Just finished a web design degree. Old job is available. Unsure of what to do next.

[Zazango]

Hi everyone, I've written here before about my predicament and had such lovely support on here that I thought I'd try asking you what you think about this...

I just finished a Web Design and Content MA. Before that I was managing libraries. I didn't love it, and didn't like working with the (often dangerous) public. I got into the libraries due to my CYP experience, as I used to be an Early Years teacher.

My degree was a 'jack of all trades' degree in that it was not specifically getting into the nitty gritty of web/software development, and nor was it straight up UX. Rather, it gave an understanding of all areas, which sets you up well if you ever wanted to freelance, or work in areas where some web knowledge would go a long way. Honestly, I wasn't interested in becoming a software developer extraordinaire, but really enjoyed the process of making a website from scratch, and learning about typography, SEO, and graphics. I didn't expect to get tech roles, but thought it would offer something of value in roles down the line, and it was a degree I did for love of the subject rather than a 'let's get this tech career' mindset.

I had hoped that this would help me get some new skills that I could apply to possibly very junior marketing roles or agencies, but the fact is, it hasn't. Even marketing assistant roles looking for entry level content writers are ignoring my applications. Someone asked in my other post something like 'shouldn't you have thought about that before applying?'. Probably, yes. However, I did not expect it to be as dire out there as it is.

I just feel tired. And stressed. I have no money coming in except pocket money I make from tutoring kids with creative writing (I've done this for 8 years now). The application process for anything with Web is exhausting (I did a HireVue interview for a UX grad scheme and am through to the next round, but there are more rounds after that. HireVue is absolutely horrible).

My old library managing job is available. I am thinking of applying for it because it is stable, even if it means that I will have little free time to do any independent study/evening courses/interests due to the unsociable hours. Part time assistant work is available, but I wouldn't be able to live off that money while paying bills in London.

I worry about the big things in life: my mother is sickly and I want to be able to look after her/buy her treats. I miss holidays. I miss not having to second guess buying a steak in Aldi. The economy is awful and I'm sick of watching my savings dwindle. I'm also in my late 30s, and I'm tired of feeling the need to 'hustle'.

All in all, I feel I have some good transferrable skills, such as everything that comes with managing and recruiting teams, content-writing, comms, the things I learned on my degree, teaching, that sort of thing. I just want a job that gives me a better work-life balance than the one I had before. Something else in libraries, or councils, would probably make me happy. I was even thinking of apprenticeships. I would love to learn a trade of some sort. I do love learning. But I'm sick of instability. What would you do, were you in my shoes?

Thank you for reading!

I'd apply for the old library managing job so I could pay the bills in the interim.

Then work on building my path in the long term with the advice from the original thread - whether that's developing a portfolio, volunteering, fixed term contracts, whatever.

Picking up a job that pays the bills is a means to an end, not your whole future.

Should you not focus on building a client list / portfolio / experience on Fiverr? I'm not sure why you are applying to any marketing roles with a specialist UX degree. Should you not be applying to web content designer/UX roles? Marketing requires a bunch of other skills and experience and the field isn't lacking experienced candidates.

So focus on building your UX portfolio/ apply to UX jobs. The library job sounds like a good option for stability while you build on the portfolio.

If you need the money then you should apply for the library job.

There are so so many UX or UI jobs out there that offer WFH and flexible hours with really good salaries. You're uni work would provide a portfolio for a junior role with career progression.

I’d maybe go for the library job as a way to keep money coming in while you hunt for something where you can use your range of skills.

Marketing is super competitive at entry level. I’m not surprised you are struggling if you don’t have any previous marketing experience.

There will be companies out there who will love your combination of library management, early years education and web content/design. But there won’t be that many of them so you’ll need to search around for them. There are a number of companies in education technology - have a look at the kind of orgs that exhibit at Bett show https://www.bettshow.com/

Thank you for your kind comment. I feel that my background is so mad/disjointed that it looks flaky and indecisive. But it's just where my interests led me.

Hello everyone. Just an update that I’ve got my old library management job back. Now I’m just worried I’ll let myself get stuck, so I’ll try not to by learning new things/applying for other roles, and updating my portfolio.

Have you looked at e-commerce website marketing? Your tech skills would be amazing in that job. And it's a very numbers driven area, even though it's marketing.
I'd have a chat with a recruitment agency for e-commerce.

The thing is, when people say speak to recruitment agencies, I don’t know what that really means. I have tried the obvious avenues like Reed or Office Angels, but they just ghost me after telling me I don’t have enough experience/tell me to look on their site and that’s it.

I think people mean a recruiter for your sector / specialism, rather than a generic agency that's just trying to get temps.

Yep. I'd recommend Michael page. Have a look at the e-commerce jobs they have. See who the recruiter contact is for that division in your area.
Email them asking for a phone call. Prepare your cv- and ask them for real feedback on where you could fit in with the jobs they have on the books.

Then edit your CV, send it again. Keep an eye on the website/ LinkedIn. Follow up with each job that looks like you could do it.

Something will come up sooner or later. It's a step on the ladder away from your library job.

This is doable.

Question for you- what is your dream job?

Thank you, that’s very helpful :)

That’s the big question! I used to think it would be something in straight up web development, but I don’t really think it is at all. I’m not hell-bent on being a web designer/UX designer. In the past year I’ve spoken with alumni from my course who battled their way into web development, and they seem to just be going through the motions and not particularly fulfilled at all.

In a dream world, I’d like something that combines libraries and tech. I love libraries - I’d like to work in more academic settings and away from public ones eventually. I understand that a more technical problem role in libraries or archives would most likely require CILIP qualification. Other than that, perhaps education technology/course development.

A few things have happened, such as a health scare, mum’s more frequent trips to hospital, watching my sister suffer career-related burnout. It’s made me reassess my values somewhat.

I see it's been a while since you posted, but I just wanted to ask how things worked out—did you end up taking the old job or chasing something more creative? I'm in a similar spot after a career switch and feeling torn between playing it safe or jumping into freelance projects. Would love to hear how your decision panned out and if you're happy with it.

I was in a similar spot and started freelancing part-time while keeping a steady job. It let me build up a small client base and get comfortable offering Web Design Services without the pressure of jumping all in. Clients came from friends, local businesses, even community Facebook groups. It gave me a chance to grow my skills and confidence gradually before deciding on a full career change.

Hey Moon :)

I did end up taking the old job. I was very grateful to do so. A lot of my MA cohort didn’t find jobs for a very long time. I was then given an acting up promotion within a few months.

However, while the extra money was great, there were lots of problems with the higher managerial role. I was given a management/administrative position but there were no resources to hire an “on the ground” manager, so I did both. Long hours, few staff, and if I requested even one day off it was viewed as an inconvenience. I became quite burned out after about half a year. That’s the state of libraries for many.

I ended up doing a career reset and applied internally for an apprenticeship in an unrelated field. A field I didn’t ever think I could ever work in! Of course, it meant taking a financial hit, and it’s scary to think I’ll need to be job searching again once it’s over.

Ultimately I do believe it is best to accept work where you can find it, even if it’s “safe.” It’s better to be in a safe space where you can make better decisions later on.