I’m currently the sole UX designer at a small (about 10 team members) 100% remote company. I’m thinking of trying to make the jump to Microsoft or Amazon. To help make the decision I wanted to describe what it’s like working here, and see how many UX designers at Microsoft or Amazon would want to swap jobs (hypothetically of course). My company makes a web-based product that probation officers around the country use to assess the risks and needs of offenders (mostly juveniles), and create a treatment plan with them, rather then sending them to jail (as long as they are not high-risk). The company is based out of Redding, Ca. I started with them 2.5 years ago while I was living there. I moved to Seattle a year ago (I’m originally from Washington) as a potential career move, and to move closer to family. Like I said I work remotely. I usually work from home (North Seattle), though sometimes I work from coffee shops. I’ve also been able to travel to Europe and Africa while working. While I tend to work a traditional 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday schedule along with the rest of my team, I’m able to set my own hours. That means if I need to run an errand, I can go when there’s little traffic. Or I can pop out mid-day to take my 2 year old son to the park. My company just wants us to finish our sprints. Speaking of my son, I’m always here with him. On my breaks (I do the pomodoro technique) I can play with him. It’s awesome. I never miss a thing. Oh, I also have unlimited PTO. I also never have to ask for it. I tell them when I’m taking off. Sounds like a dream so far, right? I’m paid $77k/yr. The last two Christmas’s I received a $1000 bonus. That’s it. That’s my compensation. So, would any UXers at Microsoft or Amazon swap jobs with me. Why or why not?
Would you sell bacon to travellers while naked standing on the sidewalk in front of Pike Place Market (HYPOTHETICAL)
yes I would.
If he's naked, shouldn't he be selling sausage?
It depends on the Team. I used to work at a agency and it was refreshing working in new projects etc. sad part was the impact. So I came to Amazon and it's a mixed bag. When I first got here, it was 150 engineers to 1 UI/UX. Absolute chaos. But you'd be bringing in much more than $77k here, depending on your level. What do you specialize in?
currently I'm a ux team of one, so I'm doing research, IA, interactions design. I like doing all of that but I feel like if I had to choose one it would be interaction design. I also write a lot of the front-end, unit tests and all.
I feel like one man Ux teams tend to make less than when there are two or more team members... it's been my experience anyway.
I wouldn't solely based on: a) compensation b) contract gig (not a fan) c) product is niche
Yes. The product is niche, but it's used to literally help young people get their life on track. Would you rather work on a product like that, or something like Snapchat?
Sounds like you already have your mind made up and you just want to talk about your job
I wouldn't swap jobs with you based on the following thing. 1. Compensation, compensation, compensation. Pretty low to live the life am living in Bay Area. I'd take it up if i was being paid the same outside of US in a developing country. 2. No team interaction. I learn a lot from co-designers and the team spirit and culture gets me into work on a Monday morning. I have been a solo designer (not remote though, but WFH 2-3 days a week was okay) in my previous jobs, and I missed the team bonding on that front. Though the flexibility to get my laundry and cooking done during work hours was great. 3. Contracting doesn't get me excited about the product. Need to have a bigger piece of the pie in design strategy to get me out of my bed and keep being a designer. Makes sense?
yeah makes sense. although I want to be clear that although I'm technically a contractor, I have major say in the product. the company is so small they don't want to bother with setting it up to have actual employees, so that's why I'm a contractor. Been with them 2.5 years now. But Im definitely picking up what you're putting down.
if you're earlier in your career, it's time to move on. you'll learn so much more working in a team environment.
it's not really that comparable, if your priority is to travel the world, then remote is required; otherwise what are you taking the pay cut for?
good point
Money isn't everything. It's a lot but not everything. Remote UX is more task driven and you get less involvement up front in general terms. If you like being part of the pre-design process and not just ticking marks off of the PMs list then you should reconsider. That being said Microsoft corporate culture is very agile for its size and they are working to make things even more nimble.
Hmmm move to Asia and you'd feel soooo rich
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I would consider it if I could live in developing countries - in Eastern Europe or Colombia that would be amazing comp. But when I have a family and need to stay in one first-world spot, it doesn't make sense. Why not apply and see if the comp difference is enough to convince you?
I know the comp difference would be yuge! I guess I need to decide how much the flexibility is worth. Is it worth $30k/yr? I dunno yet.
You'll also see the work environment, see what you'd be working on and if that would be more interesting, etc... lots to consider there.