A designer's willingness to adopt emerging technologies like AI is not solely determined by age or technical literacy. Instead, years of professional practice, with its deadlines, client demands, and budget constraints, fundamentally reshape a designer's relationship with their work. Initially drawn to design by idealism and creativity, experienced professionals learn to prioritize efficiency and problem-solving within real-world limitations. This shift means AI is often viewed not as a threat to creativity, but as a practical tool that can handle repetitive tasks, freeing up designers for more strategic work. The type of design also influences AI adoption, with structured, iterative work benefiting more than experimental or purely expressive forms. Conversations about AI in design become polarized because different roles and priorities lead to vastly different evaluations of its usefulness. Ultimately, embracing AI can reflect a designer's pragmatic adaptation to the demands of the profession, rather than a diminished passion for design itself. This transition can lead to more effective and balanced professional lives.