As an expert in the field of web design, I can confidently say that this job can be incredibly stressful. While there are certainly general stressors that come with any job, such as time constraints and demanding clients, web designers also have the added pressure of meeting artistic standards. This can lead to a significant amount of stress, which is something that many people don't realize when they first enter this field. When starting out in web development, most people will take courses in both HTML and CSS. This is a great way to get a feel for both design and development and determine which path is the best fit for you.
However, it's important to note that both design and development come with their own unique stressors. One of the biggest sources of stress for web designers is the pressure to deliver high-quality work that meets the expectations of clients and employers. In fact, a survey of 6,465 web designers revealed that deadlines, new clients, and completing projects are all major sources of stress for those in this field. Unfortunately, many clients have little understanding of how the internet works and may have unrealistic expectations for what a web designer can deliver. This can lead to added stress for designers who are constantly trying to meet these unrealistic demands. While it's impossible to completely eliminate stress from a career in web design, there are certain work environments that can be more stressful than others. In some cases, the stress in a designer's work environment can become so overwhelming that it outweighs any happiness or satisfaction they may get from their job.
This is especially true if there is little room for self-care or if there is no time for therapy appointments to learn coping mechanisms. As a result, many designers may experience imposter syndrome, feeling like they don't deserve their achievements and that they are a fraud in their field. While some may argue that development is the most important aspect of the user experience, I firmly believe that design plays a crucial role. After all, if a designer can understand basic HTML and CSS, they can create a design that a developer can code. However, this pressure to constantly perform and succeed can lead to designers internalizing their work and feeling isolated from external stimuli that can help inspire their creativity. Unfortunately, many people have a skewed perception of what it means to be a web designer or developer.
This can lead to unrealistic expectations and added stress for those in the field. Some may think that design requires innate creativity, while others may believe that it's all about learning how to use design software. In reality, most designers are drawn to this career because it allows them to express their creativity and have autonomy over their work.
