{"id":5139,"date":"2020-12-09T08:43:00","date_gmt":"2020-12-09T07:43:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/blog\/uncategorized\/too-old-for-ux\/"},"modified":"2021-08-03T12:57:05","modified_gmt":"2021-08-03T10:57:05","slug":"too-old-for-ux","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/careerfoundry.inbearbeitung.de\/en\/blog\/ux-design\/too-old-for-ux\/","title":{"rendered":"Are You Too Old for a Career in UX?"},"content":{"rendered":"

With so many designers ranging between 20 and 30 years of age (according to the 2019 design census<\/a>), many people are left wondering if they are too old for a career in UX design. The short answer to this question is most definitely no. But we\u2019d be doing you a huge disservice if we acted like ageism doesn\u2019t exist in the industry.<\/p>\n

In fact, a 2018 AARP study<\/a> concluded that 2 out of 3 U.S. workers over the age of 45 have seen or experienced ageism in the workplace. And while ageism is prevalent across many careers, tech workers seem to get it the worst. CWJobs conducted a UK survey in 2019<\/a>, revealing that ageism in tech may start as early as age 29, and UK tech employees reported that 41 percent of workers observed age discrimination compared to 27 percent in other industries.<\/p>\n

So, why are we so convinced that it\u2019s never too late to be a UX designer?<\/strong> While you may face different obstacles than your younger colleagues, becoming a UX designer (and succeeding!) in your 30s, 40s, 50s (and beyond) is totally doable. In fact there are even advantages and perks that you\u2019ll experience that your younger colleagues won\u2019t (at least not for a while).<\/p>\n

So, let\u2019s talk about the challenges and benefits of being an \u201colder\u201d UX designer, how to overcome any age-related obstacles, and how to succeed regardless of how many candles were on your most recent birthday cake. Here\u2019s what we\u2019ll cover:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. The challenges of being an \u201colder\u201d UX designer<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. How to overcome age-related obstacles<\/a><\/li>\n
  3. Benefits of being an \u201colder\u201d UX designer<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    1. The challenges of being an \u201colder\u201d UX designer<\/h2>\n

    Making an impression and breaking into the industry is a challenge for aspiring UX designers of all ages. However, people with more years and more life experience under their belts have unique challenges to face when they\u2019re first entering the field or looking to move up the ladder. Here\u2019s a quick overview of those challenges\u2014along with how to overcome them.<\/p>\n

    Connecting with younger employers and colleagues<\/h3>\n

    It can be a bit daunting to be employed by and work with people who grew up a generation or two after you. Some find it difficult to fit into the \u201cyoung and hip\u201d crowd in some companies\u2014and younger designers might feel too intimidated or uncertain to seek out work relationships with older colleagues.<\/p>\n

    One designer in her 20s writes, \u201cWhen I worked at Microsoft, I felt estranged from the people in their mid-40s. I don\u2019t think it occurred to any of us that younger people should grab lunch with older people.\u201d<\/p>\n

    How to beat this challenge:<\/strong> Be intentional and take the time to genuinely connect with younger co-workers. This will break the ice a bit and help keep age-related barriers at bay.<\/p>\n

    Finding a salary that fits your needs<\/h3>\n

    If you\u2019ve already built a career in another field (and it\u2019s just time to move on), you might be looking at an exciting new start in UX\u2026with an entry-level salary, which might be significantly less than what you\u2019re used to earning. People in their 40s (and up) are more likely to have more demanding financial needs than folks in their 20s or 30s\u2014from mortgages and child care to healthcare and retirement planning. It may take some patience to work your way up to that higher salary\u2014and\/or some extra effort and attention to show potential employers that you\u2019re worth a higher salary.<\/p>\n

    How to beat this challenge:<\/strong> Set realistic expectations for your starting salary, but also understand that you can leverage past work experience in a way that showcases your value as an employee! You have life and career experience that hold a lot of value\u2014highlight these transferable skills. This can help you negotiate or work towards the salary that fits your needs best.<\/p>\n

    \"A<\/p>\n

    More everyday responsibilities and stresses<\/h3>\n

    Whether you\u2019re looking to land a job or earn a promotion, you\u2019ll most likely be competing with a lot of younger designers with fewer responsibilities than yourself. Working your way up the UX career ladder can be hard work for anyone, and as one UX designer in her 50s puts it, \u201cYou do get tired more often than when you were 30.\u201d<\/p>\n

    While energy levels vary no matter your age, it\u2019s often the case that folks over 40 have more family obligations to tend to; they might be more settled and less willing or able to relocate for a job. And those all-nighters? They\u2019ve been there and done that\u2014and might be less interested in summoning the energy for those any more.<\/p>\n

    How to beat this challenge:<\/strong> Some good organization and a healthy work-life balance will actually help keep you energized and on track in your UX design career. And who knows? You might have a thing or two to teach your younger colleagues.<\/p>\n

    Getting past mental barriers<\/h3>\n

    Mental barriers like imposter syndrome or a general lack of confidence may be hard for older individuals to navigate when they\u2019re making big career changes later in life\u2014and entering a field so densely populated with 20-somethings. Furthermore, they may have to work around how younger employers view older designers and tackle age-based discrimination in the hiring process or workplace.<\/p>\n

    How to beat this challenge:<\/strong> We know for a fact that most UX designers experience imposter syndrome from time to time. It\u2019s a common experience, no matter your age. Remember that age really is just a number and understanding the merit you hold and the value you bring at any age can help break down age-related barriers. Trust your experience. You have a lot to offer!<\/p>\n