#9 Searching for meaning : In conversation with a UX Coach

“What happens when your UX career stops fitting the life you want — and you decide to rewrite the story?”SummaryIn this powerful episode, Amy Santee joins me to unpack the realities of building a career in UX — beyond the glossy titles and job descriptions. With a background spanning childhood development, healthcare innovation, and UX strategy at eBay and Civic Software Foundation, Amy has spent over a decade exploring how people, systems, and products connect. Today, as a Design Researcher and Career Strategist, they coach UX professionals through burnout, career change, and the messy realities of the industry. Together, we dive into the emotional and systemic challenges of UX work, the shifting job market, and how to reclaim agency and meaning in your career. We talk about identity, community, and the courage to redefine success on your own terms.GuestAmy SanteeWebsite – https://thejawbreaker.beehiiv.comLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/amysantee/HostDanny Hearn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannyhearn/Website – www.dannyhearn.mePodcast – www.deeplyhumandesign.comChapters00:00 Introduction to Amy's Journey03:50 Navigating Corporate Culture as an Anthropologist06:52 The Challenges of UX Research09:46 The Jaded UX Professional12:37 Identity and Job Market Uncertainty15:33 The Rigged Job Market for Tech Workers18:46 The Shared Struggles of Workers21:34 The Future of UX and Worker Rights29:59 The Fight for Workers' Rights32:45 Acknowledging the Bleak Reality35:09 Embracing the Unconventional Career Path37:20 Navigating Uncertainty and Identity40:37 Redefining Value Beyond Productivity43:38 Diversifying Income Streams46:09 Finding Fulfillment in Unexpected Places