“I’m Feeling Stuck and Undervalued”

I’ve been employed as a UX designer for the past two years and am feeling stuck. While I really like my job and workplace, my superiors aren’t fully aware of what I can do, nor do they understand how my work fits into the broader picture. I’m not invited to meetings where my work is a major (but overlooked) factor, and I often receive feedback or instructions from managers who are completely unfamiliar with my area of expertise. Recently, I learned that my boss was considering hiring an outside agency for a project that I could easily (and very successfully!) do.

It seems there’s just no way for me to advance the way things are. Is there a way I can prove my value or should I just look for a new job?

Your question makes me think of a great quote: “Wherever you go, there you are.”

While both you and your employer contributed to this problem, switching workplaces won’t necessarily solve it. No matter where you go, it will be your problem until you take charge of your part. Luckily though, there are plenty of things you can do to change the situation on your own.

When it comes to work, there are some fundamental skills (besides the primary ones necessary to do your actual job) you need to master to move up the totem pole. If you implement these skills over the next few months at your current job, I suspect you’ll be thinking less about leaving and more about decorating your upgraded workspace.

Being the best UX designer in the world isn’t enough. You’ve got to be good at UX, and good at the secret super skill called speaking up.