UX Designers: How do you stay sane?

Hey Reddit,

I’m a UX designer with 9 years of experience, but the past two years have been rough. I’ve hopped between jobs, struggling with UX immaturity within companies, bad management, and design leads with huge egos (and often no UX experience). It’s been frustrating, and I’ve come close to losing my passion for the field entirely.

I’m starting a new job in February. A year ago, I would've called it my dream job—big company, challenging assignment, a promise of good work-life balance, and a 32-hour workweek. So while I’m cautiously optimistic, I want to make sure I don’t end up in the same cycle again. Most of all, I want to protect myself from burnout and preserve the passion I have left for this work.

How do you find the right work-life balance in UX? How do you deal with bad leadership, messy processes, or a lack of UX maturity in a company? And how do you make sure you’re taking care of yourself while staying productive and engaged?

Would love to hear your tips, experiences, or any resources that have helped you. Thanks!