When is it time to stop being a designer? - Insights from my roundtable at Hatch Conference

I had the pleasure of hosting a roundtable discussion with some incredible design leaders at Hatch Conference last week. Thanks, Damian Martone and Hatch Conference for the lovely invitation and for allowing this discussion to happen AT a design conference!

We got into the complexities of the question: "When is it time to stop being a designer?"

The role of fulfillment, meaning of design work, burnout, titles, and career changes were some of the topics that came up during the discussion.

It was an authentic and honest talk full of learnings and insights that I believe can resonate with many of you - designer or not.

Seek Meaning Beyond Work

One of the biggest themes we explored how important it is to find purpose outside of our day-to-day jobs. Sure, it’s vital to feel fulfilled in our work, but many of us found that engaging in non-profit projects or personal passions can offer a deeper sense of meaning and balance the often transactional nature of corporate life.

Prioritize Self-Care

Burnout is real! We talked about how crucial it is to prioritize self-care and make time to recharge. Taking breaks and stepping away when needed isn't just a luxury; it's essential for long-term well-being. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Be Intentional with Career Moves

When considering a new role, having a clear set of criteria is a game changer. It helps prevent spreading ourselves too thin and ensures that our next job aligns with our values and long-term goals. Setting higher standards can lead to more fulfilling opportunities. Counter-intuitive yes, but accurate.

Separate Professional and Personal Identity

In design, our work often feels deeply personal, but it’s important to separate our identity as designers from our selves. This balance can provide the mental clarity we need to navigate tough times in our careers.

Stay Open and Flexible

Let’s not box ourselves into rigid job titles like "UI designer" or "strategist." Keeping an open mind allows for greater opportunities and career evolution. Embrace the journey and the unexpected paths it may take you on, and be open to repackaging yourself over and over again.

Embrace the Collective Journey

One of the most comforting realizations was that no one has their career entirely figured out, and that’s perfectly okay. We’re all navigating this together, and embracing community and support is vital. You’re not alone in your career questions and uncertainties.

Evaluate Organizational Depth

When looking for new roles, it’s crucial to assess how deeply design is embedded in an organization. Understanding how much a company values design can help determine if it’s the right cultural fit for you. And even so... be ready for disappointment.

Focus on Day-to-Day Fulfillment

A company’s mission statement is nice, but it’s the day-to-day work that matters. If your daily tasks are meaningful and engaging, you’ll find more lasting fulfillment. Changing the company mission is not a panacea for all your professional issues.

People-Centric Career Choices

Many of us discovered that whatever our next career move is, it often still revolves around people—leveraging our skills in understanding and collaborating with others. This human element is what makes design so impactful.

Corporations Aren’t Designed for Meaning

Let’s face it: expecting deep meaning and fulfillment from a corporate environment can be a trap. Many corporate structures aren’t set up to provide personal satisfaction, so it’s essential to seek meaning outside the office.

Leverage Design Privileges

As designers, we possess a unique set of skills that can be applied in various areas. These privileges give us the ability to pivot and adapt to new opportunities that other professions may not offer.

Titles Aren’t Everything

Instead of fixating on job titles, let’s focus on the impact of the work we’re doing. Titles are temporary, but meaningful work that aligns with our values can bring lasting satisfaction.

Align Work with Personal Vision and Values

Rather than solely identifying with company values, we should stay true to our personal vision. This alignment can be far more rewarding in the long run.

Measure Career Happiness Differently

Fast promotions or working at prestigious companies aren’t the only signs of success. Instead, measure your career happiness by the quality of your work and how it enhances your life.

We’re Not Alone in Our Career Questions

The constant questioning of career direction, purpose, and the meaning of design is something we all share. You’re definitely not alone in this search!

Let Go of What’s Out of Your Control

Focus on what you can control in your career. Don’t stress about the things that are beyond your influence, especially when it feels like the battles never end at work.

Explore Through Action, Not Theory

If you’re curious about something, just try it. Don’t overthink or over-intellectualize—take action and learn through experience.

Evaluate Career Value by Personal Fulfillment

Lastly, the value of your career should be measured by how it enriches your life as a whole, not just by external success markers. 

I hope these insights resonate with you as much as they did with us. Thanks to everyone who came and participated, you were a lovely bunch!

Happy to continue this conversation, run another round table (?!), and support you in navigating your career. We’re in this together!

Are you struggling with your career story? Join my course in October.