Hello,
I am a Product Designer with two years of experience, and am considering leaving my job with nothing lined up. I have gotten a lot of rejection emails, but I want to be sure I am doing the right thing.
Apologies in advance for the long read, I just need to provide some context.
I KNOW THERE IS NO IDEAL WORKPLACE BUT THESE ARE THE REASONS WHY I AM CONSIDERING LEAVING:
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The workplace environment is not encouraging. Suggestions from employees and designers are not considered. I try to give an opinion, and I am tagged as “going against authority.”, I try to go with the flow but feel like I am losing a part of myself.
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I keep working on designs that do not go into production. I have designs I worked on under pressure and on a tight deadline, only to have them archived because the company wants to work on another project..and another project…and another project. That is time, ideas and everything gone. (this is very painful for me).
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The company encourages professional development…from your pockets. They do not sponsor any form of self-learning for me; I have to do this on my own. I do not have an issue with this because I am upskilling myself.
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I have courses lined up that I cannot do because of time, and the time spent at work can be channelled into these courses. Since we are working remotely, you are expected to respond anytime, even over the weekend.
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No health benefits and I have been using my personal laptop for the entire time.
Twenty-one days annual leave, of which you are to give a good reason why you want your days off. If not, your request gets declined. -
The COO is allowed to speak with you anyhow he pleases and you are supposed to understand “that is the way he is”
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The meetings are endless. I once spent 3 hours in a design meeting about a project that got dumped.
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I feel stagnant in my career and my learning path.
WHY I AM CONSIDERING STAYING:
1. This company took a chance on me when I started in my Product Design journey.
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I get some money at the end of the month, even if it is not much. I am married, and my husband does well and can take care of the both of us if I decide to quit, but I want to be able to work and bring something in, even if it is not so much. Getting something monthly also means I get to send some money to my parents.
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Getting a job these days is hard. I have been applying for jobs for close to 8 months and have gotten tons of rejection emails. This makes me think I might have to wait longer if I quit.
I will be able to continue to save some money.
TL;DR: I am considering leaving my Product Design job of two years with nothing lined up. I feel stagnant in my career.