I have found myself in a bit of a conundrum lately. I am an emerging professional in the field of architecture, but for the past couple of years, I’ve really been questioning this career path I have chosen for myself. I love architecture, I love buildings, I love cities. I have wanted to be an architect since I was 10. However, I really, really hate the work I do every day as a professional architect. I’m not licensed yet, and I’m thinking about giving up on my dream to get licensed and switch into a different career.
I’m having a hard time figuring out if all architecture jobs are this grueling, or if it’s my specific role. I hate how much engineering is involved, and I will spend all day looking at trash chutes or detailing window sills, and I just don’t care about any of that. I’m just wondering, are there any creative-type architects out there who actually enjoy their jobs and think it’s worth it? I know that entry level positions are no dream job, but even when I look at the work anyone senior that me does it looks even worse. I’m really considering making a career move into UX/UI design, but I don’t want to leave architecture of there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Does anyone have any positive experiences as an architect? Or anyone who has a positive experience of leaving architecture for another profession? Anyone get licensed before leaving the profession and sees any pros/cons with that?
Thanks!
pandahut
Jul 10, 23 11:33 am
I've always told someone that the only thing to look forward to in arch is pointing towards a building and proclaiming I worked on that. Until I realized that we are just building needless shit (that will be torn down before 75 years of its existence), harming the environment, that most people give fuck all that we built a building and it only serves our ego in the end, reinforcing most architects ARE in the field to stroke their own.
Now, I just go outside as often as I can and enjoy the non built environment because I find solace in desolate areas not ravaged by human touch. Architecture is a JOB to me now, not a HOBBY. 9-5 and get the fuck out and on with my life.
square.
Jul 10, 23 11:39 am
spoken like a wise person.
Chad Miller
Jul 10, 23 12:38 pm
I'll see building's I've designed and think - dang I could of done things better.
Other buildings I've designed I'll see and think - this really did help the community.
I've never seen a building I've designed and though - what a nice building.
I've never pointed out a building that I've designed to another person.
If asked about a building I've designed I say I was part of the team that designed it.
I've never designed a building that only serves my ego. I have designed buildings that serve my clients ego though.
s2smooth
Jul 10, 23 3:36 pm
I'm in the same boat. I like the idea of architecture but hate it at the same time. I need to get out before it really starts to eat away at me but I have no idea what I should pivot my career too.
Almosthip
Jul 10, 23 4:44 pm
What exactly did you think you would be doing on a daily basis at work? And how is that different from what you are doing daily at work?
s2smooth
Jul 10, 23 7:17 pm
I've been in the field for 15 years now and I'm just tired of the profession. Some days are enjoyable others are misserable but that can happen with any job.
JLC-1
Jul 10, 23 5:19 pm
A joke with a twist;
A man goes to see a guru, asks: Guru, were is success?
and the guru points to a road, the man starts walking and 5 minutes later 3 thugs come out and beat him and steal all his possessions.
The man goes back to the guru, asks what's wrong and the guru again points at the road.
Same thing happens 5 minute after, beating and robbery.
Again to the guru, now more angry; Where is success?.
And the guru says "Over there, in that path, after the beatings"
Chad Miller
Jul 10, 23 5:30 pm
Typically, experiencing some adversity is part of being successful at _________. That doesn't mean you need to experience exploitation, or any of the "isms" though. This includes literal or metaphorical beatings.
G4tor
Jul 11, 23 2:29 am
Anything that is a "profession" will have its share of ups and downs. Even if you switch to another profession, it'll still be the same thing... I've learned from a young age that "hobbies" and "jobs" carry different burdens even though you can be doing the same task.
Chad Miller
Jul 11, 23 10:08 am
For a year I converted my hobby of model building and painting into a side gig. It took all the fun and enjoyment out of it. It wasn't because of the hours. It was now it was something I had to do instead of wanted to.
pandahut
Jul 11, 23 10:09 am
Please read the book the alchemist. Only book I've ever read in one sitting without putting it down. As Scott Jurek said "this is what you came here for".
Chad Miller
Jul 11, 23 10:24 am
This is an interesting topic. One thing I think has been overlooked is the concept of self worth. Hear me out . . .
We take pride in our work as architects / designers. Some of us base our entire self worth on our work. I don't think that's healthy. I've always tried to base my self worth or happyness on a collection of things. In no order of importance these categories for me are:
creativity
personal relationships
romantic relationship
physical fitness / health
outdoor pursuits
Obviously these are rather broad categories. Creativity for example could be linked to work, artistic pursuits, building a shed, ect.
The idea is that I need at least three of these categories to be fulfilled in order for me to maintain my happiness. If I get below that I don't feel fulfilled and tend to be unhappy. Maybe we need to stop trying to find fulfillment only from our work?
Just a thought. Enough of this self evaluation, I have to get back to researching historic building requirements and related building codes. ::uhg::
joseffischer
Jul 11, 23 2:36 pm
historic building code reviews are great, soooooo many exceptions!
s2smooth
Jul 11, 23 3:23 pm
To be clear work is not my fullfillment...I dont care if I move up or get promoted.
@Chad Miller...100% agree on this. I'm extremly happy on the items you listed. With work I guess you could say I live for the weekends.
Hello all,
I have found myself in a bit of a conundrum lately. I am an emerging professional in the field of architecture, but for the past couple of years, I’ve really been questioning this career path I have chosen for myself. I love architecture, I love buildings, I love cities. I have wanted to be an architect since I was 10. However, I really, really hate the work I do every day as a professional architect. I’m not licensed yet, and I’m thinking about giving up on my dream to get licensed and switch into a different career.
I’m having a hard time figuring out if all architecture jobs are this grueling, or if it’s my specific role. I hate how much engineering is involved, and I will spend all day looking at trash chutes or detailing window sills, and I just don’t care about any of that. I’m just wondering, are there any creative-type architects out there who actually enjoy their jobs and think it’s worth it? I know that entry level positions are no dream job, but even when I look at the work anyone senior that me does it looks even worse. I’m really considering making a career move into UX/UI design, but I don’t want to leave architecture of there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Does anyone have any positive experiences as an architect? Or anyone who has a positive experience of leaving architecture for another profession? Anyone get licensed before leaving the profession and sees any pros/cons with that?
Thanks!
I've always told someone that the only thing to look forward to in arch is pointing towards a building and proclaiming I worked on that. Until I realized that we are just building needless shit (that will be torn down before 75 years of its existence), harming the environment, that most people give fuck all that we built a building and it only serves our ego in the end, reinforcing most architects ARE in the field to stroke their own.
Now, I just go outside as often as I can and enjoy the non built environment because I find solace in desolate areas not ravaged by human touch. Architecture is a JOB to me now, not a HOBBY. 9-5 and get the fuck out and on with my life.
spoken like a wise person.
I'm in the same boat. I like the idea of architecture but hate it at the same time. I need to get out before it really starts to eat away at me but I have no idea what I should pivot my career too.
What exactly did you think you would be doing on a daily basis at work? And how is that different from what you are doing daily at work?
I've been in the field for 15 years now and I'm just tired of the profession. Some days are enjoyable others are misserable but that can happen with any job.
A joke with a twist;
A man goes to see a guru, asks: Guru, were is success?
and the guru points to a road, the man starts walking and 5 minutes later 3 thugs come out and beat him and steal all his possessions.
The man goes back to the guru, asks what's wrong and the guru again points at the road.
Same thing happens 5 minute after, beating and robbery.
Again to the guru, now more angry; Where is success?.
And the guru says "Over there, in that path, after the beatings"
Typically, experiencing some adversity is part of being successful at _________. That doesn't mean you need to experience exploitation, or any of the "isms" though. This includes literal or metaphorical beatings.
Anything that is a "profession" will have its share of ups and downs. Even if you switch to another profession, it'll still be the same thing... I've learned from a young age that "hobbies" and "jobs" carry different burdens even though you can be doing the same task.
For a year I converted my hobby of model building and painting into a side gig. It took all the fun and enjoyment out of it. It wasn't because of the hours. It was now it was something I had to do instead of wanted to.
Please read the book the alchemist. Only book I've ever read in one sitting without putting it down. As Scott Jurek said "this is what you came here for".
This is an interesting topic. One thing I think has been overlooked is the concept of self worth. Hear me out . . .
We take pride in our work as architects / designers. Some of us base our entire self worth on our work. I don't think that's healthy. I've always tried to base my self worth or happyness on a collection of things. In no order of importance these categories for me are:
Obviously these are rather broad categories. Creativity for example could be linked to work, artistic pursuits, building a shed, ect.
The idea is that I need at least three of these categories to be fulfilled in order for me to maintain my happiness. If I get below that I don't feel fulfilled and tend to be unhappy. Maybe we need to stop trying to find fulfillment only from our work?
Just a thought. Enough of this self evaluation, I have to get back to researching historic building requirements and related building codes. ::uhg::
historic building code reviews are great, soooooo many exceptions!
To be clear work is not my fullfillment...I dont care if I move up or get promoted. @Chad Miller...100% agree on this. I'm extremly happy on the items you listed. With work I guess you could say I live for the weekends.