Is a career in Architecture for you?

The architecture profession is hard, I almost quit early in my career. It was a combination of luck, hard work, friendship and mentoring that kept me going. If I had quit, I would never have been able to make my own career that met my own needs. This is my story, and I hope it can give someone the motivation to try something new before quitting their job.
#architect
#architecture
#architectureschool
#dropout

[@volvogoodtruck1117]

Ahh, so many mixed emotions :D In general, I agree. I would also add that studying architecture doesn't mean that you need to be a "traditional architect" There are plethora of other jobs that require or welcome people with strong spatial background. But also that.. going outside of your safe space as an architect is extremely developing so I would encourage all students to study or work abroad.

[@CottonQueen-kn]

Started browsing your channel totally unrelated to my career or house development, just to kill time procrastinating 3rd year uni work which uninspire me and have been nodding all along the video 'just get my degree and move on to unrelated career path', perhaps there is light in the tunnel. Thanks for putting life into perspective...

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

Thank you for posting, it’s different for everyone. For wider context on the profession I suggest checking out The Broke Architect podcast.

[@AndrewTaylor-jf5vv]

Great insights. ❤

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

Thank you

[@JasminnnnnnE]

Architect aged 32 debating setting up on my own. Thanks for sharing your story!

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

DM me if you would like to chat about it

[@enriqueleft1785]

THANK YOU. just what i needed to hear

[@Ozblu3y]

dude so many good points in this. I think that last minute could be expanded into an hour long conversation

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

Very true, I could do a follow up video…

[@Ozblu3y]

@@RealLifeArchitecture Like each sentence was fantastic.

[@gagefraedrich]

Thanks so much for the advice. Super solid video man!

[@ZeeDeveel19]

Great vid! Very candid and real in terms of where I am right now. Currently still employed, but I have given myself 2-years to get everything ready to go on my own. Suffice to say, I am experiencing the most anxiety in my life. Great vid again and very motivational!

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

Glad you found it helpful. With two years to prepare for self employment you should be fine. The most important thing is to have a cash reserve to keep you going until your cash flow starts. Remember to bill small but bill often.

[@Novalty_]

the story you are telling around 2:08 is incredibly relatable to me, accept it is reversed. I am studying graphic design and it is not working out, so i am thinking of switching to architecture

[@user-tl5om1ow2b]

What hasn't been working out?

[@Novalty_]

Nice of you to ask but it's a complex set of emotions. To summarize I would say it is a combination of burn-out, lack of believe in the capabilities of the profession, a passive intrest in architecture and urban design and a desire to utilise more of the 3D design skills I personally have. So I am a bit burned out and sinical about graphic design and am feeling a more passion for 3D design.@@user-tl5om1ow2b

[@Zero-0o0250]

@@Novalty_ man search for my comment in this video. It will tell you the real face of this “ profession” . BTW architecture needs population growth to succeed. In 2044 to 2055 ( depends of your country) the majority of the population will die ( naturals death due to age) the last generation of baby boomers will have 80 years in 2044 . There are more boomers than gen x, millennial and gen z combined or maybe is boomers is 50 % of the population . If half of the population will despaired in 2044 you have to ask this ¿ are there going to be a lot of projects) nop I don’t think so

[@spoorthyneelganti9368]

I really needed it . Thank you for this

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

You are welcome

[@PaulGuiry]

Thanks for sharing!

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

You are very welcome

[@Zero-0o0250]

¿Is architecture right for you? Ask yourself this? 1-¿ are you willing to work as a slave( over time for free)? 2-¿Are you willing to accept a mediocre salary ( can’t afford to buy a home or start a family but but they want someone with the knowledge and EXp of a senior Architect)? 3-¿Are you willing to makes someone else design come true by working as a slave, mediocre pay, and free overtime? 4- Are you willing to gable in life if (you can make it= to graduate then pass the 6 exams and then to see if you are lucky to get clients and the if you can get consistent clients? If you are ok with all of this . Architecture is right for you . I have to say, let me blow the the dices before you throw them, it will give you more luck . ¡Good luck !

[@Iamexalted]

I had similar experience, now I moved to new country, and considering career change.

[@Zero-0o0250]

@@Iamexalted I have to mention the 98% of the new work force ( younger millennials and Gen Z ) is having the same problem. In life there are different types of goals , profession goals , spiritual life goals, financial goals and personal goals =( if you want a family) The time that is needed to pass the 6 exams = 10 to 20 years of experience. The majority of licensed architect told me that. ( an architect of my school who studied in Harvard pass the 6 exams after having 16 years of EXP) ( I had an interview with an architect he told me he pass the exam after 20 years of EXP.) This means a big % of us need to live 10 to 20 years in misery working for a arch firm with a mediocre salary, free overtime etc) to get the experience needed to become a licensed architect. If you are a man, if you want to get married and have children this means you need to be financially stable = ( have a home and money) if you don’t, women will see you as a boy who can’t provide. Women will not commit to financially unstable boy but men commit to a women despite her financial status. ( this are facts) Due to economy architecture as become a profession for women ( she doesn’t need to provide) VS man ( he must provide). Architects ( owner of firms) expect you to sacrifice your spiritual goals, financial goals and personal goals ( family and relationships) because you have to be passion for architecture( in other words their architecture not yours) very selfish and hypocrite. They expect loyalty but they don’t give you nothing( only experience 😂). My uncle is a baby boomer and he worked as a trash truck driver and he bought a house and a car then he got married, had 3 children, 2 dogs. He lived a good life and he provide for his family ( with a trash job 😂) can architect in training with experience can say the same ? ( not even in your dreams 😂)

[@BarAlexC]

While I overall agree with the statements in the video, I have to respectfully disagree with this part of the conclusion: "if you're already thinking of quitting what's the harm in doing something totally new and unexpected?" My belief is that's a waste of already limited time and energy. I've already sunk 11 years into this with no result. Wasting more time into it is futile, imho. "don't give up. it gets better. I promise" I'm afraid that the things required for it to get better are out of our control, more often than not. I don't think we should base our decision on the slim chances of it getting better. Having a much lower chance of succeding (granted, which is defined differently for everyone), when you'd do much better with less effort elsewhere makes you really reconsider how much you want to do that thing. Sunk-cost fallacy is hard overcome, but, at some point, a line has do be drawn. I strongly agree with cutting the dead wood, though. Taking it further, I'd apply it to the profession as a whole, too.

[@thebrokearchitect]

Hi - How do I contact you?

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

My email is available in the about section of YT. You can DM me on insta, link also in about section. Or, you can use the form on RealLifeArchitect.co.uk

[@AliNoh]

cut the dead wood

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

👍