Summary

The article discusses strategies for designers to navigate the tech industry layoffs of 2024, emphasizing the importance of becoming a well-rounded designer, upskilling in AI, preparing for potential job loss, and considering a switch to physical design.

Abstract

The tech industry has been hit with significant layoffs in 2024, affecting many professionals, including designers. The article, aimed at designers, provides insights into the current job market challenges, citing over-hiring during COVID, the rapid growth of AI, and economic factors as contributing causes. It suggests that designers should adapt by becoming well-rounded in various design skills to increase job security, upskill in AI to stay competitive, and prepare for potential layoffs by keeping their resumes and portfolios updated, networking, and diversifying income streams. Additionally, the author proposes considering a return to physical design as a way to mitigate the risk of AI replacing digital design roles.

Opinions

Recruiters advise against quitting a job without securing a better one due to the tough job market.
Being a well-rounded designer with multiple skills is seen as more valuable during economic downturns than specializing in a single area.
Embracing AI is crucial for designers to remain in the workforce as AI tools are transforming design workflows and creativity.
Preparing for layoffs is prudent, including maintaining an updated resume and portfolio, networking, and having multiple sources of income.
The author suggests that physical design skills may be less susceptible to AI replacement and recommends learning such skills for job security.

2024 Tech Layoff : A Designer’s Self-Rescue Amidst the Layoff Wave

Designers, how are you doing? Have you been impacted by the layoffs? Are you feeling like “winter is coming”?

Every other week, we see more people in tech getting laid off, either from the news or LinkedIn. Even worse, it’s started to happen in our real lives.

Let’s look at some data.

Change in tech job postings in the US (2018–2023, indeed)

Why is this happening?

There are quite a lot of moving parts that made this huge layoff happen. For one, the over-hiring during COVID is definitely a major reason. When the economy is not doing well, companies tend to cut off employees to save expenses.

I also believe the rapid growth of AI made 2024 a bad year for many tech professionals. Let’s be honest, just within a year, AI tools such as ChatGPT and Sora have already changed the way we work for good. According to Parity Consulting, 46% of Australia’s workforce could be replaced by AI within the next 20 years. And now it is just the beginning

Other than that, the interest rate, the consistently increasing cost of living, and over-saturated job markets… What can we say? Life is hard.

A Designer’s Self-Rescue Amidst the Layoff Wave

When hard time like this approach, it makes me really start thinking: What can I do to get ready for the uncertainty in the job market?

I first had a chat with recruiters, just to get some ideas from their professional perspective.

“Things are bad. Do not quit if you haven’t landed a much better job,” they advised. From recruiters who were supposed to earn commissions, they gave me the most sincere advice.

I also had chats with a lot of other tech people, and here are what we think might be helpful.

1. Consider to be a well-rounded designer

The more irreplaceable we are, the more secure our job becomes. It’s as simple as that. Instead of focusing solely on mastering one specific area, being a well-rounded designer with a variety of skills may increase our chances of survival.

Now, before you start criticising me, let me explain. While I certainly value expertise in design, consider this scenario: If you were the CEO of a small company and had to choose between a candidate who can handle 3D design, web design, UX design, and animation, versus a UX/UI specialist with deeper knowledge, who would you keep for your design agency? I think most people would opt for the cost-effective option during the special time.

2. Upskill in AI

90% of designers’ jobs may be replaced by AI in the future, but there will always be a group of designers left with the ability to tame AI. And we want to be in that group. So instead of hating and fearing AI, we should actively embrace AI and make it work for us. AI tools are transforming the way designers work, offering capabilities that enhance creativity, streamline workflows, and personalize user experiences. By mastering AI, designers can unlock new opportunities, stay competitive, and future-proof their careers.

3. Preparation for Potential Layoffs

While no one hopes for a layoff, it’s prudent to prepare for the possibility:

Keep Resume and Portfolio Updated: Regularly update your resume and portfolio to showcase your latest accomplishments and skills. Highlight your unique strengths and achievements to stand out to potential employers.
Network and Build Relationships: Cultivate relationships with recruiters, industry professionals, and peers to stay informed about job opportunities and market trends. Networking can open doors to new opportunities and provide valuable support during challenging times.
Diversify Income Streams: Explore alternative income streams such as freelancing, teaching online courses, or offering mentorship services. Diversifying your income can provide stability and mitigate the financial impact of a layoff.

4. Consider Switching Back to Real-Life Design?

The last suggestion may seem a bit unconventional, and it’s solely my opinion: Consider returning to physical design instead of solely focusing on digital. Specifically, I recently enrolled in a woodworking workshop and a sewing class.

Why? Because I envision a potential risk of losing my job as a digital/UX designer compared to AI. However, I don’t believe AI will be sufficiently advanced to create physical designs in the real world just yet. By acquiring additional skills beyond digital design, I find a bit more peace of mind

Well, that’s all I have to say. I hope you can weather the storm of tech layoffs. Better yet, may you find a brighter pathway to continue pursuing your passion for design.

To read more, you can find me on Instagram or Linkedin.

I am Dana, thank you so much for reading. I will see you next time.