I took a 4 year break from architecture to look after my dying father. He is dead now, so i decided to go back into the world of architecture. Currently i live in the Florida area and finding a job, even entry level has a proved extremely difficult, this despite the "amazing" job numbers (which i think are fake)
I even called a couple of architecture firms and asked if they would be willing to take me on for free to get back experience and they all said nope because they were staffed already(again at the fake job numbers). Im at a point now were i am extremely depressed and honestly saying screw this so called "profession
If it wasn't for my inheritance from my father passing away id be destitute by now. So im going to switch to a completely new career path in either IT or healthcare where people are actually wanted and wont suffer once the next recession rolls around. I just wish i didnt waste 5 years of my life getting this toilet paper of a degree profession
Yes im extremely bitter
/End Rant
archinine
Nov 7, 17 6:29 am
The jobs numbers aren't fake. Take a look at how many places are hiring on this site alone. Maybe not in your area but the jobs have always been in the coastal metros. Just cause you're bitter doesn't mean the data is false.
You're better off in either of the fields you mentioned. Architecture is a dying industry soon to be replaced by robots.
TED
Nov 7, 17 6:59 am
I am surprised you can't find a job - perhaps you just need to have a break to sort your life out - taking care of parents really has a tole -
Florida is a funny market because the legal role of contractors diminish the role an architect has -
You might consider doing a post professional Masters then reenter the field that way - Georgia has great programs and near by -
geezertect
Nov 7, 17 7:31 am
You might consider doing a post professional Masters then reenter the field that way - Georgia has great programs and near by
Spending money for another useless degree just to prove to Mother Architecture that you really do love her and deserve to be another CAD monkey in her service is not a path I would take. When you can't even get an unpaid gig it should tell you all you need to know about this profession.
Very sad scenario, but you did the right thing by your father. Family is always more important than another dreary building that will probably be torn down in thirty years. Best of luck in whatever path you take.
TED
Nov 7, 17 10:20 am
No one said Architecture - Computational and healthcare were declared interest. One would be a foul if they threw out their history and didn't build upon some aspect of their past education -
geezertect
Nov 7, 17 11:07 am
^ Huh??
TED
Nov 7, 17 11:37 am
Per @jamesbondish ".....So im going to switch to a completely new career path in either IT or healthcare where people are actually wanted and wont suffer once the next recession rolls around." -- you just can't step into that without going back to getting qualifications - any forms of knowledge builds upon your upbringing, background including education - that's why US University allow entry into MArch programmes without prior arch background -
geezertect
Nov 7, 17 11:45 am
^ Your first reply suggested that OP should get a masters in order to "reenter the field". I assume that means getting back into architecture. Why would somebody get a masters in IT or health care if they were going to be an architect? Obviously more education will be required to change professions completely. Maybe we are talking past each other.
TED
Nov 7, 17 12:00 pm
'Field' does not equal 'CAD Monkey' - lots of folks do dual degrees and move into career that specialises in both such as real estate, law, computation, film - makes much more sense in doing a BA Arch then do a masters in something else - MArch after BA Arch is just filling the pockets of Universities especially since most MArch Programmes are designed to meet professional criteria and have very little to do with proper Master Level research. While many students do improve their design skills in MArch programmes, practice experience can fill this skill.
geezertect
Nov 7, 17 1:22 pm
It sounded to me like the OP is disgusted with the entire building industry, which is why he is considering either IT or health. The architecture background won't have much application, particularly in health care And, after getting an IT education, who would want to return to the architecture field in any capacity, given the vastly better earning potential in tech.?
Granted, there are career paths that combine architecture with something else, but that isn't what he was talking about.
sameolddoctor
Nov 7, 17 3:40 pm
TED, pray shut up.
Menona
Nov 7, 17 9:49 am
Sorry about your father. That's always horrible. Things don't even begin to become normal again for at least a year afterward. Sometimes longer. Best wishes.
won and done williams
Nov 7, 17 10:34 am
Honestly the gap in your resume is probably to blame for the lack of job offers. Also probably some ambiguity as to what level to hire you at. Are you registered? If not, there are many recent grads/intern-level 20-somethings out there that you have to compete against.
If you are really just looking for a job and not set on doing straight architecture, perhaps expand your search. You may be able to find work in facilities or construction-related project management with your experience.
Agree with everyone above. You did the right thing by your father/family. There's nothing more important than that. It may take a little longer to find your way back into the job pool, but you will.
sameolddoctor
Nov 7, 17 3:41 pm
"Honestly the gap in your resume is probably to blame for the lack of job offers." - sums up the business. Shitty pay for shitty bosses, but a 4-year gap is just too much!
JLC-1
Nov 7, 17 11:12 am
yes, there is a larger need for nurses than architects, thank you
randomised
Nov 7, 17 11:28 am
First of all, sorry for your loss, I truly respect your decision to care for your father.
The job numbers are real, everyone seems to be hiring at the moment, we're dancing on the volcano! I can literally pick and choose jobs and will probably start another new one in a month...
You we're out 4 years, don't rush things now and offer your services for free because nothing seems to work, nobody will respect you or give you a chance for throwing yourself at them like that, it only shows your desperation. Take your time, take a breather or go travel and reassess if you really want to leave architecture permanently. You can always go into IT or healthcare later if you want.
Good luck.
LITS4FormZ
Nov 7, 17 11:44 am
Where are you located?
Volunteer
Nov 7, 17 11:44 am
Sorry for your loss. You definitely did the right thing in taking care of your father.
Have you considered going into a related field like construction management that would make use of your architecture knowledge?
I think a lot of the architecture firms that are hiring now are probably just hiring computer grunts - people they will let go when the economy so much as sneezes.
Best of luck to you.
Francis Drake
Nov 7, 17 11:49 am
If it is possible I recommend you to move somewhere else and try their.
It will not be easy but you will have more luck.
LA, Seattle, Huston, Denver. these cities have increasing market. try that.
shji
Nov 7, 17 12:03 pm
I couldnt get a job for six months out of school. Go work as a volunteer, preferably in something relevant to architecture and meet people. Or even work in non arch jobs just dont sit around at home applying to jobs and feel anxious all day. Like random says, don’t rush. Keep cool headed and expand your technical skills and resume. Freelance. But I think it is also a good idea to leave architecture because it is no fun and low paying.
shji
Nov 7, 17 12:09 pm
Come to NY. Plenty of jobs. So many that I am worried that this is the peak that may not to return in decades.
Kevin Wagner
Nov 7, 17 12:14 pm
Sorry for your loss. Top get hired, you have to be where they are hiring. There is a shortage of help in many regions, but, to be honest, this is your chance to get out. This site alone can be a decent gauge on discontent with the profession and entire industry. It simply isn't as fun as it used to be.
sameolddoctor
Nov 7, 17 12:15 pm
You did right by taking care of your family. This profession is dying at a rapid pace, despite the job numbers (which are mostly for Revit monkeys). Follow your passion and show the middle finger to the business.
zonker
Nov 7, 17 12:34 pm
Learn Revit - be a BIM slave for a while, and work your way up from there - its a steady job at least - that's how I restarted my career after the great recession - better to be pushin walls as a BIM WIT, than pushin a shoppin cart as a homeless person
geezertect
Nov 7, 17 1:18 pm
Hopefully those aren't the only options.
thisisnotmyname
Nov 7, 17 1:48 pm
Learn a trade. HVAC, plumbing, and electrical construction and repair are where it's at. The average age of a master plumber today is very high, indicative of how not enough new people are entering the field. My neighbor has a thriving HVAC repair business, he's nearing retirement age and doesn't have anyone to take it over.
geezertect
Nov 7, 17 9:21 pm
Not bad advice. Unfortunately, most college graduates are so damn status conscious that the thought of being a plumber would give them hives. Piecing together a few skilled trades like that could eventually lead to starting your own small construction company. It is something I personally would seriously consider if I was in my 20's and wishing to leave the profession, rather than getting another degree that you hope will be recognized as valuable by someone.
thisisnotmyname
Nov 8, 17 8:45 am
It seems to me that these trades will be hard to replace with robots and AI. The repair side of the business is also fairly recession-proof.
I took a 4 year break from architecture to look after my dying father. He is dead now, so i decided to go back into the world of architecture. Currently i live in the Florida area and finding a job, even entry level has a proved extremely difficult, this despite the "amazing" job numbers (which i think are fake)
I even called a couple of architecture firms and asked if they would be willing to take me on for free to get back experience and they all said nope because they were staffed already(again at the fake job numbers). Im at a point now were i am extremely depressed and honestly saying screw this so called "profession
If it wasn't for my inheritance from my father passing away id be destitute by now. So im going to switch to a completely new career path in either IT or healthcare where people are actually wanted and wont suffer once the next recession rolls around. I just wish i didnt waste 5 years of my life getting this toilet paper of a degree profession
Yes im extremely bitter
/End Rant
The jobs numbers aren't fake. Take a look at how many places are hiring on this site alone. Maybe not in your area but the jobs have always been in the coastal metros. Just cause you're bitter doesn't mean the data is false.
You're better off in either of the fields you mentioned. Architecture is a dying industry soon to be replaced by robots.
I am surprised you can't find a job - perhaps you just need to have a break to sort your life out - taking care of parents really has a tole -
Florida is a funny market because the legal role of contractors diminish the role an architect has -
You might consider doing a post professional Masters then reenter the field that way - Georgia has great programs and near by -
You might consider doing a post professional Masters then reenter the field that way - Georgia has great programs and near by
Spending money for another useless degree just to prove to Mother Architecture that you really do love her and deserve to be another CAD monkey in her service is not a path I would take. When you can't even get an unpaid gig it should tell you all you need to know about this profession.
Very sad scenario, but you did the right thing by your father. Family is always more important than another dreary building that will probably be torn down in thirty years. Best of luck in whatever path you take.
No one said Architecture - Computational and healthcare were declared interest. One would be a foul if they threw out their history and didn't build upon some aspect of their past education -
^ Huh??
Per @jamesbondish ".....So im going to switch to a completely new career path in either IT or healthcare where people are actually wanted and wont suffer once the next recession rolls around." -- you just can't step into that without going back to getting qualifications - any forms of knowledge builds upon your upbringing, background including education - that's why US University allow entry into MArch programmes without prior arch background -
^ Your first reply suggested that OP should get a masters in order to "reenter the field". I assume that means getting back into architecture. Why would somebody get a masters in IT or health care if they were going to be an architect? Obviously more education will be required to change professions completely. Maybe we are talking past each other.
'Field' does not equal 'CAD Monkey' - lots of folks do dual degrees and move into career that specialises in both such as real estate, law, computation, film - makes much more sense in doing a BA Arch then do a masters in something else - MArch after BA Arch is just filling the pockets of Universities especially since most MArch Programmes are designed to meet professional criteria and have very little to do with proper Master Level research. While many students do improve their design skills in MArch programmes, practice experience can fill this skill.
It sounded to me like the OP is disgusted with the entire building industry, which is why he is considering either IT or health. The architecture background won't have much application, particularly in health care And, after getting an IT education, who would want to return to the architecture field in any capacity, given the vastly better earning potential in tech.?
Granted, there are career paths that combine architecture with something else, but that isn't what he was talking about.
TED, pray shut up.
Sorry about your father. That's always horrible. Things don't even begin to become normal again for at least a year afterward. Sometimes longer. Best wishes.
Honestly the gap in your resume is probably to blame for the lack of job offers. Also probably some ambiguity as to what level to hire you at. Are you registered? If not, there are many recent grads/intern-level 20-somethings out there that you have to compete against.
If you are really just looking for a job and not set on doing straight architecture, perhaps expand your search. You may be able to find work in facilities or construction-related project management with your experience.
Agree with everyone above. You did the right thing by your father/family. There's nothing more important than that. It may take a little longer to find your way back into the job pool, but you will.
"Honestly the gap in your resume is probably to blame for the lack of job offers." - sums up the business. Shitty pay for shitty bosses, but a 4-year gap is just too much!
yes, there is a larger need for nurses than architects, thank you
First of all, sorry for your loss, I truly respect your decision to care for your father.
The job numbers are real, everyone seems to be hiring at the moment, we're dancing on the volcano! I can literally pick and choose jobs and will probably start another new one in a month...
You we're out 4 years, don't rush things now and offer your services for free because nothing seems to work, nobody will respect you or give you a chance for throwing yourself at them like that, it only shows your desperation. Take your time, take a breather or go travel and reassess if you really want to leave architecture permanently. You can always go into IT or healthcare later if you want.
Good luck.
Where are you located?
Sorry for your loss. You definitely did the right thing in taking care of your father.
Have you considered going into a related field like construction management that would make use of your architecture knowledge?
I think a lot of the architecture firms that are hiring now are probably just hiring computer grunts - people they will let go when the economy so much as sneezes.
Best of luck to you.
If it is possible I recommend you to move somewhere else and try their.
It will not be easy but you will have more luck.
LA, Seattle, Huston, Denver. these cities have increasing market. try that.
I couldnt get a job for six months out of school. Go work as a volunteer, preferably in something relevant to architecture and meet people. Or even work in non arch jobs just dont sit around at home applying to jobs and feel anxious all day. Like random says, don’t rush. Keep cool headed and expand your technical skills and resume. Freelance. But I think it is also a good idea to leave architecture because it is no fun and low paying.
Come to NY. Plenty of jobs. So many that I am worried that this is the peak that may not to return in decades.
Sorry for your loss. Top get hired, you have to be where they are hiring. There is a shortage of help in many regions, but, to be honest, this is your chance to get out. This site alone can be a decent gauge on discontent with the profession and entire industry. It simply isn't as fun as it used to be.
You did right by taking care of your family. This profession is dying at a rapid pace, despite the job numbers (which are mostly for Revit monkeys). Follow your passion and show the middle finger to the business.
Learn Revit - be a BIM slave for a while, and work your way up from there - its a steady job at least - that's how I restarted my career after the great recession - better to be pushin walls as a BIM WIT, than pushin a shoppin cart as a homeless person
Hopefully those aren't the only options.
Learn a trade. HVAC, plumbing, and electrical construction and repair are where it's at. The average age of a master plumber today is very high, indicative of how not enough new people are entering the field. My neighbor has a thriving HVAC repair business, he's nearing retirement age and doesn't have anyone to take it over.
Not bad advice. Unfortunately, most college graduates are so damn status conscious that the thought of being a plumber would give them hives. Piecing together a few skilled trades like that could eventually lead to starting your own small construction company. It is something I personally would seriously consider if I was in my 20's and wishing to leave the profession, rather than getting another degree that you hope will be recognized as valuable by someone.
It seems to me that these trades will be hard to replace with robots and AI. The repair side of the business is also fairly recession-proof.