Day in the life of an unemployed tech worker (2024)

A productive day in living life and job searching as product designer in San Francisco.
✩ About me ✩
I’m Lily, a product designer (UX) in San Francisco. With no connections, I hustled and broke into Silicon Valley after arts school. I've been featured at Apple News and Business Insider. Subscribe to get my career + interview advice on how to do the same!
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[@0748374]

I got laid off in August 2023 and got an offer early Feb 2024. It was quite the process, I applied to over 200 positions and interviewed for about 8-10 companies including a few scams… In the end I’ve noticed I had more luck when messaging the hiring manager or manager on LinkedIn attached to the post when I had relevant experience in that very specific industry. My background is in health tech and most of my interviews were in that sector. I’m sure you’ll find something soon! Your videos helped me prep for the interview I got the job offer from :)

[@Designalily]

Makes sense, I appreciate this message. Will be rethinking my strategies too.

[@mxrd2]

welcome to a day in life of a new product designer with no experience watching a product designer who has experience struggling to get a job xD

[@Designalily]

we in this together 🥲

[@KuroUmbreon]

Watching this was comforting as a fellow tech job hunter. I think I'll try and bring back more exercise into my routine! I hope we all land something soon

[@showingsoftwarebugs5963]

It's a marathon. Took me 2 months of going through ridiculous interviews and expectations before I landed at a place I am at now. Which I've never heard of prior and I'm so happy where I am. Out of all the startup to faang jobs I've had, the one I'm at now is the best. I wouldn't have found it if I didn't give everyone a chance.

[@fadkolenov]

Just 2 months? You're lucky...

[@hannahakirajiang4964]

Heyy Lily! Thanks for your reply! Yea It's reassuring to know that we're not alone in navigating this journey. ❤Letting go of the past version of ourselves can be tough, but you're right, life is about choices and sacrifices. My favorite anime character (Levi from AoT) said "The only thing we're allowed to do is believe that we won't regret the choice we made", and I really liked this quote :D The interview prep video I mentioned was the whiteboard challenge playlist, where you shared your tips on handling different whiteboard challenges. It is really helpful!!! 🙏 The interview is next Mon and I really hope to work in that team. But the last time I did a whiteboard challenge was back in 2022 so it has been a long while, and now I started to practice along with your video every day, and will record myself tomorrow to improve :) Keep up the amazing work with your videos! Looking forward to more inspiring content from you. I hope one day I can meet you in SF! Or if you come to LA for trips or design events, would love to meet you!!

[@Designalily]

@@hannahakirajiang4964 if you go to config this year, let me know!

[@misokatsu99]

2 months? You had it lucky congrats!

[@Momos-happy-walkers]

This is my 7th years in UX and likely my last one. I successfully burn all my enthusiasm in what was once my dream job, and I am hanging my boots at this scary time. Climb the steep mountain, fall, and climb again only to find out, I am ready to head to the park nearby. All this is to say, follow your passion, wherever it leads you, at least that’s what I believe❤

[@polinaziemlinska3295]

I have 12 years of experience in UX/UI/Product design and was recently laid off. I was already feeling quite burned out in my last job, and now I’m facing the most challenging job search I’ve ever experienced. May I ask what you’ve been doing since leaving the UX design market?

[@teal_hq]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience so candidly. Rooting for you every step of the way!

[@twgood5882]

Staying active and not getting into a rut or depression. Cheers to you ! I am not familiar with the red light head garage at 6:57.

[@Designalily]

It's a red light therpay device

[@hannahakirajiang4964]

Hey Lily! Your videos really resonate with me! I am a product designer in LA, and just like you, I've been grinding through the job hunt againnnn for a while cuz my current one isn't paying me stablely. It's tough out there, and only those who've been through it really get it so I got exactly what you say in your recent linkedin post about the job market getting tougher - Totally feel you on that one. Back to 4 yrs ago, I can also find startup jobs with almost no real industry experience. Bummer about not getting that job in your video, it made me a a little sad setting it :(. I've been in a similar boat lately. Interviews, design challenges, waiting on replies - it's a rollercoaster. Your interview prep video was really really great, but this one hit me differently - I feel like I see myself. Seeing your routein made me think off even there is wayyyy more pain than joy (that's true haha) life's all about finding joy in the small stuff. My today's routein is kinda really similar haha - thekickboxing session kicked my butt haha, but the feeling after is Pure bliss - made me think that "everything else is easier" after that workout :). Just like you with volleyball, I used to like competitive boxing, but now am just cardioboxing - kinda wanna reminding myself to stay grounded to not always be so fiercely competitive. I went to my favorite cafe again then practiced for whiteboard (watched your vid!), and I saw my fav car & the pretty sky omw home :D , prob just like how you feel when you saw dat MJ dance, that moment just felt so greaaattt hahaha! Anyway, just wanted to drop you a line and say thanks for sharing. Your videos feel like chatting with a friend. Keep 'em coming, and all the best! - Han

[@Designalily]

Hi Han, your comment really touched me. Especially how you're living your version of the same experience. I hear you about not being as competitive. It's hard to let go that past version of you. The one that could step into a tournament and bring the heat. It's tough acknowledging they may never come back. But life is about making choices, and to get what you want the most, you gotta sacrifice a lot. I'm happy to hear you want to your favorite cafe to practice and enjoyed those small moments. I think happiness is a choice. I hope your interviews go swell. BTW - which interview prep video were you referring to that was great?

[@user-hu7in5cd6r]

so proud of you, you are doing great, this much authenticity in tech is reaaallly unheard of

[@mosopeadebowale]

Rooting for you Lily, its really tough in this market but I pray you break through and land an amazing offer

[@annelemaire8677]

Thank for this video! I am currently looking for a job in France as a Product Designer after a professional reconversion and it is so hard with no experience.... I I built two projetc from scratch and I discover a passion for this job. I practice some sports each week to be mentally healthy and stable^^

[@arindamng]

Going through same journey..needed motivation

[@MgltheKing]

Keep your head up queen. I am going through the same thing in the cybersecurity space. Finally got several call backs this week. Wish me luck.

[@Designalily]

Good luck King! You got this.

[@AlessioUX]

I am in the same spot lol. Had to move out of my flat and rent a room out. Also got a job as a waiter! Nice seeing people more regularly after working at home for 5 years. I must say it looks like you are keeping yourself very positive by doing activities, going to the gym, ect. You rock! Wishing all the best through these tough times

[@trentbosnic]

Relate to this a lot, but I just finally got an incredible job after 2-3 months of being unemployed and applying everywhere I could. You're gonna find something soon, I'm sure!

[@lindayangng]

Thanks for sharing and best of luck!! I'm in the same boat so watching this felt comforting. Also I love Mr.Charlie's!

[@jlarrify]

Thanks for the videos. I had to leave Silicon Valley for now because it is still expensive, but not much work. And who isn’t a UX designer in the bay area and the world now. It’s really frustrating

[@zeetotal]

That's usually my go-to reasoning of over-friendly people. It's assuring to see to it happens to other people. MLMs suck.

[@sneakymoon_]

I clicked into this video and instantly liked your vibe... THEN I HEAR YOU USE TO PLAY VOLLEYBALL?!?! What position?!?! I'm sad to hear about your shoulder injury but also looks like you're having fun dancing!! it's great to see you so active during this phase of your life. good luck with the job search!!!!

[@Designalily]

Thank you! I played outside!! Miss it, but shoulder always says no after any swings

[@shinchan2524]

I have been searching for a job for months too. I hope we can both get job soon :)

[@lukew3224]

I lost my job in real estate investing company. Unfortunately i still couldn’t get full time role. I am on a contract role currently. Luckily it pays pretty good.

[@omgnoway7467]

I was at a company for a good amount of years till I finally quit to focus on my mental health. I did not realize how difficult the job market has been, it's been two months and the longer my unemployment extends, the more discouraged I feel. The interview process for product is exhausting, I decided I would pursue something more on the visual side for now before jumping back in. Definitely not inspired anymore, I'm hoping my next gig gives me that boost again. It's hard being patient tho if i'm honest ._. rooting for you as well tho!

[@makshat10]

Good luck with the search! Your video motivated me to hit the gym this morning 😂

[@Designalily]

ayyy heat it up!

[@relishxylitol]

Hi there, I came across your video by chance. I can relate. Three of my onsite interviews were canceled in 2020 due to COVID, which had a significant impact on my mental state. However, I didn't give up and ultimately received two job offers. I hope this gives you some encouragement.♥

[@Designalily]

Thank you! I appreciate this. I'm doing better now.

[@BelieveVs]

Nice video you are trying your best to stay consistent you will get your dream job and if not try modeling you are very pretty

[@yangchen7819]

woa, is that a mini/teacup dog? so cute!! 😍

[@Dliu-tiberius1116]

I have also recently given some of the absolute best interviews I have done so far. I have spent so much time preparing for each round not to mention spending days on take-home assignments hoping that my result will impress the interviewers. However, I have just come to terms with the fact that this market is extremely difficult right now and I should take the chance to work on side projects that may give me a better chance to combat a tech downturn in the future. I am currently working on two startup projects while also rebuilding my entire portfolio site using Framer and I have putting in hours of work every day since the day I got laid off. It is not easy at all.

[@Designalily]

How is it going now? If you're putting in the hours, you're bound to get opportunity. There is no world where there is no need for hard working people!

[@shaunmc013]

You have a very mature and professional voice. You should consider going into journalism, you’ll be a great Investigative Reporter..

[@soyandoat4106]

Wishing you all the best of luck on your journey!

[@eileenc6795]

Don’t give up! ❤!

[@Designalily]

I have not and I have started working a new job!

[@AndresTheDesigner]

DAMN, video quality is 🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀

[@GlenLipka]

I’m rooting for you. But what was that thing you sleep under? The light thing.

[@Designalily]

red light therapy to help sleep

[@santilee1165]

I'm sure you will find a better opportunity soon 🤗 Stay Strong!!

[@rodmm3010]

I started the search 1 month ago. Same, 6 years experience. Toughest market I've experienced. Worst than Covid.

[@Designalily]

agreed, thought COVID would be the apex

[@rodmm3010]

Yep. Covid sucked. Back Then I had to get a job as a junior Frontend developer. At least to pay the bills

[@blackjackdoubledown]

Hang in there! Hope u catch a break soon!

[@juliefeng]

Holyy crap, you're so cool!! I just moved to SF from Montreal too, would love to make some coworking + workout friends in tech!

[@Designalily]

Welcome to SF! I love Canada. LMK my DMs are open on IG!

[@rachel1592]

thanks for sharing! so curious - what's your redlight contraption called?

[@Designalily]

Red light therapy machine. Great finds on amazon.

[@manny7662]

i couldn’t land a job and am thinking of moving to another type of job. So I started my own substack newsletter for startup software jobs. There’s a couple with low applications numbers that I can share. Can I post the link here?

[@JoshuaNard]

I hope you find an opportunity. I am glad you are spending time relaxing as a day-in-the-life. This is indeed very important. Staying healthy. My only concern on expectations is that by the time you finished your morning workout, I had (when searching last year) gotten up at 7:30, exercised, ate, organized my job kanban board, and applied to five jobs while modifying every resume to each job key words. My end of day I had around 8 key word updated resumes and updated my website with more case study content. There was no time for play in my experience. It was painful. It was scary. It was times of self doubt and fear. Five months of grind to land a job. That is tragically what it takes today in product to stand out and get hired. It was a non-stop GRIND. You are very talented. I wish you well. I believe you will find something. I am just concerned- you are not telling the world that spending 1-2 hours on a job search is a “day in the life” for success correct? I don’t think you are.

[@Designalily]

Kudos to you! My day varies, there are days it's 5 hours or more. I believe in this vlog it's actually about 3 hours of "interview prep" work. Many late nights. I could use more advice though. Could we perhaps connect? Your comment sheds light into the reality now and I hope more people read it.

[@harambeboy]

Stick with it

[@sonjamir7751]

I really love ux, and I feel terrified to pick it as my main focus at uni due to ai, economy etc. Any advice from people who are already in the field? 😢

[@mfrancisco_850]

3 years here so keep going its going to take a while

[@unuo6350]

Hi is being a product designer worth it in 2024 and the future? I'm currently looking to major in this kind of field, but I am worried because of the laidoffs.

[@joannabusinessaccount7293]

What is the red box on your bed?

[@jerbear97]

had me at the Cool With You intro

[@XxlolktkatxX]

How long have you been unemployed?

[@Bom.3d]

new jeansss

[@ayushituteja5502]

HI, how is your ICL experience after an year?

[@AlistarMadeBy]

You live in the Marina? What a small world 😄

[@candrayudhatama3397]

Nice.. can still enjoying life even you jobless.. not all human can do that.. 😊

[@RBLXGaming23]

What was the red thing you went to sleep with?

[@Designalily]

red light therapy machine

[@doncarderms4910]

In my opinion I think all of those are the effects of AI.

[@chggg567]

My suspicion is AI took away a lot of IT jobs!! Especially coders.

[@harryzhu]

nope. its the overhiring of engineers in 2021-2022 and the market is overcorrecting ON TOP OF the rise in CS majors year over year

[@harryzhu]

but yes most big tech are siliently watching if they can get away with replacing an entire engineer department with AI but that wont happen. AI sucks

[@richardpatton6052]

🔥 🔥 🔥

[@MightyMigi]

Yo that thumbnail did not do you justest lol but it's a good one you should A/B Test it try a new one it's been an hour.

[@Designalily]

why no justice?

[@gregmcqueen4540]

Gorgeous

[@manub.n6223]

Unemployed but still rich How can it be? 🤔

[@Ali-uq3tc]

P r o m o S M 😝

[@MrSa30kumar]

MLM program 😂

[@Designalily]

life is full of disappointments

[@dongnguyen7411]

I am noticing that all the people who are making these laid off videos are young and Asian. Is there anything there?

[@shyanipal4159]

Hey @designalily I might be wrong or right but my gut feeling says, the company rejected you now but soon they're gonna give you the offer.

[@timsilva_]

I feel you, tech is SO boom and bust. Keep going! 🦾

[@Rtb-aramvlogs]

Hi❤