Identity burnout as a UX Designer
As a UX designer, our job is to design experiences that are not only user-friendly but also represent the brand and its values we’re presenting. However, to achieve this designers must possess an in-depth understanding of user needs, design trends and overarching goals of the project, leading to an obsession to intertwine work with personal identity.
Although the term “burnout” was first coined in the 1970s by psychologist Herbert Freudenberger, who used it to describe the symptoms of physical and emotional exhaustion experienced by healthcare professionals working in high-stress environments, identity burnout is a relatively new concept.
Identity burnout has been defined as “…a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by over-identifying with your job or profession”. It occurs when you derive your self-worth and identity solely from your work, leading to an inability to disconnect from work-related thoughts and activities.
Even though this phenomenon is not unique to UX designers, given the nature of the job, designers may be more susceptible to it. Designers who experience identity burnout may find themselves struggling to separate their personal and professional lives. They may find themselves thinking about work outside of work hours, experiencing anxiety about upcoming projects or deadlines, and feeling unfulfilled by activities that are not related to design.
As I’ve personally experienced being a UX designers for few years now and spending hours obsessing over it, wondering about how to create the best designs and developing innovative products can sometimes be an fixation that is now my core identity and can be hard to know where Sam the UX Designer ends and Sam who is personally.
The effects of identity burnout can be far-reaching and detrimental to a designer’s career and overall well-being. Recent research has suggested that identity burnout can lead to decreased creativity and productivity, feelings of inadequacy, and burnout-related mental health issues. Furthermore, a designer’s inability to disconnect from work can negatively impact their personal relationships and hinder their ability to pursue other interests.
Learning from personal experience, it’s essential to prioritise self-care and set healthy boundaries as a way of combating identity burnout and important to recognise that your job title does not define you and that there are other aspects of your life that are equally important.
Below are five tips to help UX designers avoid identity burnout:
1) Set clear boundaries: It’s important to establish clear boundaries between your personal and professional life. Decide on what your priorities are and stick to them. If you find yourself taking on too much, learn to say no and delegate responsibilities to others.
2) Practice self-care: Take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. This could involve engaging in activities that you enjoy, such as hobbies or exercise, taking time off work, getting enough sleep, and practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques.
3) Cultivate a support system: Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. This could be family, friends, or a professional network. Having a support system can help you cope with stress and provide a sense of belonging.
4) Engage in self-reflection: Take the time to reflect on your values, goals, and identity. This can help you better understand yourself and what you want out of life. Regular self-reflection (like journaling) can also help you identify areas where you may be experiencing identity burnout.
5) Develop new skills and interests: Engage in activities that you enjoy or taking on a new challenge to help you grow. This can help you develop a more well-rounded identity and reduce the feeling of being stuck in a certain role.
Ultimately, identity burnout can be a real challenge for UX designers, who often find themselves having to balance multiple identities and roles. The pressure to constantly innovate, meet deadlines, and maintain high-quality work can lead to feelings of exhaustion and stress, as well as a loss of sense of self. By prioritising your well-being and taking steps to avoid identity burnout, you can not only improve your own mental health and job satisfaction, but also create better user experiences and contribute to a more fulfilling and sustainable career as a UX designer.
If you’re interested in receiving mentorship from me, whether it’s for a one-off call or for short-term or long-term membership in UX Design, feel free to book a 30-minute consultation with me through my Calendly link. I look forward to helping you grow in your UX Design career!
