Curiosity Tank

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Tech isn’t dead! + Next Cohort + Events

michele ronsen

Big news!

Our Winter 2023 Ask Like A Pro user research, "learn by doing", workshop series starts next month.

WOOT WOOT! This will be our ELEVENTH cohort! It will run from February 26th - May 12th, 2023.

​Observer and All-In seats are on sale now! We have great research projects and stakeholders lined up and are thrilled to share the final dates ;)​

Tech isn't dead

Let’s face it, these massive layoffs and news of a recession have shaken most of us. Both are unsettling and nerve-wracking, for good reason, but there is some good news.

First, tech isn't dead (look at these great job openings below). Second, the “gig economy” appears to be unstoppable - especially in tech and specifically in UX design and research. I’m fielding more questions now about becoming a freelance UXer than ever before, and I want to do my part to help you if you're interested in learning more about what it takes, my approach, and lessons learned over my past 12+ years as an independent.

Why is freelance and independent UX consulting gaining in popularity now? How are the layoffs/recession and freelancing related?

  • Lack of security: Many now realize that working full-time for large, well-known companies doesn't provide the job security (or benefits) they envisioned. In other words, playing it safe isn’t necessarily safer.

  • Preference for independents: Companies who recently laid off FTEs are hiring (or continue to hire) independent talent because they still need to deliver. Start-up growth has also resulted in a greater need (and preference) to hire temporary talent too. Hiring independents is a more financially attractive way to get work done because employers save $$$ when they hire contractors versus FTE and lower their risk.

  • More access: Remote work, digitalization, and globalization are at an all-time high (thanks to Covid and massive tech and cultural advancements). There are more remote collaboration tools and features than ever before, and talent-pairing platforms make finding the right match globally easier and faster.

  • Flexibility and convenience: Freelancing and consulting can lead to greater work-life balance (and control). Work where and when you want, with whom you choose, on topics/issues/products/services you find meaningful, on your terms. It all comes full circle.

I love working as a user research consultant, educator, and small business owner. I’ve learned, and continue to learn, what works for me and my clients, what doesn’t, and why. Please join me if you’re interested in exploring independence, taking your consulting practice to the next level, and/or what to consider when hiring independent talent. Takeaways include:

  • Understand the pros/cons of consulting compared to a full-time position

  • Learn how to evaluate and find potential clients/project work (don't push it uphill)

  • Discuss different work structures (hourly, project-based, retainer engagements, and more)

  • Identify logistics and new skills to consider (e.g. estimates, proposals, contracts, invoicing/bookkeeping, file sharing, tool stacks, and access to key people)

  • Ascertain team cultural considerations (if the prospect has conducted research or not, whether they employ researchers or not, differences in UX maturity, start-ups vs. larger established organizations, deliverable fidelity, etc.)

  • Identify red flags and gotchas (there WILL BE many!)

  • Explore tactics such as how to price (and consider your taxes), 1099 income vs. third-party payroll, how to invoice, who authors the agreements, where to get benefits, PTO considerations and planning, how to accept payments, quarterly estimated taxes, write-offs

  • Understand how and when to push back when a client says they want to do X, or within Y timeframe, or with Z segment, and it’s either not the right approach, feasible, actionable, or ethical (this isn’t an IF, it’s a WHEN)

  • Learn how to set yourself and your client/independent up for success in onboarding and throughout the engagement

  • Discuss specific tools and templates for consulting work

  • Understand the role mindset and karma play.

Please email any specific questions or topics you have, and I’ll do my best to work them into the discussion. This is a safe space. I’m an open book. Register on Eventbrite.

Open roles and Staffing Agencies!

  1. Senior Qualitative UX Researcher, Ads at Pinterest (remote) Link​

  2. UX Researcher at Apple Link​

  3. UX Researcher at Autodesk Link​

  4. User Experience Researcher at McGraw Hill LLC Link​

  5. Staff User Researcher at Mixpanel (remote) Link​

  6. User Researcher & Strategist at ReUp Education (remote) Link​

  7. User Researcher at Kajabi (remote) Link​

  8. User Experience Researcher (summer) Intern at Yahoo Link​

  9. UX Researcher at Etsy Link​

  10. UX Research Fellowship at Coding it Forward (listed under product, summer) Link​

  11. And here is the list of Staffing Agencies that support UX and UXR roles again if you missed it earlier! Compiled by Mike Deng Link

Upcoming Events

  • January 10th - March 29th: UXDX Community Events. Register here (various dates and times)

  • January 20th: Intro to UXR Day-long workshop. Register on Eventbrite 9AM - 4PM PST

  • January 26th: UXR Lounge Event. Register on Eventbrite 9:30 - 10:30 AM PST

  • January 28th: Independent UX/UXR Consulting Event. Register on Eventbrite 10 AM-12 PM. Note: If you were recently impacted from layoffs and or the $35 USD event price presents a hardship for you, please email hello@curiositytank.com for a discounted promo code.

  • February 21st: Is Ask like A Pro Right for Me? Q&A with Alumni (Improve your UX Research Skills with "Ask Like A Pro"). Register on Eventbrite 5 - 6:30 PM PST.

Speak up, get involved, and share the love!

And that’s a wrap!

We try to alternate between a theme and UX/UXR jobs, events, classes, articles, and other happenings every few weeks. Thank you for all of the feedback. Feedback is a gift, and we continue to receive very actionable input on how to make Fuel Your Curiosity more meaningful to you.

What do you think? We're constantly iterating and would love to hear your input.​

Stay curious,

- Michele and the Curiosity Tank team

PS: We're only offering two public Ask Like A Pro cohorts this year, and the next cohort starts February 26th! If you’re ready to register click here to grab your spot! Need a little more info? Join our Live Info Session with Alumni on February 21st.