As a senior UX writer, this is what I’d do if I were to start my career today
Most of the time when I’m writing these articles, I’m optimistic, motivated, and passionate about the topic. But this one took an exceptionally long time to finish because I was going through some of the most emotionally draining few months. The main stressor was the company layoff, which kept us all on edge waiting to hear whether we’d be impacted.
My right to stay in the Netherlands depended entirely on my work visa, so I had to mentally prepare to uproot my life if I get fired and can’t secure a job within 3 months. It shook me to my core to realise how little control I had over my job and to an extent, my life.
After half a year of uncertainty, the big announcement finally came a few weeks ago. Thankfully, none of the UX writing roles will be cut this time around.
In the weeks leading up to the announcement, I started searching for jobs more seriously. I thought I’d feel more secure once I could land a few interviews, but boy was I in for a rude shock. I knew that UX writing jobs were scarce, but I didn’t realise just how bad it was. There were just a handful of roles open in the Netherlands. If I, with my 10+ years of experience, am freaking out over the lack of jobs, then how are the younger folks who are just starting out coping?
It made me realise that I needed to think hard about backups, which inspired me to write this article to remind myself not to rest on my laurels. The vibe I’m getting from people around me is that white collared workers, regardless of how capable or experienced they are, are starting to accept that it’s just a matter of time before their neck is on the chopping board.
Things feel so unpredictable that it’s every person for themselves. So even if you’re just starting out, these strategies would apply to you too.
Here’s the truth about being a UX professional today
Tech companies are no longer hiring for UX roles as much as before. Instead, it’s about proving the value and efficiency of each headcount, hence the layoffs.
As the tech industry continues to mature, so does UX. In major tech companies, user journeys have been built, tested, and validated. So there’s lesser innovation and more optimisation.
We now have copy guidelines, design systems, and communication templates that enable businesses to ship experiences quicker. Because UXers can spend less time agonising over date formats and UI components, we’re expected to provide more strategic input.
Unfortunately, this puts newly qualified UX writers in an unfair position because their education might be based on what businesses needed 5 years ago. If businesses now need strategic rather than executional UXers, how would any young graduate fill that need without any experience?
1. Get a variety of real-world writing experiences
I know it’s tough to accept how little most writing jobs pay, but fresh graduates have got to start somewhere. UX writing is considered a craft because a lot of practice is needed. The more you get your copy dirty through real-world gigs, the better you’ll get.
If you have trouble finding a full-time job as a UX writer now, take on something else that pays the bills first and work on smaller freelance writing jobs on the side. There are thousands of small businesses that need help with writing, editing, organising, and planning their content.
2. Familiarise yourself with UX principles and actively apply it
Unlike article writing and copywriting, which AI can now easily generate, UX writing requires a lot more context, input, and nuance. Each line of microcopy is written with psychology and communication theories in mind, and this is why I think it’s still worth getting some training to be a UX writer. This might not have been necessary 10 years ago where we were still establishing best practices, but the standard is much higher today.
Get certified if you can afford it, or pick up books like Strategic Writing for UX and Content Strategy for the Web to start. While formal credentials won’t guarantee you a job, you need to understand these basic theories in order to make sharp copy decisions and present it to stakeholders.
3. Get fluent in another domain
If you want to stay competitive, considering pairing your core writing competency with skills or knowledge in another domain. A UX writer who can use AI tools to write, design, code, or has some industry-specific knowledge is immediately more attractive and beneficial to an employer.
Stay curious, never stop learning, and take the extra step to test or apply new knowledge in your writing.
4. Go out and live
If you’re a young professional today, it’s totally unfair and shitty that you have to begin start out in this unpredictable climate. Things may not be great right now, but remember that you still deserve to enjoy life.
There’s a big, exciting world out there for you to experience. When you’re young, you need to try new things, make mistakes, take risks, and don’t take yourself too seriously.
Talk to strangers, find your community, and form an organic network. These social skills and people you know will get you further than you can ever imagine. Soft skills and friendly connections are exactly what you need to get ahead in a corporate environment.
It’s also totally normal to spend the first 5 years of your career not knowing just what the hell you’re doing. So don’t worry if you feel like you’re going nowhere in your first few working years. One day it’ll all come together, I promise.
5. Reevaluate your career every 2–3 years
The toughest thing about a career is just how long it stretches out. So even if you feel that your career is kicking off, keep in mind that it’ll probably be a phase.
To remain competitive, it’s wise to spend time thinking deeply about your career every 2–3 years. While it can be tiring to do so, it’s also inspiring to see how people are redefining what it means to have a “career”. Instead of linear professional paths, I love that it’s common now for people to pursue passional projects, career transitions, and micro retirements.
Our work lives may be more fragmented, but it’s also more open than ever. Don’t feel bad about your work life just because it doesn’t fit the “normal” trajectory.
We’ll be OK!
