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From 0 to UX Designer... How did I get here?

Updated: Mar 11

By the time I graduated from the University of Houston’s Industrial Design (ID) Program, with my previous engineering education and experience in hand, I felt invincible. I was ready to take on any challenge, convinced I could conquer the world. I had big plans—work at a top-tier studio, become a sought-after designer, and eventually launch my own firm.

But there was a significant hurdle for ID graduates in Houston: the industrial design community was still in its infancy, and opportunities were scarce. Many of my peers left for cities with stronger job markets, but my experience was different. Despite Houston’s limited ID demand, I received strong offers immediately upon re-entering the workforce. I quickly secured positions at reputable companies, advanced in seniority, and enjoyed a competitive salary.

Everything seemed perfect. I had a great office, an excellent salary with bonuses, plenty of vacation time, and exciting projects. As the sole industrial designer in my company, I felt untouchable. I was wrong—very wrong.


When Everything Changes


Just months into my new role, the energy sector suffered a massive downturn. Oil prices plummeted, triggering widespread layoffs. Houston became a layoff hub, and my career took an unexpected turn. This would be my last industrial design job—a reality I never saw coming.


At first, I assumed I’d transition to another firm, but the sheer number of displaced workers flooded the already weak ID job market. I started with a selective job search, confident in my skills. As time passed without results, I broadened my applications to all levels, as long as the job was in Houston—remote work was rare then.


Panic set in. Desperation took over. I sent out hundreds of applications, contacted everyone in my network, and pursued side ventures to stay afloat. My savings ran dry, and credit cards became my lifeline. Debt piled up, and ID jobs were nowhere in sight.


I tried everything—selling on Amazon, drop-shipping, even launching an online t-shirt business. Nothing worked. Depression and imposter syndrome hit me hard. I felt incapable of providing for my family and wanted to disappear. It felt like everything was crumbling.


A Shift in Perspective


Amidst the chaos, I started noticing a pattern. Every job search for “industrial design” surfaced roles in “product design” and “UX/UI design.” My curiosity led me down a new path. I discovered that ID and UX shared core principles—both centered on human-centered design. The more I explored, the more I realized how transferable my skills were.


But learning UX on my own was overwhelming. The sheer volume of online resources made it difficult to navigate. I needed structure. More importantly, I needed guidance—someone who could provide real-world insights, a mentor who understood the industry and could accelerate my transition.


The Power of Asking for Help


The moment I dropped my ego and sought help, everything changed. I was fortunate to have ID colleagues who had already transitioned into UX and were willing to mentor me. I invested my last savings into learning UI design, networked relentlessly, and studied the elements of a compelling UX portfolio.


The process was slow, tedious, and at times, uninspiring. But this was my last shot. After three grueling years of portfolio reviews, online courses, and endless networking, I finally earned the title of UX Designer and presented my work to the world.


Today, I have a thriving UX career, senior status, and the freedom to work remotely. I broke the six-figure salary barrier and regained control over my future.


Lessons Learned: The Importance of a Coach


The biggest lesson from my journey is that perseverance and hard work are non-negotiable. But equally crucial is having a mentor. A coach can provide clarity, fill knowledge gaps, and fast-track your success. If you don’t have a friend to guide you, invest in a coach—you won’t regret it.


Trust your coach. They’ve navigated the obstacles ahead of you. Had I sought specialized guidance earlier, my transition from ID to UX would have been far more efficient.



Working from home
Gain location and schedule freedom by becoming a Remote UX Designer.

The Roadmap to Success


My journey in summary:


  • The oil and gas crash wiped out my ID career.

  • I applied to over 500 jobs in a month with no results.

  • I drained my savings and went into debt.

  • Entrepreneurship failed me—Amazon sales, drop-shipping, and a t-shirt business all flopped.

  • I was lost, overwhelmed, and struggling to support my family.

  • I needed a new path—fast.


Fast forward to today:


  • I hold a senior UX role, earning six figures.

  • I have location independence and work remotely.

  • I’m building my dream company, helping others transition into UX.

  • All of this happened in under three years—thanks to the guidance I received.


How I did it step-by-step:


  1. Dropped my ego and sought mentorship—figuring it out alone was impossible.

  2. Acquired the right skills—the hardest part without structured guidance.

  3. Set clear salary goals and followed my coach’s advice to reach them.

  4. Stayed patient and consistent, rebuilding my personal brand to stand out.


Within months, job offers poured in. I now have the power to choose who I work with and how I shape my future. Our house is paid for, our daughters will graduate college debt-free, and my wife and I are planning for early retirement.


For anyone starting this journey—take it one day at a time. Stay consistent. Keep pushing forward. It will be worth it.



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