Design & code at DoorDash, prev. Instagram, Headspace, Red Bull.

Frank Bach

Aw, shucks. Your question has made me reflect in gratitude on an otherwise rough day.

I should start with — your path is your path, and that's a good thing. I've managed to get myself in a good positio...

A long time ago, I learned that I love working for known brands (Red Bull, Headspace, Instagram) so I look for those opportunities. It didn't all happen at once, though. I interviewed to work at Meta/IG 3x over 10 years and was only successful this time. 

I've known for almost 10 years that I want to live in LA and anywhere else is a non-starter which has meant saying 'no' to many opportunities over the years. I had a chance to lead WealthSimple out of their NYC office, lead design at Airbnb in SF, among others. Even if they paid way better, I'm dedicated to this city because it gives me the lifestyle I want. I'd think long and hard about what that picture-perfect life looks for you. Think of the 'story' to your career and how you tell it. The jobs I've gone for also pay on the higher end of our industry. I've had plenty of potential startup scenarios, but had to decline because they didn't fit with my goals. I'm lucky to have landed at IG when remote was a little easier to get. Those days seem to be behind us now.

As for the skating and that, it's just about keeping up with hobbies and never letting go. 

I hope you can regain your focus and energy and rediscover what makes you truly you, and find that motivation to keep on trucking. 

Aw, shucks. Your question has made me reflect in gratitude on an otherwise rough day.

I should start with — your path is your path, and that's a good thing. I've managed to get myself in a good positio...

A long time ago, I learned that I love working for known brands (Red Bull, Headspace, Instagram) so I look for those opportunities. It didn't all happen at once, though. I interviewed to work at Meta/IG 3x over 10 years and was only successful this time. 

I've known for almost 10 years that I want to live in LA and anywhere else is a non-starter which has meant saying 'no' to many opportunities over the years. I had a chance to lead WealthSimple out of their NYC office, lead design at Airbnb in SF, among others. Even if they paid way better, I'm dedicated to this city because it gives me the lifestyle I want. I'd think long and hard about what that picture-perfect life looks for you. Think of the 'story' to your career and how you tell it. The jobs I've gone for also pay on the higher end of our industry. I've had plenty of potential startup scenarios, but had to decline because they didn't fit with my goals. I'm lucky to have landed at IG when remote was a little easier to get. Those days seem to be behind us now.

As for the skating and that, it's just about keeping up with hobbies and never letting go. 

I hope you can regain your focus and energy and rediscover what makes you truly you, and find that motivation to keep on trucking. 

Living a dreamy life in LA, skateboarding designer thriving in tech, pulling in mid-six figures. Meanwhile, here I am—a very frustrated, broke designer. I’ve tapped out, deliberately taking the year off, just casually waiting to end up living on the street.

Frank Bach

How can I have a lifestyle similar to yours, where your work seems aligned with your interests?

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Frank Bach