I got laid off Tempo fitness (as a product designer)

Second time laid off twice during the pandemic. Worst part is I'm not even a millionaire 💀.
2023 UPDATE: • My product design job ...
⭐ Subscribe for product design, tech, and interview advice ⭐
I’m Lily, a product designer (UX) in San Francisco. With no connections, I hustled and broke into Silicon Valley after arts school. My story has been featured in Apple News and Business Insider.
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[@Designalily]

Get my free design interview prep book! 📖 (I made this after my recent interview rounds. It worked.) www.designalily.com/prepped

[@aestheticstorm]

As a Product Designer, I was laid off 4 times, including Netflix, my grail job I worked so hard to get. It led me to quit the career entirely, and now I own an arcade bar. It made me realize I wasted 15 years of my life chasing a false career when I should have been following my passion in the first place.

[@philmckay9973]

interesting. i have my own little biz...and want to burn it down every once in a while. lol passion? the most it can be for me is just a little bit of success every once in a while. :-)

[@Designalily]

@@philmckay9973 when it's your own biz, isn't it more routine than passion day to day?

[@Designalily]

Wow, I'm sorry to hear that. Isn't Netflix is known to lay off people quickly, like drafting for sport teams? How are you liking running your own business now? I totally love that you followed your real passion-chasing a career is not the same as chasing your dream. Most of what people end up doing in life is only what they have been told they're capable of. Public education does a good job of that :)

[@DeadlyJimmy]

good for you dude

[@marcusmaynard1526]

Well it's probably because you arent a kiddie didler like the rest of the netflix employees.

[@WabiSabiGakusei]

You’re a product designer whether you’re working at a company or not. You have the proof on your resume and the work you’ve done. I’ve learned from watching you before I finally got my first product position. Don’t let any hater or troll try to derail you from the fact that you’ve done, did, and will continue to do the work as you go forward. 🙏🏾

[@Designalily]

Thank you 🥺 I hope you are enjoying product design and I appreciate your words.

[@Wikipamela]

This! You. Are. A. Product. Designer!

[@jorgeabuauad]

@@Designalily atheism is a fraud , there is a spiritual plane , we can’t see , O spend a long time researching secret society and occult, it put my soul at grave danger , I saw paranormal phenomena manifest, my life was like a horror movie , now I believe in Jesus and I advise all to do the same , becouse I know hell is real , is another dimension, the elite of this world serve them.

[@saledin-wd2gj]

@@Designalily I got laid off last year, as government pharmacist in malaysia, I know how does it feel the best I can advice you is to work as contractor, stabilized your positions, and take your time to study and improve ur positions AND DONT CUT TIES & BURN BRIDGES, If you need someone to nag at u, I volunteer

[@Jabrils]

Lily. A job doesn't define you, your passion does. Just because you no longer work at said company, doesn't mean your vision becomes all of a sudden unclear. Let your product designer vision be your guiding light during these dark times 🙌🙌🙌 (Also I recommend traveling outside of the Bay a bit, you'll quickly learn most people in the world realize there is more to life than work 😅) I wish you the best!

[@ManicKandii]

I never thought about a job vs passion. That makes so much sense. Thank you for sharing 💖

[@Max-my6rk]

unfortunately, your job to redefine your life which eventually will refine u... cuz u get feedbacks from environment outside u.

[@justinpolacek9797]

This is real and genuine. A lot of people are going through this and don't share it because they are embarrassed of their situation. But, you coming out and speaking openly about this really helps those that don't have the courage to voice how they feel. You're the voice for those going through this. Wishing you much success on your next journey.

[@Designalily]

Thank you Justin. This is really kind of you to write. Shame and guilt kept coming up as feelings, and I tried to find other words but it kept coming back to that. I feel like I'm letting out what has stopped me from being truly open on my channel.

[@justinpolacek9797]

@@Designalily These are difficult and challenging times. But, I really feel like this step, is a step forward in a direction that will help so many inspiring designers and people going through this. I am really excited for you and your journey, and I think it's safe to say everyone here is rooting for you. Thanks for all the tutorials and help.

[@goldcd]

Was just thinking the same - we all create our own little piles of shame to carry and hide - but the moment somebody else talks about it, you realize it's "just normal stuff, we all have" Not good, not bad, it's just what it is - and we can all move on.

[@justinpolacek9797]

Nice insight 🙂

[@Indhu00]

Hi! You’re brave to talk about layoffs with us. So don’t be ashamed of this situation. I have been there twice in past two years. I understand the anxiety and stress but let me tell you something. A company laying off people doesn’t necessarily mean it’s about the employee, it’s mostly bad financial decisions by the company. You are in design with a diverse skillset and experience, start interviewing in the meantime on side you can create content or mentor design students for an hourly price or maybe take up a freelance gig. Try to keep your mind happy because that helps with moving on thinking clearly what’s next. Being stressed bogs you down, which honestly isn’t good in this situation. Talk to people you’re close with. Clear your mind, get a good meal start fresh. I am also in the design industry, in the past two years I understood there is multitude of paths I can take with my skillset. Take care woman!

[@Designalily]

Thank you so much. 🥺 will do!

[@anfisign]

Hi, Lily. I’ve been laid off twice too. In the beginning of 2020 and in the end of 2021. In march 2022 I’ve started a new job and I can say now that both time being laid off brought me a much better opportunity. In fact, I can now say that it was almost the best thing that happened to me in the last few years. The market is booming today, you now have a luxury to pick any company you want to work at. Good luck with picking the right one. Choosing between the offers was the most challenging part (and it’s nit the worst challenge to have).

[@Designalily]

Thank you Anfisa! You are killing the instagram game now >:)

[@GlenLipka]

I’ve been fired before. It hurt then and still hurts now. I felt all the things you described. You will find a new home though, I promise.

[@Designalily]

Thank you Glen. You truly are the best.

[@PHlophe]

Glenn, been made redundant early this month , i am still on the job as it takes effects in 5 weeks from last Freitag. I felt like i was disposed like garbage . i couldn't decide whether i wanted to cry or roll my eyes in anger. so we all go thru this eventually . its hard out there . for real for real.

[@jaywonder7268]

We are not our jobs. You got this… brave of you to share. The good part about what we do for a living is that the demand is super high at the moment so I’m sure you’ll land on your feet. Hang in there and remember going forward that it’s ok to choose yourself.

[@moniquerennie3378]

You are so brave! I have been in-house in Graphic Design for 5 years now with the same company. Last year I had a huge redundancy scare and realised I had no work I could share in my portfolio (under NDA) and I hadn’t worked on developing the skills I wanted to for a long time. This year I’m taking some action, picking up some freelance work I’m passionate about and not feeling the pressure if I want to say no to a project. I’m not sure where I’m heading yet but I’m so happy to have a backup plan in play.

[@spaceboi_ux]

So brave of you to talk about this. I am really optimistic & excited for your adventure. All the best ✨

[@lovenspired]

Man this is so relatable. The internet needs more of this. I like how bluntly you put everything you feel..from working in tech in San Francisco and the pressure to validate yourself among your friend bc they have sustained their careers. I relate to this all too well, and it’s so refreshing to watch this.

[@abalbin2]

Hey Lily! I’m so sorry to hear the news. Thank for your honesty and willingness to share the ups AND the downs in your career, something that is unfortunately uncommon in our industry, yet we all go through. Just know that this layoff wasn’t due to any lack of skill, and sounds like a business decision that ultimately was outside of your control. There’s no shortage of jobs out there and I know you’ll find a new role soon. Until then, your videos will continue to make an impact throughout the world. I’ve been a long time fan since the start of the pandemic. Your channel helped me retrain into this field land my first product design role. Thank you for all that you do.

[@Designalily]

Thank you. I'm so happy to hear that Tony. I hope you're enjoying it so far.

[@manass2702]

I can understand well of what you might be going through. I’ve been feeling lost and sunk too for the past few weeks. It is impossible for someone else to understand how deep, dark, lonely and lost it feels. Stay strong Lili. You will overcome this. I will see you shine again.

[@jamiepark47]

You posting this is showing you’re on the right track on handling your situation. I personally went through a similar situation and avoided feeling anything for months instead of acknowledging that I felt like a failure. I tied my job to my identity for years and took time to find out what my passions were. Overall now Im a happier person that can bring my full self to work.

[@sabawhy]

Thank you so much for your vulnerability. I'm sure it will help many out there in a similar situation. Sending you so much love, light and warmth. Take loads of care and I wish you the best on your journey!

[@fashionglamm]

Thank you for being so brave, I’m sure this will resonate with so many people. All the best with your next challenge! You’ll rock it

[@DAISY-qm6ib]

Hey girl! Thanks for sharing this! It’s so brave of you to speak out. I totally understand what you’re going through, because I had experience when I was jobless for a whole year after being laid off . It was definitely devastating, and also a feeling of losing control of my life.. it was darkness period of my whole life. Want to share this with you, so you can feel better. Don’t take it too serious, life come and go. This one is not a keeper, then look for the next one, I’m sure you’ll find the perfect one for you at that time. Hope you all the best🙏🙏🙏

[@MarkWhiteartist]

I love that this video got straight to the point. No fluff. Sorry this happened to you. But I know you’ll find something, you provide valuable info all the time.

[@thecraftio]

Hi Lily! It is so common to get laid off at tech startups so I think it's great you are talking about it! One of my previous companies had multiple rounds of layoffs so I lost designer friends over and over. It was quite heavy for me even though I wasn't one of the designers laid off. I saw my friends crying and being escorted out of the office. I'm sorry it happened to you. ❤️ Sending you strength. It genuinely has nothing to do with you and more to do with the company not meeting goals or overestimating how well they were going to do. I'm sure you'll find a better opportunity!

[@michellepark9163]

I think you are so cool to be so honest and open about your experience of being laid off. Totally can relate to you in regretting not doing personal projects outside of work time. But it is definitely hard and a fight like you said.

[@FinnMckentyPRMBA]

Sorry to hear it! Thank you for sharing, it's such a tough experience even when you know its not your fault.

[@Designalily]

Thank you Finn. I took a break from content because of work and that's a regret now lol

[@night209999]

Been there, done that. You are not alone. Take your time. Don't give up. You will come back. And when you come back, you will find a bigger, better world out there! Subscribed to show my support. We are here for you ❤

[@xuanh6682]

Sending you my love and support. It's really brave of you to be open about this and be vulnerable online. I know it's hard to stop social comparing yourself with others but that's not doing yourself any good. You are not less than anyone who has a full-time job or works in FAANG. Your videos helped me a lot in my interview process, especially the whiteboard challenge ones, so I really want to thank you for making these contents. I wish you all the best 😊

[@wowidesigns]

Hey! You are a really brave person. I just have one thing to say after watching your video. Your whiteboard interview demo video has actually helped me in landing my first ux job. You are a rockstar!!! :)

[@Designalily]

Thank you and congratulations

[@bluefh225]

I feel you. I was laid off after 4 years at my last company in B2B sales due to the pandemic. I saw my job at the company open again a month later so they obviously wanted someone they could pay less. It hurt to be let go and see that. I am greatful now because that lead me on the path to pursue UX Design and I am in the process of learning right now. I hope you good luck with finding a new job! I love your content and thank you for being real and vulnerable with us. A lot of ux creators paint a fairytale career path that isnt always true.

[@Lnetta2Lteezy]

This too shall pass, I can't wait to see the video you'll make on your next new role and team! You are still a designer and definitely not an imposter, your work ethic speaks for itself ❤️ Rooting for you!

[@Designalily]

Thank you Netty! So nice of you.

[@itsjustemm]

you’re not an imposter and sadly this a syndrome that is SO common in our industry. Just because someone didn’t value your work doesn’t mean your work has no value ❤️

[@leozar69]

Amen

[@lauraxbray]

Sending you lots of love and support Lily! As someone who is only starting out in design and tech I can say that you definitely deserve to have your channel, to teach and inspire others, you are very talented and this was totally outside of your control and that doesn't define you or your worth. I hope you're able to find another company that values you and your work

[@itsjustemm]

subscribed! As a student designer i genuinely appreciate your transparency and authenticity . The fact of you posting this alone shows strength! I cant wait to see you come out of this even stronger than before ❤️

[@ThegreatBex]

I’m going into UXUI Design and I’m happy you made this video. I’ve been self employed my entire career so applying for a job is scary!!!! But imma make sure I keep my freelance clients and other streams in case of this. Thanks for this

[@earthbritney318]

You’re so brave and so strong to talk about this openly. I’m in the same shoes now, I’m sending you all the positive thoughts and wishing you all the best!!!! You will find something so much better than your previous job, that’s how these things work. The universe is rooting for you, people like us!!! Love from NYC ❤️

[@omashish9434]

I usually do not comment on videos... I got to say that I've learned a lot from you... Your videos have even helped me during my interview at Facebook... It's your company's loss to loose a great designer like a you... great opportunity is waiting for you... 🔥🔥

[@Designalily]

Thank you so much! 🥺

[@Paul-hx6gx]

thank you for sharing your story Lily.. I was going through this exact same thing last year! It’s hard to not take a layoff personally, especially when you don’t know the next step. but it was your videos + tik plus your books recommendations have help me to gain the confidence to change my career path as UX designer. Don’t forget: You are talented Product designer and You are not an imposter! you inspired me and countless others keep up the good work

[@kimcai8506]

Same here (got lay off), 🤝 I feel you! It’s totally not easy to get out of the mindset that “ I am not good enough”, but we have to, keep moving.

[@cynthiapoon5449]

Thanks for opening up the conversation about this. I can empathize so much. Your videos really helped me out when I was trying to get my foot into the UX door during the pandemic, also following a layoff. Losing a job can be devastating, and it's hard to not take it personally. But regardless of where you work or don't work, remember you're still a talented, passionate, capable, awesome person and any employer would be so lucky to have you!

[@Designalily]

Thank you Cynthia! I appreciate this

[@JemShrewd]

I highly respect your transparency - Keep striving!

[@kbeautiful1]

You are definitely not an imposter. I just stumbled upon your channel this week actually and enjoying your content. You are out here doing serious work on this channel and changing lives in how people are interviewing, feeling confident about themselves in applying to roles that they considered had no right to do at one time. Getting laid off sucks (even if it's a job you actually hated speaking from experience about myself here). You're doing this video after getting the news of your layoff is testament to your resilience to still press on towards still being a product designer. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with being sad, angry, contemplative about what's next for you, and just being vulnerable and transparent. Take the time and sit with everything then move when you are ready. You've Got This and I will be praying for you 🙏🏾

[@Designalily]

Sharing this has made me feel even more resilient, and I thank you for your words of encouragement!

[@TheLingChang]

Thank you for making this video! It’s raw, genuine, and well articulated. I wish I saw this video years ago when I got laid off from my first job out of college. It felt like one of the most devastating moments in my life, so I strongly relate to that shame/embarrassment you mentioned. Looking back, it made me a much more resilient person and overall things worked out for the better. I think this could be a blessing in disguise for you too! The social pressures of living in the tech bubble of the Bay Area are overwhelming but you got this!!

[@Designalily]

Thank you Ling!!

[@tandinh4994]

Just wanted to let you know I've learned quite a lot from your videos. This industry isn't as glamorous as it's sometimes made out to be and I enjoy your transparency.

[@Designalily]

it's corporate america, with free kombucha and sparkling water

[@grace.h.park.]

thank you for sharing and being open ❤️❤️❤️

[@leuch017]

Chin up Lily. This will make you stronger. Every designer goes through this phase of feeling not being good enough. You will keep working towards your goals and become a better designer and that stage where you feel comfortable about your skills will eventually come. All the best to your!!

[@Maksifron]

I know exactly how you feel, I have been in the same situation last year. Very strange feeling and upsetting, but I am sure you will go through and get on your feet asap! Your channel helped me a lot with getting confidence about design and interviews.

[@Designalily]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@Maksifron]

@@Designalily You are so welcome :)

[@fuckumilt]

I've been there. I totally understand, this is a great topic. Great advice about keeping up with hobbies/side projects! I'd love to hear people's experiences and what they did to stay busy.

[@ReadyDesignerOne]

Hi Lily, thanks for sharing. No doubt you will come back from this. I was also laid off a couple of years back and it was a low point. But the skills and experience you have will always be needed elsewhere. I'm sure your videos have helped many people and that alone is a huge achievement.

[@travis_saldanha]

Sending all the good vibes in the world your way! The best is yet to come! Believe believe BELIEVE! YOU GOT THIS 🙌🙌💛💛

[@Stevenchustudio]

Stay strong Lily - you’re such a sharp thinker and you’ve honestly been a big inspiration for me sharing your knowledge & experiences. In FT job or not, your contributions to the community as a product design educator you built all on your own- which you own- and nobody can take that away from you! I deal w the imposter syndrome battle a lot w this unspoken pressure that we all need to be racing to the top of the hierarchical mountain- and this thinking that if I really am X Good, then I should be at at least Y company with Z title. Just wanted to say I relate and you’re not alone!

[@loriho76]

Sorry to hear this. Thank you for sharing and you're awesome 👏

[@MaybeLoveHate]

Thank you for sharing. I feel your content speaks for itself, it doesn't need some title or role defined by someone else to validate that. I am sorry the stress you have been put in though, that is very hard. I hope it is very temporary and over soon

[@happyvillian]

Hang in there! Absolutely know that feeling of shame. Going through something similar in a way. Having just left a 10year position, and took severance. To be honest, the time off was much needed to recenter myself and figure out what I really want to do next. This is just a Segway to the next chapter!

[@StuKim_DesignLead]

Thanks for being so vulnerable. I agree, we need to create more space for conversations like this. It's healthy.

[@asseenbymazzy]

I was laid off at the beginning of the pandemic, and it was such a dark experience. I loved the job that laid me off so much that I thought I would never find better - I was so wrong. Stay focused and strong 👊🏽 I am sending you good vibes and prayers.

[@Designalily]

Thanks, Mazzy!

[@thinkpadx60]

Hey I hope your doing fine. Your video popped up on my feed. I haven't seen any of your earlier videos. I just wanted to say that you will be fine and this too will pass. Don't beat yourself about any of this. Its just one of the many jobs you will do in your career, Take care and I will check in again to see you smile again!

[@zaad5273]

I subscribed after watching this. I'm glad I stumbled upon this channel. Awesome video! Best of luck to you as well!

[@Designalily]

Thanks :)

[@W.H.Z]

Good luck! Things happens for a reason, my best wishes!

[@lindayangng]

Hi Lily, thank you so much for sharing this with us. You're definitely not alone, I was laid off my first job a few years ago and I felt the same way as you. I now mold that experience into something positive by moving on and exploring other opportunities. Stay strong! You're truly an amazing designer so don't let this experience tell you otherwise!

[@sana5756]

Really appreciate your ability to authentically share your experience, even during a difficult time like this. you are helping push the needle towards understanding and community, which we all desperately need more of in this society. Your videos + tik tok have been such a genuine help and joy for me to watch when I started changing career paths this past year, thank you. I hope you don’t feel like you need to be putting out content all the time, please dont feel guilty for taking time to rest, you’re human and its really okay to not be productive all the time!

[@Designalily]

Thank you Sana. I wanted to share thoughts in the moment to document what it feels like. I bought ice cream and a bunch of snacks and have been eating with no remorse 😀

[@PatriciaMasioni]

Wow it’s so brave of you to post that video ! And in a way I’m so glad you did cause you’re setting a path to talk more and more about those things that happen sometimes, cause it’s just life ! And I felt so close to you when you said that you weren’t feeling « good enough » because you lost your career « title ». It makes me realize that even the best women out there have also that imposter syndrome and it’s freaking ok ! Thanks for sharing and being that authentic 💕

[@Designalily]

Thank you Patricia. Living that "big city girl" life was part of my story, so being laid off feels like such a let down to my audience. On the big plus side, now that I'm not attached to any company, I feel a lot more free to share whatever is on my mind.

[@hanamikiyan]

It's okay to feel frustrated during these challenging times.But always remember you are one of the best and you have so much to offer in the product design field. It's fair to say that all of us learned a lot from you, for example, me. I still remember the whiteboard challenge you did before, and that helped me got my current job!!!! Keep doing the great job and keep inspiring.

[@CC-tn6yk]

Thanks for your brave sharing! I wish I’ve seen this video when I was layoff back to 2 years ago. I sometimes still feel the imposter feeling even though I’ve got an awesome job right now. After watching your video, I feel so much related and so appreciated your share! I am sure you will get a better job and all the best will eventually come to you one day.

[@Designalily]

yeah, it doesn't go away. it's hits different when you fight so hard to get somewhere only to be rejected again. I'm happy you made it out of the dark times.

[@SherwinLoveB]

I'm sorry this happened and I definitely appreciate the transparency in this video and I can relate to the discomfort a huge change like this can bring. After getting laid off I made it an intentional pursuit not to overcommit to any job and it's hard because as an employee I care about my work and the impact that it can potentially make. Balancing that effort was the biggest challenge. To speak on the impending financial struggles, creating contingencies was really helpful for me. For what it's worth, I've been following your content for a while and I don't imagine someone with an adept breadth of knowledge such as yourself will find it hard to get back into the game. Rooting for you! :)

[@shaye21]

Lily, I’m so sorry this happened to you 😞 your videos demonstrate obvious talent, and you’ve reached so many people with your tutorials! It seems like the default tendency in America is to tie your self-worth to your job, and it can create so much undue stress for intelligent and delightful humans like yourself. Keep your head up, and know that you’re worthy no matter your employment status 🙏🏼 We’re rooting for you, and I hope you find success and joy on your journey even if you decide not to continue sharing it with us via KZbin. Your willingness to open the door for this conversation means a ton, though. Hang in there!!

[@dakaraiflows2728]

Thank you for sharing and being vulnerable. I hope it turns around for you quickly

[@lengl1125]

Hey Lily, I'm so sorry to hear this. I just want to send you some love and wish you all the best. ❤ from Melb, Australia x

[@serendipity9138]

Hi Lily, I think it shows your resilience and bravery that you're sharing your feelings about this situation. Your skillset and the experience you gained will stay with you forever. I can tell you're a super intelligent young lady and I know you will do great in this long journey. Don't let this short term situation bother you too much. I just wanted to share that so many were affected by this covid situation in one way or another but whenever there were job or career changes, it turned out well for most of them in the end. so stay positive~ you will do great!!

[@Designalily]

Thank you so much Serendipity. Your words are kind and the username suits you :)

[@carolinelacombe7992]

It is definitely hard to be laid off. I was put into a very different department at work & I found it very upsetting, because my work brought me so much sense of self-worth. You've worked in product design, you have the skills & experience. You are not an imposter. These days so many people hide their true feelings but you're honest & open, which is refreshing.

[@STOPTheocracy]

That sucks! 😢 I hope things get better for you.

[@diegopabs]

Thank you for being honest with us about your career 🙏

[@cxrlitosway]

Thank you for being so vulnerable! So sorry to hear about your situation, I as well was laid off as a graphic designer when the pandemic started. It's such a competitive field here in Toronto Canada. I've been self teaching myself UX design for the past month. Remember that your situation does not define you, how you handle it is defines your character. It's a minor setback for a major comeback!! Wish you the best of luck.

[@Designalily]

I also lived in Toronto before. I highly recommend About Face, someone who lives in Toronto took up my recommendation and now got an internship in big tech.

[@spychick01]

Hi! Thank you for being very vulnerable and open in this video. It really sucks that you got laid off and I do agree with you that people need to share these moments in their professional lives because it is a very traumatizing time when your identity gets questioned. I get the imposter syndrome because when I got laid off from my UX gigs I had a huge case of it. Anyways, I am sure you will land a new gig soon. I love your content a lot and you are still a Product Designer regardless of your employment situation (well... until you decide to change careers). Looking forward to what you do next!

[@Designalily]

Thank you Jennifer! It is a major identity shift. Part of the cycle of why many people stay at a job that's not healthy for them. Your social reputation feels on the line too.

[@renj6887]

This video is the first I watch and I immediately subscribed because the transparency is so refreshing thank you 💕

[@lironhay1]

Its always a bad feeling and can totally relate, since my company did the same 2 weeks earlier, but due to ill management. and I dont know if I can put any words of wisdom but I hear people say "hold on" and "good times will come", sharing your struggle and pain

[@rtemis2623]

Thank you for your honesty Lily. It helps a lot.

[@demandcollect]

I just came across this video and your channel. We all feel like imposters sometimes, you will get over this, and there will be another thing to make us feel this way again. Thanks for sharing your honest journey for others to be inspired by,

[@stltapwater]

Please keep your head up. You have gone above & beyond to help others try to break into an industry that’s very difficult to get into. I’m struggling to land that first Product/UX job but the tools you have given me & your community (like your Prepped worksheet & About Face) give me the hope & motivation to keep going & not throw in the towel just yet. It’s perfectly okay to have those moments like eating ice cream & watching a movie b/c you’ve achieved so much already. I feel like your future employer will look at not only what you’ve achieved in your career but also the tools you have given us & be happy to have you on their team as a Product Designer.

[@Designalily]

Thank you Tyler, this really touched me. Your words are kind. Don't give up! Get experience where you can. It all adds up and in the beginning it was the toughest. I appreciate you for being a part of the community and for your encouragement. Could I ask what videos of mine have been the most helpful during these times? (Also feel free to DM or comment to give me feedback on what you'd like to see more of) Btw I'm going to use my own guidebook to prep for interviews lol

[@gogogoen]

Thanks for sharing your experience! Hope you don't blame yourself or keep any self hate.

[@jackster330]

Thanks for the advice, I know all too well the feeling of lack of self confidence and imposter syndrome and of course comparing your life to others and seeing other people flourish. You seem like a level headed person TBH, it just takes time to process these things and address issues of self doubt etc.

[@XojiAkaVlogs]

I’m sure everything will be alright soon. You shouldn’t feel as an impostor, you’re a great designer I can see that looking at your channel. Wish you all the best. ;)

[@Vinsomer]

From the incredibly useful content you've produced, to your jobs as a product designer in the past and those sure to come in the future, I can definitely say you are no imposter. You've already helped so many people, myself included. You are skilled, talented, and vastly knowledgable. With an awesome personality too! Job security can be as fickle as they come, I wouldn't take your friends/colleagues being able to stay with their companies as anything less on your part. I think it has more to do with the companies themselves, and their poor decision making which leads to lay offs in the first place. Please keep creating, and please keep being yourself! Someone is sure to come along who treasures you as an indispensable asset. :D

[@soyaleye]

I can totally relate, currently going through the same now, lost my health insurance, burning through my savings as the bills keep coming, the shame, the identity loss. Only 3 of my closest friends and my older brother know exactly what I’m currently going through. I’m sure you’ll be back on your feet in no time, keep your head up and do not let go of your main passion for any company, because they do not care about you. Only YOU got you,, so always give 100% of yourself to your passion and just do your best at work as opposed to giving your 100% at work at the expense of your passion. Good luck in your future endeavors.

[@yuranliu2639]

Thank you so much to talk about this! You are so brave of this. I got laid off last year and finally got a new job after 4 month. I just graduated last year at May and start my first job afterwards. But got laid off in October. Very said. New grad got laid off just a couple of month. Struggling to find entry level position which all list 2-4 yrs...

[@yashodhanxyz]

All the best for the journey ahead it’s very brave to talk about this. Social media is all about positive that this conversation is required and creates should be more honest You will definitely score big. Looking forward for the new content

[@tonymanos9500]

Thank you for your courage to share this raw, vulnerable moment. I was laid off in 2012 and it was frightening. But if you are self propelled, resourceful and set your ego aside the odds are more in your favor.

[@ThePursuiter]

There should be more of these types of videos from people. assures others going through the same thought process that they are not alone in the struggle. @Designalily stay strong things will fall into place in time.

[@marthaasselin8280]

Sending you a big hug! I’m a product designer and got laid off from my first full time/salary role last year. I understand the confusion that comes, even when HR is gentle and gives praises. But your work is excellent and I hope you quickly align with a role that also gives space to your personal passions and is a level up. Good luck💕

[@Junch]

Sorry to hear you got laid off. I have been laid off once and I know exactly the anxiety and shame that you feel. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings on this, it takes a lot of courage to do so - I know how it feels to just want to close up and go into hiding. It'll get better - losing a job does not invalidate your experience, your skills, your capabilities to do a job or be a product designer. You'll find something new, or perhaps you'll find something different. Either way, stay strong and you'll do great

[@hemalitanna]

So sorry to hear, Lily. But please don't feel embarrassed about it - it doesn't make you any less skilled or talented. You are awesome, and you will get your next great job soon! You never know, you might look back at this phase and feel grateful as it led you to the best adventure of your life.

[@thegirlnamemichelle]

Just went through the same situation this past month and this was such a helpful, real, and open-minded video just to hear your thoughts. It is definitely such a painful experience but I am wishing you all the best in your near future.

[@Designalily]

Same here, Michelle. Hope things are going better now.

[@ch10120]

Thank you for being open and vocal about this. True -- a lot of times when we face setbacks and rejections in our professional lives, we tend to internalize it not only because it can be embarrassing or awkward to talk about it but also because it struggle we find our confidence, our identity and our value along the way... Having been through something similar in a career before switching to UX design, I can imagine the frustration and pain you might have felt through digesting the news. Please feel free to share your feelings and I believe together we can all grow a meaningful and supportive design community with your channel. Thank you for being brave in this video and also encouraging to fellow UX designers. I wish you will land a position you like in a company which values your talent, your intelligence, your experience and your hard work because that is what I see in your videos and your presentation. Thank you for all the great educational content and your selflessness in sharing them with all of us (relatively junior) UX designers. 🙏💖 All the very best! 🤞🌟

[@DThornDigital]

I hope all is well. Continue to work hard and a better opportunity will come. 🙏🏾

[@gavinwilkie2868]

Your content has been amazing and so useful...easy to say but just because you weren't working or not working you still have the skills and the experience to share with others and you have been inspiring to so many other designers.

[@MovieRealCristiana]

This is such a nice video! Thanks for making this video. I am sorry to hear about your job, it sucks. Stop saying that about that we don't take you seriously because you don't have a job. It is not like that, it is your skill and talent that matters and your personality, that's why we watch your videos. A job will always come and go.

[@taylorxmichele]

Bay Area product designer / creator here-I am so sorry this happened to you. It is a shock to the system and that identify complex is SO REAL! You are not alone! I relate to you so much on the shame and the work identity! When I was laid off from my tech job in 2020, the impact lasted longer than I thought. Don’t forget: You are talented. You are more than enough. You are not an imposter! And you totally inspired me to buy About Face, it just arrived literally a half hour ago! You have so much to offer. It is okay to feel all the feelings you’re experiencing as you process this news. You are amazing, talented and any company would be lucky to have you!! Also, I appreciate when you post but don’t expect weekly videos! KZbin videos take forever to edit vs tiktok too. Let me know if you wanna grab coffee in the city sometime :)

[@Designalily]

Thank you so much Taylor. Your words really hit home. I just kind of rambled because there's a lot of feelings attached to identity but also didn't want to come across bitter. Would love to get coffee. DM me on Twitter and let's gooo

[@davidm7623]

One thing I learnt from working as a designer (graphic, editorial, motion graphics, product now...) is that design is a way of living and thinking whether you're employed or not. Take pride in that, being is not always making a living on it. Nobody can take that from you

[@crystabelreiter6561]

I commented on your TikTok too but I wanted to let you know that this is such a hard experience. I got let go in January from my startup product design job and I wish I had this video to watch back then so I wouldn’t have felt so alone. I found your videos when I was finding another job and they helped so much. ❤️

[@Designalily]

Hey Crystabel, hope things are better now for you. Seems like you've landed somewhere else now :)

[@Scarsofevil]

Subscribed!! Don't let the job define you. You are your own brand. Respect to you for coming out because everyone acts like it's all sunshine and rainbows in Tech.

[@KingBobIsHere]

I know it doesn't feel like it now and I'm some random dude in comment section, but hear me out.. this could be the best thing thats happened to you. That company that let you go just fast tracked your career growth, I fully believe you will land an even better more secure role at at better company with a nice pay rise within then the next month or two.

[@StevenNess]

Great video! Subscribed and looking forward to more design content. You are not an imposter, btw, you are awesome.

[@Ultragrl02]

Going through this exact same thing! It’s hard to not take a layoff personally. Being in it is tough, especially when you don’t know the next step. I try to keep in mind that I’ve made it through before, and I will again. And whenever I look back, I’ve seen that a layoff or break came at the right time for me to move forward faster.

[@Designalily]

You got this! And don't see why taking a break is bad... but the way our society is designed, a break is always questioned on a resume.

[@cma9738]

I admire your transparency and bravery. Thanks for sharing this, it will help a lot of people. Don’t believe that you’re not anything below AWESOME! I’ve learned a lot from your videos and love how you think. It’s super normal to feel the way you do, but honestly all these KZbin videos are only proof of your great skills, don’t let anybody tell you otherwise. This will only make you stronger and better :)

[@Designalily]

thank you so much. this was really motivating and kind of you to write :')