Hello All,

I figure the point of my career I'm at would yield some valuable discussion and insight to others in a similar or not too far behind point. 

Here's my situation:

• Designer I (3-5 yrs)
• Finished AXP - just passed my first ARE (PjM)
• Recently laid off from an ideal, medium sized design firm, felt somewhat underutilized 
• Found out I was underpaid vs. similarly experienced colleagues (they were also laid off) 
• Quick rebound of job applications - currently waiting for 2nd interview / conversations with each of 
  • PM role w/ a typical developer (likely pay bump / less fun work/possibly worse hours)
  • super sustainable firm (another ideal arch firm to land) 
  • several connections who work at other developers, trying to further parlay or network into some kind of freelance or other position

After the layoff and before passing my first test, I was somewhat discouraged from trodding further down the well-red-flagged traditional path of a typical staff-designer to Arch I / PA. Before diving head-first back into the work + studying grind, I thought to consider just collecting unemployment and using the greater time availability to study and (minimally) subsidize some of the test costs, and try to full-out blitz the rest of the exams (Amber Book approach). In addition, I'm thinking if it'd be good to give some due-diligence efforts to expanding into alternative-practice via a career consulting firm that just launched and is somewhat intriguing (Out of Architecture). Other than RE development, I could see myself doing some form of 3D or environmental design/graphics work for a boutique kind of agency or some larger entities (Nike, adidas, fintech/housing start-ups, etc.). 

My end goal is to start a fully-in house architecture, development, & placemaking firm. I'm also considering if it's worth re-entering an under-paid architectural role, while I'm finished AXP and nearing licensure, when I could work in an adjacent industry and use that extra salary to better offset the costs of studying and the tests themselves. I think a development PM / architectural concept support role is most in line with the end goal, and I'm hoping a developer would be somewhat supportive of me finishing licensure, and would hopefully place me in a less expendable seat at the table than mid-sized firm design staff. 

Anyways, not seeking any specific solutions, but more so putting this out there to hear if anyone else is a few steps ahead or behind a similar point as this one in their careers and has any insight, thoughts or questions.