Is it worth retraining again?

[mark barker]

I'm generally pretty happy with my lot in life. I'll never be wealthy, but then thats never really bothered me. I'm healthy and happy, so whats not to like? But... For a while now I've fancied retraining as an architect. I accept I'm more likely to spend my life designing extensions for Mr & Mrs Smith rather than penning the next Gherkin, so I'm wondering if I'd quickly find boredom settling in... Any architects care to comment?

 

[dellzeqq]

No.

It's a really dumb idea. I'm not going to go on and on, but if you value your self-respect, sanity, mental welfare and bank balance leave it be.

If you are remotely serious then I suggest you come out on an FNRttC.

Oh - extensions are the worst of all possible worlds. Crap fees, inexpert clients, loads of competition from builders, conservatory makers and surveyors, horrible legislation. Donkeys could do the work, but it's beneath their dignity. I've only done extensions for free for friends, and that's because it is seriously not worth doing a good job for the money that you're going to get. If you want to do architecture and eat then do transport infrastructure design, and emigrate to Australia. Otherwise ingratiate yourself with a contractor and move in to contracts management - low quality work, zero self-respect, very good pay.

Structural engineering is having a hard time, but it'll turn good one of these days. In, out, and if it doesn't fall down, where's the problem?

 

[mark barker]

LoL! Such a way with words! Is it really that bad?

As for the fnrttc, its on my list of things to do in the early part of this year!

 

[Over The Hill]

Sounds as good as my idea to get into property conveyancing!

 

[Zoiders]

I simply worked on a trade counter in the building heavy side supply and architectual iron mongery business, I don't design buildings but I know what holds them all together.

Until I was made redundant 18 months back.

As Dell said - construction is on it's arse and unless it's something you really know about already and you are ready to hit the ground running with a contractor then I would leave well alone for now, there is no entry level at the moment.

 

[krushavik]

I say best of luck to you, if thats what you fancy have a go for it. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

 

[soulful dog]

My cousin recently did 4 years of a 7 year Architect degree (which includes 1 year of on the job training), but gave up because she, along with just about every one of her classmates, couldn't find an architects firm willing to take them on for the year. If you've currently got a job, it might be worthwhile spending another year or so mulling it over before taking the plunge, and hopefully there might be more chance of work at the end of it.

 

[Night Train]

I would say that if you want to walk away from what you have now and retrain for a fresh start then make it something that you are going to be passionate about and would do and enjoy regardless of income.

I did that a while back and walked away from a good job to train as a furniture maker. Since qualifying I have been making stuff (not always furniture), fixing things and teaching and now I am training to be a qualified teacher. Both the furniture making and the teaching are things I am passionate about and would do unpaid if I could afford to, unfortunately it is almost that as both jobs are almost subsidised by my electrical, plumbing and light building repair and maintenace work. I certainly couldn't afford to live on just the furniture making and teaching.

Here's my 'Gherkin' moment. Prince Charles using a chair and table I designed and made.