Yay @Kris. Welcome.
(Kris and I work together.)
I am very open to your constructive criticism about this Discourse instance. I’ve only just moved it to official hosting and am working on figuring out how we use theme components to our best advantage. I’m also keen on your thoughts around our onboarding experience.
Where in the world are you?
I live in Oregon, in a small town called Cottage Grove.
What stage of your career are you at?
As far as UX design, I’m scoping out my options and the potential paths.
What are your current challenges?
I have over 20 years in the IT and related industry. I have 11+ years of experience in my current career as a developer of technical training for customers. I am currently well employed, but my satisfaction in my job is at an all-time low for a variety of reasons; some personal, and some professional.
If I were to pursue this, it would have to be in parallel to my current job. I can’t afford to take a couple of years off work to learn this. I have no college degree and no experience in academic settings other than one year in a trade school. Everything I have ever done has been self-taught or learned “on the job”.
A lot of the guides for this sort of career discuss getting experience as an intern, or a variety of things that would likely take a lot of time but not provide for my family.
What aspect/s of UX are passionate about?
I am very excited about designing things that are efficient and satisfying to use. Minimizing those moments where users ask themselves “Why am I even using this?”. I think User Experiences should be as intuitive and efficient as possible which I think are two things that lead to satisfaction.
Cats or dogs?
I’ve had both, and I prefer dogs. Specifically Australian Shepherds. Plus my wife is allergic to cats.
My apologies for the long ramble. 
Ooooooh. You need this: Panel: What personal rhythms and habits support success in experience design careers? – UX Mastery. Some of Dan Szuc’s thoughts may resonate with you. @deprecated and @dougcollins are also really inspirational when you’re a bit down about your job/life/current situation
Thank you, I will look into those.
Aww, I’ve been called inspirational! Cheers, I’m glad I can help lift people up
@uberjerry - if I can do anything to help you, please let me know.
Where in the world are you?
Currently located in the bay area, originally from southern california.
What stage of your career are you at?
Before beginning! Still figuring out if UX design is for me. I’ve been in the building/construction industry for about 6-7 years now.
What are you current challenges?
As I mentioned above, I’m looking to switch careers. No doubt there have been highlights in my career but on a daily, it’s filled with tasks that I find dull. I asked myself constantly if I can be doing something more impactful in a bigger scale; the answer is always yes. One of the main challenge is the industry. I would say it is “behind” technologically in comparison. Many people are too stubborn for change and lack innovation. Only a hand full cares for creativity and hungry for improvement.
What aspect/s of UX are passionate about?
From the limited research I’ve done, I am already gravitating towards UX. I did a short intro course on coursera and already have ideas are flowing in. There are so many day-to-day tasks that can be improved upon. I want to study interaction between people and technology, use data to build better designs, and influence lives in a positive matter.
Cats or dogs?
Dogs (because I have one and I love her), but I also respect cats (old roommate had 2, very interesting to observe).
I join this UX community in hopes of finding light before I take steps forward. Don’t want to be throwing darts in the dark and want to do my due diligence prior to making the big switch. I’ve been trying my best to reach out to different people who share similar experience for tips/guidance. If anyone is willing share your journey and/or have tips for me, I would love your input!
Best,
Sarah
Where in the world are you?
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
What stage of your career are you at?
After 4+ years in advertising (art director/designer), looking for a career change that matters to me
What are you current challenges?
Getting started, finding mentors, building a portfolio
What aspect/s of UX are passionate about?
How human it is and how UX strives for the betterment of people
Cats or dogs?
Dawgs
Welcome! Thanks so much for your Toronto tips!
Hi guys,
I’m in Cape Town
I’m currently a Senior UX designer with about 6 years experience
Current challenges if tackling how to communicate microinteractions that enhance the experience
I’m passionate about helping new designers and exploring different design tools
Cats
Where in the world are you?
Stockholm, Sweden. 
What stage of your career are you at?
Senior user researcher (but I still struggle with the word Senior, even though I’ve had for over a year). About 7 years experience with UX.
What are you current challenges?
Not “over-specialising”. So currently considering stepping out of my current role and experiment other types of research (not so usability based, as it’s right now) and moving into foundational research or service design.
What aspect/s of UX are passionate about?
How people continue to surprise us in research and how teams thrive once they get together around real user research and design together.
Cats or dogs?
Like cats, but love dogs! 
Hello everyone!
I am Landon Hood, I currently work as a Consultant for Bully Entertainment, where I am a professional generalist and doer of many things! I am trying to focus my career towards UX and Product Design.
Where am I!?!?
Baltimore, Maryland!
What stage of your career are you at?
I have 4 years Project management experience, where I contributed in not only management, but design, UX and Account Management. My toes are in the water for UX but still fairly junior.
What are you current challenges?
I believe my biggest struggle right now is finding a mentor or someone to whom I can work with to improve my capabilities in UX. I am hungry for structure!
What aspect/s of UX are passionate about?
All facets of UX, I have assisted in UX on projects for several large name companies like Dreamworks and Marvel. Visual Design and prototyping are my main interests. I am open learning everything I can.
Cats or dogs?
One dog named Booker, from Bioshock Infinite 
Interesting challenge. What is your rationale for wanting to do this?
(and welcome!)
Welcome Landon! I recently watched the very sad documentary of the murder of Hae Min Lee but in doing so I saw a lot of your beautiful home county.
Well, I guess I’ve been working for the same industry for quite some time now (6+ years) and all this time as a researcher. So it feels a bit that I’m becoming very specialised both when it comes to role (User Researcher, very focused on usability) and industry (home appliances).
And then I wonder - how would it be if I’d like to change to another company or role, would my options be very narrow due to that? You see what I mean?
Yeah it’s hard to be proud of Baltimore from time to time. A lot of rich history over shadowed by homelessness
Hi Marie! I am fairly new to the community. I know this was posted a while back…but wanted to reach to see where you’re at now! How was your journey like if you don’t mind sharing?
Hi Sandeep! – did you end up building a portfolio and switch into UX?
I’m from india.
from this year I’ll join college
just wanna earn money
im confused
dogs
Hello and welcome. What are you confused about?
@jdebari. Moving to SF was not solely a career decision. I also have never lived outside of my hometown of Austin, TX and wanted to make a change. On your point though, I view competition as a catalyst for improvement. If a “fail” while I’m out here then I will have learned a lot and can take it back with me to Austin, which I guess to you has more opportunities. Luckily, I have been chipping away everyday at it, have landed an internship, am starting a community of aspiring UX Designers to learn from each other and build portfolios, and am having a blast while doing it. I truly appreciate your advice, but unfortunately the plan is already in action. My hope is that one day I can be at your level and help someone at my level achieve their goals!