What are the downsides of being a UX designer?

I assume that everybody knows how great it is to be a designer. I like my profession and I am really proud that I got the chance to do it. From my experience, the downsides are different for each designer. I dare to say that it depends on person’s personality, goals & expectations and the business in which you work. But let me list some: I have seen designers who were pissed off that their work have never been realized due to business and technological constrains. So they gave up after several tries. You will meet many people who think that they are the most clever person in the World (as I sometimes say newly-born Steve Jobs) so they will tell you what to do and how. Even if they know nothing about design. You should spend a lot of time studying stuff, information to constantly learn new things. Some people do not want to accept it and think that they will know everything after 6 months of practice. You will always discuss (sometimes dispute) the importance of the users with your colleagues, stakeholders and business owners. It takes a lot of energy and needs patience and perseverance. As in other fields, as a designer, you cannot be sure that you know enough even if you learn and try enough. Design is a discipline full of experiments and you will fail very often. Some people can’t accept it. You will never win every battle. People will ask for a help with their products and services because they don’t generate enough money. As you will trying to help them, they won’t trust you and will tell you that they know their target audience and business perfectly (even if they asked you for help due to failing business). And they will also tell you what to do. Again you will need a patience and collaborate with them slowly and in a possitive mood. UX Design has been evolving and changing. Many people will think that you are just an artist drawing rectangles full of emotions. Other will expect you to draw wireframes of their homepage. It is complicated field :). You will need to conduct many research studies. People still don’t believe that it is valuable so you will negotiate a budget. There always be a better designer than you who will create more and better ideas and who will be more hard working and successful. It is a fact that many designers can’t accept due to their ego (ego is your small enemy in design). Also as a UX Designer, what will you do in your 50–60? UX is hot today, but do you think that UX will be still actual after few decades or that companies will want experienced veterans (worrying whether you will bring something new or just verified stuff that will not differ them from competion)? I am little skeptical. Every profession has advantages and disadvantages. I love design because I can do a great stuff and make the World a better place - with happy and successful people. read less