start instinctively sorting the potentially useful and long-lasting UI trends from those which are just a flash in the pan.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Making and building connections with younger colleagues and employers<\/span><\/h3>\n

    At first it can be quite intimidating to work with and for people who are from a slightly younger generation than yourself. In tech many companies might have a group who are often\u00a0 perceived as \u201cyoung and hip\u201d who can be hard to approach. <\/span><\/p>\n

    The same thing works both ways. Younger UI designers might struggle to approach older colleagues because they\u2019re intimidated and unsure of how to go about it, or feel they lack authority.<\/span><\/p>\n

    How to beat this challenge:<\/b> Actively tackle the issue by taking the initiative. It sounds simple, but that\u2019s why it\u2019s often overlooked among the busyness of starting out as a UI designer. Set aside the time to try and make genuine connections with younger colleagues. Making the effort to do this will help this obstacle fall away.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Finding a suitable salary for yourself<\/span><\/h3>\n

    It\u2019s possible that you\u2019re starting out in UI design after already having a successful career elsewhere, which had a higher salary to match. <\/span><\/p>\n

    Faced with a comparatively lower junior UI designer salary, it might be tough considering the financial needs you have. What a 20- or 30-year-old might be able to comfortably get by on may not stand up to the likes of the potential healthcare, mortgage, childcare, or pension costs you face. While progressing to that higher UI designer salary will happen, it can take a bit of patience.<\/span><\/p>\n

    How to beat this challenge: <\/b>Firstly, make sure to <\/span>do your research on UI design salaries<\/span><\/a>. This means that you are entering into the field with realistic expectations of what you can expect to earn starting out, as well as where you can go.<\/span><\/p>\n

    On top of this, however, make sure to not let your past work experience go unrewarded in your salary as a UI designer! Take time to pitch it in such a way that shows off your extra worth, and demonstrates how your considerable career and life experience makes you a better designer. Make sure to put the spotlight on your transferable skills\u2014all of this can make sure that you negotiate or aim for the UI designer salary that best accommodates your needs.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"A<\/p>\n

    Increased life responsibilities and stresses<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Regardless of whether you\u2019re trying to snag a job or working towards a promotion to senior UI designer, you could well be going up against younger designers who have fewer obligations. Making your way in the design world can be tough regardless of your situation, but for those with busy lives outside of work it can be more draining.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Family duties and commitments may mean that you are less amenable to relocating for a role (although the increasing rise of <\/span>remote UI designers<\/span><\/a> means this is less of an issue). Working all night to get a project finished becomes less and less of a good idea as you get wiser.<\/span><\/p>\n

    How to beat this challenge:<\/b> In terms of maintaining the energy levels necessary to hit your career targets as a UI designer, organizing your time and maintaining an overall healthy balance can be the key. Again, starting and building good habits is key, combined with sensible planning.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Overcoming mental blockers<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Issues such as a general lack of self-confidence and impostor syndrome can affect career-changers of all ages, but they can particularly affect those making a switch later in life. Entering an industry like tech, which is filled with colleagues who are in their twenties, can enhance these feelings even more. The possibility of having to tackle ageism in the workplace and manage misconceptions about older designers can present a serious mental barrier.<\/span><\/p>\n

    How to beat this challenge: <\/b>As we said earlier, while you may tend to be more affected by the likes of impostor syndrome than others, it\u2019s an incredibly common mental blocker, which means lots of help is at hand. There are many different <\/span>tactics for overcoming impostor syndrome<\/span><\/a>, but for older UI designers it\u2019s important to keep in mind that you\u2019re not alone.<\/span><\/p>\n

    As well as talking about it with your peers (you may find out that your younger colleagues feel like impostors around designers with so much life experience\u2014i.e. yourself!), don\u2019t forget that age is just a number. Keep in mind the value which you bring to the workplace, and place trust in your experience.<\/span><\/p>\n