“I want more autonomy.”

“I want better work-life balance.”

“I don’t want to feel like a cog in the machine.”

I hear this from UX designers all the time.

But when I ask where they’re applying?

👉 FAANG.

👉 Big tech companies.

👉 Brand-name startups with billion-dollar valuations.

See the contradiction?

They say they want flexibility, freedom, and work-life balance…

But they’re chasing companies known for rigid processes, long hours, and high-pressure environments.

So what’s really happening?

They’re choosing prestige over what they actually want.

💡 Big companies look great on a resume.

💡 The name alone feels like an achievement.

💡 There’s external validation in saying, “I work at [insert big tech name].”

But here’s the truth: If autonomy is what you really want, those might be the worst places to work.

A Different Approach

What if you looked beyond the usual suspects?

📌 Mid-sized companies → More room to own projects, fewer approval bottlenecks.

📌 Emerging tech startups → More influence, faster decision-making, remote flexibility.

📌 Mission-driven companies → Often offer better culture, stability, and meaningful work.

And guess what? Many of these companies pay just as well—without the burnout.

If you’re only aiming for big-name brands, ask yourself:

⚡ Do I want the prestige, or do I want the lifestyle?

⚡ Am I chasing what looks good, or what actually fits my values?

⚡ Is this job a brand flex, or is it the right environment for me?

If you’re rethinking your job search, reply with “options” and I’ll send you a list of hidden-gem companies that offer real autonomy.