The Trappings of the Employee Mindset

Every profession has its challenges, but few require the balance of art, science, and psychology essential to the work creatives do. As designers, we are tasked with merging aesthetics with functionality while anticipating the subtle intricacies of user experience. Our work is both a craft and a voice. But too often, that voice can get muffled, overshadowed by what I call the "employee mindset.

The "employee mindset" isn't about being an employee at all. Instead, it is a limiting belief, suggesting our primary role is to execute, conform, and maintain the status quo. It's that subtle push towards gratitude for our position, sometimes at the cost of our creativity and growth. And while gratitude is a virtue, when laced with a fear mindset—fear of job loss, fear of confrontation, fear of failure—it becomes an invisible and costly trap.

This mindset is especially prevalent among junior designers eager to make their mark or mid-level designers navigating the plateau of their professional journey.

The good news is you can break free from it. But, it requires rewiring your approach to your craft with the following actionable steps:

• Analyze feedback intelligently: Yes, feedback matters, but it should resonate with your insights and expertise. Don't accept them blindly.

• Showcase your unique expertise: Your unique perspective, sharp gut feeling, and skills, is where innovation sparks. Lean into it.

• Lead when necessary: If you see a direction that benefits the project or team, don't wait for an invitation. Lead the way.

• Negotiate your worth: Your skills have a worth. When talking about finances, remember the value you bring and negotiate accordingly.

• Adhere to agreements: While flexibility is essential, it's equally crucial to ensure that the core terms of any contract are honored.

• Set and uphold boundaries: It's okay to draw lines—whether it's about work hours, task scope, or personal space. Set them, communicate them, and maintain them.

It is crucial to remember that you aren't merely a beneficiary of generosity. Whether you landed that dream job or coveted project with a dream client, you are engaged in an exchange of value, no matter how fancy the opportunity. You share your years of training, expertise, and unique flair for solving complex problems. In return, you get fair compensation and growth opportunities. It's not a matter of luck; it's an equitable trade of value—value being the key word here.

Gratitude for a job is human—especially when times are hard—but should never come at the expense of your growth and voice. And, in an industry that thrives on innovation, playing it safe is the surest way to sabotage your career. Remain outside your comfort zone. Your future self will thank you for it.

Peace and love, ✌️❤️.

By Mohamed Thiam

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