What do you do if you're a late career product designer struggling to balance work and retirement?

1 Assess your goals

The first step is to assess your goals and motivations as a product designer. What are you hoping to achieve in your remaining years of work? What are the projects or problems that excite you the most? What are the skills or knowledge that you want to learn or improve? By clarifying your goals, you can focus your energy and attention on the things that matter to you, and avoid wasting time on the things that don't.

2 Find your niche

The second step is to find your niche as a product designer. You don't have to compete with the younger or newer designers who might have more exposure to the latest tools or methods. Instead, you can leverage your experience and expertise to offer something unique and valuable. You can specialize in a specific domain, industry, or customer segment that you know well, or you can explore new opportunities that align with your interests and passions. By finding your niche, you can differentiate yourself and create a loyal and satisfied client base.

3 Manage your workload

The third step is to manage your workload as a product designer. You don't have to take on every project or request that comes your way. You can be selective and strategic about the work that you accept, and negotiate the scope, timeline, and budget that suit your needs and preferences. You can also delegate or outsource some of the tasks that are not essential or enjoyable for you, and focus on the ones that are. By managing your workload, you can reduce your stress and increase your productivity and quality.

4 Update your skills

The fourth step is to update your skills as a product designer. You don't have to learn everything that's new or trendy in your field, but you should keep an eye on the developments and innovations that are relevant and useful for your work. You can use online courses, podcasts, blogs, books, or mentors to stay informed and educated. You can also experiment with new tools, techniques, or approaches that can enhance your creativity and efficiency. By updating your skills, you can stay competitive and adaptable in the changing market.

5 Network with peers

The fifth step is to network with peers as a product designer. You don't have to isolate yourself or work alone in your career. You can connect with other product designers who share your interests, challenges, or goals. You can join online communities, forums, events, or groups where you can exchange ideas, feedback, support, or opportunities. You can also collaborate with other product designers on projects or initiatives that can benefit from your combined skills and perspectives. By networking with peers, you can expand your network and enrich your experience.

6 Plan for retirement

The sixth step is to plan for retirement as a product designer. You don't have to stop working or designing when you retire, but you should prepare for the transition and the implications. You should consider your financial situation, your lifestyle preferences, your health and well-being, and your personal and professional aspirations. You should also explore the options and possibilities that retirement can offer, such as pursuing a passion project, volunteering, teaching, mentoring, or traveling. By planning for retirement, you can make the most of your golden years and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?