Is getting a UI UX job hard?

I've been hearing a lot about UI UX jobs and how they're in high demand. But is it really that difficult to land one? Do employers have a specific set of criteria they're looking for? And how can someone with a passion for design and user experience stand out from the crowd? Is it necessary to have a degree in design or can you learn the skills on your own? Also, how important is it to have a portfolio of your work when applying for UI UX jobs? And finally, are there any common misconceptions about what it takes to succeed in this field? I'm eager to learn more about the challenges and opportunities that come with pursuing a career in UI UX.