This narrative is based on a conversation with Eleni Trapp, a 26-year-old UX designer from Florida who transitioned from a corporate job to freelancing. The content has been edited for brevity and clarity.

From Corporate Promises to Freelance Freedom

When I was offered a $150,000 starting salary as a UX designer at a prominent casino, I thought my dream of a glamorous corporate life was finally materializing. Initially, the excitement was palpable, but I soon discovered that the reality was fraught with challenges.

The Struggles of Conformity

My initial experiences in the workplace were promising. However, I quickly realized that my success depended on adhering to outdated business practices rather than my innovative ideas. As a junior designer, I found myself facing significant resistance, particularly from the executive team, who were mostly older men with a limited understanding of modern app design.

Feeling Marginalized and Ignored

Despite presenting viable design concepts and timelines that were well-received by my peers, my input appeared to diminish as it moved up the chain of command. I began to feel trapped in a mundane design process, which contradicted the innovative vision the company had promised.

A Turning Point: Dismissed and Disheartened

After months of voicing my concerns about the app’s effectiveness, my brave attempt to rally support for a user-friendly approach resulted in a stern reaction from management. This disregard for my expertise and the absence of an apology left me questioning if my age and gender were affecting my standing within the organization.

Breaking Free from a Toxic Environment

After enduring a lack of recognition and being denied a justified salary increase, I realized that the corporate ladder was not worth sacrificing my identity and integrity. With a heavy heart, I decided to resign, marking the end of a frustrating chapter in my career.

Embracing Freelancing and Self-Worth

Transitioning to freelancing wasn’t without its challenges, as I had to determine my service value. After thorough research and assessment of my skills, I settled on a base rate of $65/hour, a daunting but necessary step. In just a few months, I secured multiple projects and reassured myself of my worth as a skilled designer.

Building a Legacy of Empowerment

As I navigate my freelance journey, I am also venturing into creating a unique business—a rage room and spa that channels the frustrations I experienced in the corporate world. This initiative aims to foster a safe space for others facing similar challenges, encouraging personal empowerment and liberation.

In retrospect, leaving my corporate job was a transformative decision that propelled me towards a career where I can thrive on my terms. I am proud to be crafting my own path and climbing my own ladder in the design industry.

Editor’s note: The company where Trapp was employed, as verified by Business Insider, did not provide a comment on this account.

From Corporate Constraints to Freelance Freedom: A UX Designer’s Journey

Leaving the corporate world can be daunting, especially when you’ve tasted the success that comes with a hefty salary and prestigious title. For many professionals, like Eleni Trapp, the lure of freelance freedom becomes irresistible, especially when the traditional workplace stifles creativity and innovation.

Realizing the Dream: A Promising Start

Receiving a $150,000 starting salary as a UX designer from a major casino initially felt like the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. Joining the corporate ladder seemed like the ideal path for a young professional eager to make an impact in the tech-driven landscape of online gaming applications.

The Clash of Ideals: Innovation versus Tradition

However, as Trapp soon discovered, real success was not about pushing boundaries but conforming to outdated practices. Despite her skills and fresh perspectives, her contributions often went unheard, overshadowed by a senior team resistant to change. The frustration began to mount when her ideas clashed with the executives’ profit-driven mindset.

The Struggle to Be Heard

Working in a predominantly male environment, Trapp felt marginalized, particularly when her insights were sidelined during critical discussions. Despite receiving initial praise for her designs, moving through corporate layers led to resistance and pushback from those with less design experience. This environment cultivated a deep sense of isolation, prompting her to question whether her age and gender played a role in her professional struggles.

Breaking Point: A Decision to Leave

Months of feeling undervalued culminated in a denied salary increase. Despite a solid track record, the absence of tangible feedback on her performance further solidified her resolve to leave. Recognizing that loyalty to a toxic environment was detrimental, she decided to take control of her career by leaving the corporate scene behind.

A New Path: Embracing Freelance Life

Transitioning to freelancing presented its own set of challenges. Trapp not only needed to navigate a new work structure but also had to reevaluate her self-worth in relation to the services she provided. With dedication, she established a competitive rate and began to thrive, landing multiple gigs and relishing the opportunity to express her design expertise without constraint.

Creating a Unique Business Venture

As she continued to find success in freelance work, Trapp channeled her experiences into developing a unique business concept: a rage room combined with a spa. This innovative space is aimed at helping others tackle their inner struggles, offering an outlet for emotional expression that many working professionals lack.

A Celebration of Growth and Empowerment

Through her journey, Trapp not only reclaimed her professional identity but also embarked on a path of empowerment focused on innovation and creativity. Now, as she builds her own ladder to success, she stands as a testament to the idea that leaving behind a toxic work environment can lead to fulfilling and liberating opportunities.