Sucking at Something New

I decided in January that I need a change.  I don't have the same passion for classroom teaching that I once did. So many things have changed in the 27 years since I started teaching. I feel like I was missing out on careers that I would really enjoy and that would allow me to use my creativity in new ways.

I started researching some options for new careers.  Initially, I thought I wanted to become an instructional designer. I like developing curriculum and content for my classes and education is well within my comfort zone.  It would be a good transition from teaching in the classroom to teaching more people in a digital setting. I started networking online and created a portfolio.  I even interviewed for a job at a local university. After some reflection, I realized I was limiting myself because I felt like I needed to stick within the realm of education.  I decided that if I am going to make a change, I should really go for something that I am excited about. I really wanted to find something that will give the freedom to be creative but also the ability to help people.  

After more research, I came across User Experience Design/UX Design.  UX Designers are the people who make sure that you have an enjoyable experience when you interact with things like apps and websites. I am currently enrolled in the Google UX Design Certification Program.  I have finished the first two modules.  It is exciting to see how the design process is applied in the real world versus how my students use it to solve classroom challenges.  They are mentioning organizations that I am very familiar with.  I have used resources from IDEO and the Stanford d.school in my classes for years. 

As part of the certification program, you have to design an app.  I have decided that I am going to create an app that tracks art and craft supplies that you own and will suggest projects that you can do based on those supplies. It is a change from what I originally planned so I am taking a couple of steps back, but I feel like I can create a much stronger portfolio project with this prompt. 

Now I have to rework my portfolio and change my LinkedIn. UX design requires me to learn more new, specialized things that I am just starting to do now.  Once I have those down, I will need to redo my resume and change my portfolio. I have started to find new people to follow on LinkedIn who are in UX Design but haven't reached out to anyone yet. I was networking with some people in the instructional design world so I know how to make contacts, now I just need to set time aside and do it for UX design. I just need to find a few people I can ask questions and get to work.