When to Accept a UX Research Role That Isn’t Perfect

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader

Starting a new UX research role often feels like stepping into a dream job. But what happens when the role isn’t quite what you imagined? Maybe the company culture isn’t ideal, the project scope is limited, or the resources are tight. I’ve faced this dilemma myself, and I want to share when it makes sense to accept a UX research position even if it’s not perfect—and how to make the most of it.

A UX researcher’s workspace filled with notes and sketches

Understanding What “Not Perfect” UX Research Role Means

Before deciding, it’s important to clarify what “not perfect” means for you. For me, it was a role where the research team was small, and the company didn’t fully understand the value of UX research yet. That meant limited budget and fewer opportunities to influence product decisions.

Common imperfections in UX research roles include:

• Limited support from leadership

• Narrow project scope with little variety

• Lack of mentorship or growth opportunities

• Tight deadlines that reduce research depth

• Tools and resources that feel outdated or insufficient

  
  

Knowing which of these you can tolerate—and which you can’t—is the first step.

When Imperfect Roles Can Be Worth It

I accepted a role that wasn’t perfect because it offered something I couldn’t get elsewhere: hands-on experience with real users and the chance to build a research practice from scratch. Here are some reasons to consider accepting a less-than-ideal UX research role:

1. Opportunity to Learn and Grow

If the role allows you to develop new skills or deepen existing ones, it can be a valuable stepping stone. For example, working in a startup with limited resources pushed me to become more creative with research methods and data analysis.

2. Chance to Influence and Shape UX Research

In some companies, UX research is new or undervalued. Joining early means you can help define processes, educate stakeholders, and build a culture that appreciates user insights.

3. Access to Unique Projects or Users

Sometimes the product or user base is exciting or challenging. If the role lets you work with a niche audience or innovative technology, it can add valuable experience to your portfolio.

4. Flexibility and Work-Life Balance

If the role offers flexibility in hours or remote work options, it might outweigh other downsides. This can be especially important if you’re balancing personal commitments or other projects.

How to Evaluate the Trade-Offs

When I considered the imperfect role, I made a list of pros and cons. Here’s a simple framework you can use:

| Factor | Importance to You | Role’s Offering | Notes |

|---------------------------|-------------------|-----------------|-------------------------------|

| Skill development | High | Moderate | Can learn new methods |

| Mentorship | Medium | Low | No formal mentorship program |

| Influence on product | High | High | Can shape research approach |

| Company culture | Medium | Low | Less collaborative environment |

| Compensation and benefits | High | Moderate | Fair salary but limited perks |

This helped me see where I could accept compromises and where I needed to push back or negotiate.

Setting Yourself Up for Success

Once you accept a role that isn’t perfect, you can take steps to make it work for you:

• Set clear goals for what you want to achieve in the first 6 to 12 months. This keeps you focused on growth.

• Build relationships with product managers, designers, and engineers. Strong connections help increase your influence.

• Advocate for UX research by sharing findings regularly and showing how research improves the product.

• Seek external mentorship or join UX communities to fill gaps in support.

• Document your work carefully to showcase your impact when it’s time to move on.

  
  

Close-up view of a UX research report showing charts and user feedback

Real-Life Example: My Experience with an Imperfect Role

When I joined a small tech startup, the UX research role was new and underfunded. The team was just me and a product manager who didn’t fully understand research methods. At first, I felt frustrated by the lack of resources and slow decision-making.

But I focused on building quick, impactful studies that showed clear user pain points. I created simple reports with actionable recommendations. Over time, leadership started to see the value, and the company invested more in research tools and hiring.

That experience taught me that imperfect roles can be a chance to prove your value and grow your skills in ways a perfect role might not offer.

When to Walk Away

Not every imperfect role is worth accepting. You should reconsider if:

• The role offers no chance to learn or grow.

• The company culture is toxic or unethical.

• You face constant burnout without support.

• The compensation is unfair for the workload.

• You feel your values don’t align with the company’s mission.

  
  

Trust your instincts and prioritize your well-being and career goals.