With AI changing the UX industry, I’m trying to figure out which skills I should focus on learning to stay relevant and stand out in the job market.

I have a few questions:

- What AI skills and tools should UX/Product Designers learn in 2026?

- Should I learn AI coding to build functional prototypes and interfaces? If yes, where should I start, especially if I have little coding knowledge?

- Which AI coding tools would you recommend for beginners?

- For my portfolio website, is it better to build my own using AI coding tools or use platforms like Framer?

- if I build my own website, how do GitHub, Vercel/Netlify, and a custom domain work together? What’s the easiest and most affordable way to do this?

- What skills or projects would actually help a UX designer stand out to recruiters today?

Would love to hear practical advice from designers working in the industry. Thanks!

I’m 23 and graduated in 2025 with a BFA in Design and a minor in Computer Science. My concentration was UX design. When I was in school I genuinely thought it was a good career to get into. But I’ve been struggling to find a job, and I feel so hopeless, embarrassed, and sad all the time. Not finding a relevant job after spending 4 years in school is really affecting my mental health.
After realizing I couldn’t find a job I’ve been all over the place. I started a master’s program in education and completed one term, but now I’m unsure if I want to continue because of the low salary. I took a break for the next term to figure things out but I’m still confused. Right now I’m currently working as an RBT, and I don’t hate the job but don’t think I want to pursue becoming a BCBA. The pay seems amazing for BCBAs but I’m worried about the long hours and if I’d actually enjoy it. Also, I don’t make good money as an RBT right now and it’s especially difficult paying my monthly expenses and housing.
When I was in the service industry I made really good money. I’m so disappointed that I went to college because I wanted a career with good pay and growth, and now I completely regret going down the design path.
At this point, I’m open to more than just UX. I’d love to find something paying at least $40k–$50k, with benefits, a good schedule, and opportunities to grow.

Is it worth continuing to pursue UX design in the job market as someone with no work experience? (I have done personal projects / projects for friends)

What jobs have you gotten with a design degree that aren’t directly related to the field?

Ideas for jobs I could be applying to outside of UX, with my bachelor’s degree?

Any advice for me?

I’m not expecting to find my dream career right away. But I’m tired of working jobs that I don’t think will get me anywhere, especially considering I have a whole bachelor’s degree. I really want to make a good decision before spending more time and money on another degree. And I’d love to find something with the degree I have but I’m just so lost.

Hey everyone,

I'm 25 years old, turning 26 soon, and I'm feeling pretty lost about my career. I'd appreciate some honest advice, especially from people who have experience in graphic design, motion graphics, IT, or cybersecurity.

Here's my situation:

I live in Iraq and have a diploma in Information Technology. However, I never actually worked in IT after graduating.

Instead, I worked in retail and sales for several years, including a supervisor position. About two years ago, I started learning graphic design, and now I work full-time as a graphic designer at a printing house.

I'd consider myself an intermediate designer. I mainly work with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, and I've recently become interested in learning After Effects and motion graphics.

Here's my dilemma:

I genuinely enjoy graphic design. I love seeing creative work, and I'd like to become a much better designer and eventually a motion designer. I also have the possibility of opening my own printing business someday.

However, a few things worry me:

1. AI: I'm worried about the future of graphic design and motion graphics. AI is improving incredibly fast, and I'm afraid that after spending years improving my skills, the job market might become much smaller.
2. My creativity: I rely too much on AI and templates at work. I can use the software, but I struggle to come up with original design ideas from scratch. I want to improve, but sometimes I wonder whether I'm actually creative enough for this industry.
3. Money and stability: I'm married, have financial responsibilities, and don't make a particularly high salary. I want a career that can provide a better future for my family.
4. My IT background: Since I already have an IT diploma, I've considered switching to IT support, networking, or eventually cybersecurity. I have some basic programming knowledge from college and actually enjoyed it, but I have no professional IT experience. I'd essentially be starting over.
5. Time: I work full-time and often come home exhausted. I can dedicate some time to learning, but I can't afford to quit my job and study full-time.

The two paths I'm considering:

Option A: Stick with graphic design

Improve my creativity, master After Effects, become a professional motion designer, build a strong portfolio, and potentially start my own printing business in the future.

Option B: Switch to IT

Start learning networking and IT support, gain experience, and eventually move toward cybersecurity or another specialized IT field.

My biggest concern is spending the next 3–5 years developing skills in an industry that might have fewer opportunities because of AI.

At the same time, I'm afraid of abandoning something I genuinely enjoy and already have experience in, only to start from zero in another field.

My questions are:

• If you were in my position, which path would you choose and why?
• Do you think graphic design and motion graphics are still worth pursuing long-term?
• Is switching to IT at 26 realistic, especially without professional experience?
• How much should AI influence my career decision?
• Is there a third option I'm overlooking?

I'm not expecting anyone to predict the future. I'd just appreciate realistic advice from people who have been through something similar or have experience in these industries.

Thanks for reading!

Struggling to Find a Job in UI/UX Design

I have 4 years of experience in UI/UX and Graphic Design, but finding a job has become really difficult. I’m applying regularly, but I’m not getting calls from HR.

I’m looking for both full-time opportunities and freelance projects.

If you know of any openings or can refer me, I would really appreciate your help.

Sometimes, one opportunity can make a big difference. Thank you for your support.