I quit my $100K product design job, here's why.

[@AlienaCai]

I have not quit design! In fact, the power of product design has enabled me to save enough to start my own company, pursue what I love, achieve financial independence, and establish a new life in a foreign country. I am pleased to announce that the first product, "Fast Track to UX: a 4-Week Figma Crash Course," under Aliena Design LLC, will be available for pre-sale from July 24 to July 31. Use the promo code 'PRESALE100' at checkout to receive a $100 discount on your pre-sale purchase at alienacai.com. I look forward to sharing this exciting journey with you ❤

[@surbhiambastha5312]

Wow all the best..I saw your first video in which you said you were rejected by so many companies and now this.. 🎉 all the best

[@RickSolo92]

Since your starting your own company where do I put my application I would love to work for u

[@HeyQuinton]

So happy you found the courage to start a company off of the backs of your viewers ❤

[@WinnerKenu]

Hey Aliena! I'm from Ibadan, Nigeria. Right here a lot of people just want to get into tech, but they don't have the ability to get the skills, training and mentorship they need. Your videos are one of a kind, that just help people like me to get to see where we're headed in this tech career and make the right decisions earlier before time. Thanks a lot for this video. It's really inspiring. I really appreciate the effort and verisimilitude you put into your videos. Well-done!

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you so much for letting me know! I’ve always wanted to visit Nigeria. Wish you all the best with your career ✨

[@jbsinluenam]

So much wisdom, honesty, thought provoking things to comtemplating from these vdo. So much respect to you, Aliena. Thanks for sharing. This is eye-opening. Seriously.

[@Ambomon]

Hi Aliena, I have been watching your channel for a while, and today's video really hit me hard. I just obtained my Google UX certificate as you can say I am fresh piece of white paper in this design industry. What you have mentioned the idea of thinking internationally really hit me, cuz I just remembered what the course said " always think about the next billion users who are not a tech savy, or first computer or phone user, or someone who is non-English speaker". I am also a Chinese live in North America. So I can't agree more on how sometimes we forgot to think about our root and culture when it comes to design. Wish you the best luck to your future.

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you so much for sharing this. And congrats on obtaining Google UX certificate!! I know right? Tech companies today are all building products for international users and I can't wait to see products becoming more inclusive and designing with international audience in mind from day 1. All the best with your career ❤ Being a piece of white paper could be a huge competitive advantage. I'm also a piece of white paper in many ways. Welcome to the paper club 🤣🧻

[@Elias-co3xz]

I've been following your journey for a few months now and I want to let you know, as part of your audience, I've been seeing so much growth from your side of the table I want to be a musician but lack the money to afford that lifestyle and career, so I want to start by working in IT. People around me discourage me from doing it, they all want me to become a lawyer and live a boring, tedious life However, seeing you work hard each day, put all your effort into your passions and remain focused keeps me on track and inspires me to be my best self Your videos speak volumes about your work ethic and how you are as a person, I strive to become a little like you a year from now. I wish you the best, you're on your way to greatness Aliena

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you so much for sharing your story with us! This means a lot to me. I can’t wait to see your journey in IT and music! I support you 👍👍👍 Just want to reserve a VIP ticket to your future concert

[@autumn399]

Wow u r similar to me, I also love music but pursuing it seems unrealistic to me right now, so I'm considering the IT field, so I can become financially independent and stable, so I can enjoy learning music in my free time

[@mrjulian.m]

Between this video and listening to the Design Better podcast I have learned even more that design is about being forward thinking. Thank you for this update and sharing Aliena! Excited to continue seeing your journey!!!

[@maguipezzm692]

OMG Thanks for confirm my thougts. I've seen so many Senior UX/ Product designers on Tiktok looking for a job for almost a year, so I realized that scaling your title in this industry as an employee is haaaard. I also know the enterpreneur path and I wish you the best!! stay healthy

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you ❤️❤️❤️

[@markwonah4274]

My first time dropping a comment here though I've been your subscriber for years. Glad I'm one of those Nigerians following this channel. Your channel have helped a lot of us. Looking forward to what is in store.

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you for dropping a comment! Would love to visit Nigeria one day. I'm so happy to see subscribers from Nigeria. Have a great week ahead!

[@DesignGal]

Congrats on your own business, Aliena! You are a visionary and will go far. Cheering you on!

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you so much!!

[@spsaik]

Every new beginning comes from some other other beginnings end! Can’t wait to see what’s in store for you

[@ericaamos3019]

Hey! I love your videos and I am from Lagos Nigeria. I really like this video and it opened my mind to a whole new perspective on my design career, and now understanding that regardless of where I might go I have a responsibility to my people.

[@AlienaCai]

Thanks for sharing!! ❤️❤️ Lagos is on top top visiting list ☝️

[@aleor614]

Congrats Aliena! I agree with you point on "creating for English first", I'm a Spanish Native speaker and there's SO MUCH to create for LATAM. It's exciting! Best of luck

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you for sharing. I see a HUGE growth and need for Spanish products. Can't wait to see the future of it 👍

[@djhaulix1581]

Good luck in your future endeavors. I hope you've been settled down till now. Love from Bengaluru India. 1 weeks ago finished UX design diploma.

[@ajaykumarxz]

Aliena Congratulations and best of luck for the journey

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you so so much!

[@joannepaek]

Thank you for sharing this part of your journey Aliena~ Your content has been really helpful for me to see as a learning UI/UX designer, can't wait to see where you go from here!

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you so much for the support! All the best wishes

[@bashirmoruf4949]

Wish you best of luck in your new company. Watching from Nigeria

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you so much!

[@theskyisthelimit8229]

Aliena, as a native Chinese working and living in Europe, I have the same thoughts like you, I wish you all the best for the new journey!!

[@AlienaCai]

谢谢你哈～ 🥹🥹 一起加油！

[@XClark]

Good luck on your quest! I hope for the very best for you! ✌️😁

[@vizualrhythm]

Aliena! Excellent form of brand building, this has been the thing for a long time now but you've seen the biggest opportunity to shift gears to 3.0. Love the fact that you're on the money! The Gen-Z line is funny because you actually work. hahah

[@maryamfatima-sz6cr]

Hi Aliena! Congratulations first of all! The entire video is a proof of how courageous & confident you are! Best of the best wishes from you old subscriber, Maryam, who take you as the biggest inspiration in product design field, x

[@nb08]

Nice thought, more power to you from 🇮🇳 🤜

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you so much 😀

[@md.arafathossen6779]

Hey! You're being full time in your own company now. That's good news! All the best for you and your company!

[@AlienaCai]

Yes! Thank you!

[@mehretmerid7221]

Love u from Ethiopia🇪🇹! U always motivate me!

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you ❤️❤️

[@jewelthompson-adiuku2617]

Congratulations on starting your companies🥳🥳 I just decided to make this decision as well and it is definitely worth it. I wish you all the best!!

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you! You too!

[@Sabrina-jd6ve]

This is a beautiful realization. Wishing you so much success on your journey!

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you! You too!

[@MalinaSafi-m7p]

oww my god i just see you became campany owner from 0 to this good luck sweetheart you deserve this and your energy is so pure i wish all the best for you .

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you sooooo much. Yes I was a blank piece of paper few years ago when you started to watch my content, and I am still a blank piece of paper (in a good way)! There will be more content coming up, I'll see you here often. Also all the best with your venture too 😉

[@cormacfeedesign]

A great insight. Thanks so much for inspirational and informative content. It's hard to believe that you have such a wise head on such young shoulders. It's so refreshing and reassuring to hear you talk about the ethical and moral considerations you have as someone in the design field - something that is very much missing in most of today's businesses. The best of luck with you new project and company, you'll be great. Thanks again for what you do. I'm on my way over to your website now! ☺

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you so much for the support ✨✨🙌

[@The6thShadow]

Rooting for your future endeavors Aliena!

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you for the support ❤️❤️

[@bisoujunjun]

Nice thought-provoking content Aliena. I also love how you seem to carry yourself differently now with more confidence! Thanks for being part of the community and playing a wonderful role in shaping the next generation of design leaders. I appreciate your work!

[@PinaColada65]

congrats for your future! i hope you do well in every opportunity that comes your way

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you sooo much

[@icugab]

Hi Aliena! Great video and best of luck to you on your new adventure.

[@icugab]

Also at 8:10 in the video, you mentioned "After I plugged in my..something...something", what is that you use to see the information?

[@bbchezdesigns]

New subscriber here and what a day to discover you today when I started another UX designs course. You’re an inspiration because you used your UX learnings and experience as the foundation to the next chapter in your life. Goals!! Best of luck and hope to see your journey ahead on here.

[@AlienaCai]

Welcome to my channel ❤️❤️❤️ ahhh I summarized it so well. Using my UX learnings and experience as foundation to my next chapter is exactly what I’m trying to do. Let the dots connect ❤️❤️

[@kimberlycaritas]

I grew up in Malaysia, and when I came back to the US... you're so right that the culture makes you completely forget about internationalization with the way things are run. I've gone into design because I want to help people everywhere-thank you so much for reminding me of that.

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you for sharing ❤️❤️

[@davidgold2659]

Hi Aliena, really enjoyed your content, I am from Nigeria, I love the fact that you have higher goals and ambitions, and you dare to take a bold step in achieving them i love that, and You mentioned about wanted to come to Lagos, Nigeria, We would love to have you here and also Abuja, the Federal Capital, would love to continue seeing you grow and please continue to put out more content as you continue with your journey as they are really a great source of inspiration. ❤

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you so much!!

[@JenPinto]

You’re very inspiring and brave for taking the leap. Wishing you nothing for the best in your next journey. Thank you for sharing your experience ❤

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you so much!

[@camiloramirez4701]

Congrats! Wish you luck in this new journey!

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you ❤❤❤❤❤

[@tanushree6735]

I'm a UX researcher and I never followed you bcoz you were teaching similar things as everyone else (the designers I mean). But I wanna start my own company too and I hope following you will inspire me to do it faster and better. All the best :)

[@AlienaCai]

Wow, thank you! Welcome ❤️❤️

[@jonathankewe9415]

All the Best in Your New Adventure!...💥

[@marvellouseabraham8436]

i have followed you for a while now , and you have done well ... i belive you will do better in your new work

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you so much 👍👍

[@buhaynimaria]

I am with you about innovation and how technology has been rapidly evolving! This is the same reason why I'm undergoing a career change and hope to work in the tech industry, applying my interests in botany, art and conservation. 😊

[@ayushrawat8251]

Going through a similar thing. All the best

[@buhaynimaria]

@@ayushrawat8251 All the best to you too!!

[@vaishnavishah1413]

Kuddos to you because you are really thinking about what you really want to do in life. You are creating a vision for yourself and this is really inspirational. ❤❤❤

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you so much! ❤️❤️❤️

[@NonyeNwandu]

Congratulations @ALIENA. It’s been a blessing following you All these while from the Google course to now. I a wait for more you’ll do and maybe we might get to work together someday as I know and have seen you’re an exceptional design leader and I’ve learnt a lot from you. 🤲🏽👏🏽🤗. One of your proud Nigerian subscribers 💃🏽

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you so much!

[@favourohio]

Wish you the best Aliena!

[@AlienaCai]

Thank youuuu

[@Jerry_Lasswell]

Your level of perception always blows my mind, thank you for sharing and congratulations on your new company. Am a product designer from Nigeria looking for opportunity also

[@AlienaCai]

Thanks for sharing! Would love to visit Nigeria ❤️

[@MostcallmeTim]

Your videos give me so much inspiration and hope. I'm so happy for your future, but as a junior designer I just want to have job security.

[@nathangedamke2041]

Hi Aliena, I love all of the thought you've put into the future of business and work, and I think you're on heading in the right direction. Best of luck with your new company!

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you❤️❤️

[@PrendosNewZealandLimited]

Five years of overthinking. Favourite sentence in the whole video. I hear ya.

[@nathananderson8720]

This is one of the channels that gave me the courage to start my KZbin channel 5 months ago about self development. Now I have 315 subs and almost > 100 hours of watch time. I know it’s not comparable with others but I’m still proud I started because I’ve been learning so many lessons that I couldn’t have learned without getting started in the 1st place.

[@3ple_a688]

Being nice watching your video and learning a lot from you... I'll watchout for your company and look forward to working with or there😊

[@AlienaCai]

Thank youuuu 👍👍👍

[@supafly95ify]

Wow! I commend you for following your heart and desire for your career. Chasing your passion is very commendable

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you ❤❤❤❤❤

[@jxcqueline]

All the best! I'm inspired haha. Can't wait to see more of your content!

[@joditang]

wow your content is so authentic and so goooood

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you ❤️❤️

[@tryde_d]

Hi Aliena. Congratulations on your new company. PS: I'm from Lagos, Nigeria and I hope you visit Nigeria soon ❤️🇳🇬

[@AlienaCai]

I hope so too! Thank you for the kind welcome ❤️

[@Hamstimusprime]

Hi Aliena! I'm Mo from Lagos, Nigeria. Absolutely great content, goodluck on your next journey. cheers

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you so much!!

[@dipoawosanya6209]

It would be nice to work for your company especially the fact that it's a start-up from someone who I actually admire 🙈🙊🤭 and it's international cause you hammered on it well. It's really nice to see you take that bold step to create your own company and leave the cooperate work life behind to work on your own terms. I also love the fact that your are willing to help us young designers. It really is an encouragement. Thank you and I wish and pray for your success

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you so much! Aiming to have enough funding to hire contractors by Q4 😉

[@sandrad9695]

“I was born to live, not work.” Interesting concept. But we were created to work and to create and to achieve. When we’re not working towards a goal, we get depressed and bored, both of which can lead to really negative behaviors. So even if we’re not “working” in the traditional sense of performing for an employer, we need to still always be “working” on something. Work and achievement are a huge part of what gives our life meaning and joy. And we still need to make a living. So maybe “working” needs an image makeover. 😂 I don’t know. But these are great concepts to facilitate great conversations.

[@AlienaCai]

I really like your idea that "working" needs an image makeover!! ❤️💡 Working can be very enjoyable, meaningful, and inspiring if we make it that way 👍

[@edgarlyherrera2672]

Hi Aliena, I love your videos, and motivated me to learn about UX design. And actually, I become a Jr. UX/UI designer. But I'm frustrated! I don't get a job opportunity because I don't have experience. Some people forget that without a Junior doesn't exist a Senior. Anyway, I want to tell you that I'm so happy for you, and you're a professional model to me.

[@JaiShirelle]

Great insights! Congratulations and good luck on your new journey.

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you so much!

[@Alpha_pete]

I’ll be so happy to see you in Lagos!

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you!!

[@bbbirdo1157]

Congrats!🎉

[@emmanuelolubodun1]

I'm from Lagos Nigeria and a proud subscriber. You should visit Lagos if you can cos you're impacting the design space positively here

[@AlienaCai]

I would love to!!

[@okioluwaseyi9418]

Thank you so much for sharing your story @Aliena! Your contents are very helpful for upcoming UI/UX designers like myself! 👍

[@AlienaCai]

You're so welcome!

[@duclking04]

You have always been my idol Aliena....always trying my best to be like you....or even better 😁

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you so much for the support! This means a lot to me. I'm sure you will be better 👍👍

[@ashVGF]

This was great, thanks for sharing your perspective!

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you for the support!!

[@musicplease4886]

Good insight, I also don't see the future if I keep working as a product designer in a company, time to make decision and plan for the own business, wish you good luck !

[@AlienaCai]

Thanks for the support ❤ And all the best wishes with your journey!

[@seanpaints]

Funny because the only design positions I see are for SENIOR roles! 😂 but girl good for you aiming for the top!

[@laurenlim9276]

This is the power of being single or unmarried without children we can do anything we want I had 1 child by 24 and had to quit work to look after children. No baggage to carry over and fear for other life, where our risk taking becomes a test of courage. I this is my personal opinion coming from Asian country and Asian way of life.

[@sebastiansperception]

Question for you, Aliena: What is your purpose? you mention "our generation". What is your dream? What is it that you want to bring into the world?

[@zainabyusuf6382]

Repping Nigeria!! Hustle po. You will love lagos Aliena and it will stress you out too.

[@AlienaCai]

Can't wait! I watched some Vlogs this week and I see where that comes from 🤣 Still would love to visit!

[@AbdussalamPopoola]

If you plan to come to Lagos... I hope I'll be there to see you 😅. This is really inspiring Aliena, I'm 19 (20 soon). I want to build something as well, but I always end up thinking (I want a job now, how can I make this stuff workout). I know what I want, it's just feel uncomfortable to take the risky path. But we're young, and we've got time leverage. Gotta use it. Thanks again for the inspiration👑❤️ Looking forward to this next phase of your journey

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you for sharing! Being a blank piece of paper is a huge competitive advantage because there's nothing for us to loose. I suggest you to work on the thing you want to start full time and try to find a job part time. That's what I did before I got my eBay job and it helped me a lot on building a personal brand early.

[@AbdussalamPopoola]

@@AlienaCai Thanks, i'm going to consider this.

[@AkinsRealm]

Liked also this video, the content variation on your channel is great, I wish you best on your journey and in the new chapter of your life Aliena! 👏😊

[@santoskhalifa8027]

Thanks a lot for sharing this with us

[@GuavaGirlAlice]

"5 years of overthinking" 🤣

[@AlienaCai]

Welcome to the overthinking thinking club 🫡

[@Tyouhoo]

Congats!

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you!!

[@FishTalkFish]

Aliena Cai, I quit my job too as a senior FE engineer. I would work with you on your next venture :)

[@AlienaCai]

Congrats!! All the best on your venture too 🫡

[@holssi.e]

My brooooo ❤❤

[@AlienaCai]

Broooooooooo I might have just turned into a customer support center 🤣

[@holssi.e]

@@AlienaCai the story about your fam

[@ibrahimlanihun7192]

Wow. I will love to meet up with you when you come to Lagos, Nigeria

[@AlienaCai]

Sounds good!

[@Blackoutseven]

Thank you for sharing the journey quick question? What would be best to work on with a laptop Macbook Air or Macbook Pro?

[@AlienaCai]

I'd say Macbook Pro but I'm not an expert in equipment 😜 Both should be fine.

[@Blackoutseven]

@@AlienaCai Thank You!

[@tory518]

So Inspiring 👏

[@eriksori]

Is this Bellevue? I interned at Amazon there last year (didn’t like it)

[@AlienaCai]

Yes it is 😄 Small world!

[@eriksori]

@@AlienaCai did you like Bellevue? I meant I didn’t like the area, but the work I did.

[@satisfiedcustomer]

Question will your Figma course be beginner friendly?

[@AlienaCai]

It will!

[@thes1lverclaw32]

2:34 Imran Chaudhri from Humane

[@Sabrina-jd6ve]

How long were you at eBay if you don’t mind me asking

[@AlienaCai]

478 days 👍

[@rivernorth1271]

As an early subscriber, I just wanted to say thank you for all the humor, humanity, and design swag along the way. Very excited to see your future endeavors, and this video speaks volumes!

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you my early subscriber ❤️ Wouldn't came this far without your support!

[@theaverageordinary3347]

Hi, I’m trying to purchase your course but I can’t figure out how to create an account at your site first?

[@AlienaCai]

Hi, in the check out it should ask for your email and password to create an account. If you still encounter a problem, can you send a screenshot to [e-mail]? Sorry about the inconvenience!

[@danielsuhash9680]

I am surprised to hear Bangalore india. 9:28 I work here.

[@md.sumonbiswas2272]

I am gratefull to you and hope you best for your future. One day i will want to part of your company 😍 Good Luck

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you!! I'll keep you in mind 🫡

[@md.sumonbiswas2272]

@@AlienaCai ❤

[@Varun_79]

So there no life in this field if i'm planning to work for 10-15 yrs?, just now i have started so..

[@AlienaCai]

Product design is a great field. As long as there's product, there shall be need for product designers. Also, the skill of designing product is so powerful. You shall see dots connect even if the industry changes.

[@JGComments]

San Jose has a cost of living 81 percent higher than average, so they better pay you well.

[@AlienaCai]

Ahaha, yeppp. San Jose is expensive!

[@JGComments]

@@AlienaCai 👍 Good luck with your business!

[@FadeBuys]

are product designer and ux designer the same thing?

[@mr_greenhorn]

I am from Bengaluru India

[@TranquilWanderer]

Love this video! And your happiness

[@AlienaCai]

Thank you so much!!

[@lisbettegomez]

👏👏👏👏Congrats for your new chapter of your life I reallly wish you the best! >w< and hope we can still see you around here growing and happy :3

[@AlienaCai]

Thank youuuu ❤ Oh yes, you will see me around here, probably more often 🫡😉

[@adancingpotato4327]

Kind of hate the way AI is being utilized to take creative jobs away from artists ngl. If used ethically it could have some benefits. I wish you well with your company. You’re very talented and I’m sure your openness will make you a success.

[@Netflexmoviez]

Many people venture into crypto to be wealthy, meanwhile I just want to be debt free.

[@umairuiux]

So how to join your company ?

[@thejuwc]

Hello Aliena, I really love your content and it has helped me in extreme ways. Thank You for all of your content:)))) I wanted to know if you have any 1:1 mentorship opportunities?

[@jaimieliu5706]

It would be awesome if your company started an apprenticeship program for upcoming UX designers :)

[@AlienaCai]

That's an awesome idea

[@pandastory-abookseriesabou8568]

🖖🏻 Good as always 🚀​

[@AlienaCai]

Appreciate that

[@rupamhalder7957]

Hi Aliena, I don't know if this message with reach you. I started watching your youtube videos as I had my interests in UX design. But like you have started you own company, I have the same dream of starting off my own company one day. Right now its a long journey for me too. I wanna learn UX design cuz it will serve me a great job opportunity and want to save all my savings from there for opening up my own company. I dunno how to explain but like you even I vision of making my company one of the best in the world. I relate a lot from your lifestyle with me. I liked how you termed office life and living life, even i believe living life is what im built for and definitely will be having a living life in my future and not a office life. I will continue following you on socials and will some day might meet. Greatly inspired by you. Money is just a drug, creating something of my dream is the actual happiness for me and i can tell as for you too :)

[@AlienaCai]

Oh my god I’m so happy to see your comment. I can’t wait to see what you will create one day 🚀🚀