Designers are told to climb ladders and fight for influence, but what’s the cost? Rashmi Lopez shares why she walked away from the corporate chase, how burnout stole her joy, and why community, creativity, and mental health are better markers of success than any leadership title. |
What if climbing the ladder to a “seat at the table” comes at the expense of your health, joy, and sense of purpose? Would you still want it?
Most designers are told the same story:
Climb the ladder. Fight for a “seat at the table.”
That’s what success looks like.
But what if that seat costs you your health, your joy, and your sense of self?
But first, check out this week's sponsor:
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Maybe it's not
Rashmi Lopez knows that story firsthand. After 15 years in tech, she earned the leadership title she thought she wanted... only to realize it left her burned out and drained. A layoff became the turning point. Instead of chasing another corporate ladder, she chose to build her own table.
In our conversation, Rashmi shares:
➡️ Why titles and tables don’t guarantee respect or influence
➡️ How to spot burnout creep before it becomes the norm
➡️ Why community support outlasts corporate validation
➡️ How to use boundaries as a strategy, not just self-care
➡️ The role of personal projects in keeping your craft (and joy) alive
If you’ve ever questioned whether the “seat at the table” is worth it, or wondered what success could look like on your own terms, then this episode is for you!
🎯 Here are some key takeaways from our chat |
1️⃣ Don’t confuse titles with success: Titles can look impressive, but they don’t always translate to influence, respect, or fulfillment. Instead of chasing a role because it looks good on LinkedIn, ask: Will this role give me the life I want? Will it align with my values, energy, and personal goals?
2️⃣ Burnout creeps in slowly: Burnout rarely arrives all at once. It’s a series of small compromises: late emails, skipped lunches, weekends lost to “just one more thing.” Notice these shifts before they become your norm. Reverse them with small resets—log off on time, reclaim breaks, and model healthy work for your peers.
3️⃣ Community provides the support titles can’t: Corporate culture often ties support to performance. But a community offers care without conditions. Invest in friendships and networks where support flows both ways, regardless of output.
4️⃣ Build boundaries into your career: Saying yes to everything doesn’t earn respect; it erodes it. Protect your time and energy by setting clear limits on availability and workload. Boundaries aren’t selfish; they’re a strategy for long-term influence and career survival.
5️⃣ Create for joy, not just for business goals: Corporate projects may hit metrics, but they rarely feed your creative spirit. Keep a practice of personal projects like sketching, branding experiments, writing, or art, without worrying about productivity.
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They don't teach this stuff in school
Learn the things they left off the syllabus.
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