That time I QUIT architecture
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- čas přidán 27. 08. 2024
- It’s 2014. I had just graduated from the University of Cincinnati in Ohio with a Master of Architecture degree. After 8 years of college, I thought I had the rest of my life figured out. I had worked in DC, New York and Texas during my internships and was dead set on becoming a licensed architect before turning 30. I was going to work my way up the corporate ladder. I had dreams of running my own firm.
I moved to San Francisco to work at an architecture company in Sausalito. It was absolute bliss. A beautiful city. Awesome coworkers. Hiking every weekend. Exciting design work. An all round memorable time. But the heavy tech influence was impossible to ignore. It was an expensive city to live in. People in tech could afford the sky high rents, but it was a struggle for everyone else. Architecture firms don’t pay well. I was an hourly employee barely saving any money.
Every young architect around me was pivoting to the tech field. They introduced me to UX or user experience and UI or user interface design. It was a gateway to work at a software firm. A way to use your design background to score some of those tech perks. The 6 figure salary that was out of reach in architecture. The free meals, better health care, the better life. Their words were planted in my head. I deserved more after 8 years of education. I needed to earn more money.
It’s 2015. I moved to Dallas, got married and accepted the first job I could find. My personal life was bliss. My professional life was miserable. I was stuck in a cubicle, moving lines in AutoCAD. The work environment was toxic. I couldn’t see a future. I needed a way out.
It’s 2016. I decided to do something drastic about my unhappiness. I QUIT ARCHITECTURE. Things won’t change until you make the change. You can’t just sit back and expect things to happen to you, expect things to get better. You have to work for it. You have to fight for it. I set up my own LLC with a mission statement and clear goals. As a creative outlet, I started making and selling refined pallet wood furniture. I taught myself HTML, CSS, a little bit of JavaScript and C#. I built my own website from scratch. I started making CZcams videos to gain confidence and market myself.
I wanted to transition to UX design so I completed some online courses. After a couple of weeks of intense learning, I contacted a UX firm in Dallas and got an interview. All my hopes were riding on this opportunity. This was my way out. I could finally earn what I “deserved” and have a better financial future.
Weeks went by with no response. Out of the blue, a former coworker contacted me about some contract work. I decided to take the job. I enjoyed it so much that I reached out to other architecture firms. Soon I was an independent contract worker for 3 firms, making a decent income. When the UX firm eventually got back to me, they offered an unpaid internship and I turned them down.
I was SO sure that that UX design was what I wanted to do. I quit architecture to get into tech and fate just brought me right back. Through my independent contract work, I jumped in BIM design and Python scripting. Quitting architecture taught me to set myself apart from the rest of the architects and find my niche. It’s 2020 and I’m not where I thought I was going to be back in 2016. I’m still in the BIM field, and I’m using CZcams as a way to market myself. This platform has connected me to people around the world with similar interests and I’m learning something new every day.
I’m proud of how much I’ve grown in the last 4 years. I’m not the person I used to be and I hope to continue to evolve. I’ve learnt that life is a combination of destiny, hard work, and luck. I’m no longer a shy, frustrated introvert because I worked hard to change my situation. Life would have been very different if I had accepted life in a cubicle.
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#architecture #iquit #architect #designer #design #lifestory
This is the part that nobody wants to display, success isn't as we see it on social media. This is the reality and there's only a few people that have the courage to talk about this things. Congrats Belinda!
Thank you!
It’s so good to see you being happy and do what you enjoy most. I quitted architecture just like you 10 years ago, feeling exactly the same; spending years of education, going through thousands of hours on internship and then studied days and nights to pass a multi-day licensing examination. The worst was that you were squeezed by the companies because they knew your weakness: you loved architecture and you will do anything for nothing, that’s why they don’t have to pay you! Keep it up. Enjoy watching your channels a lot. Thank you.
Architecture is the most popular study in TU Delft in the Netherlands, all good looking guys and girls go there in this fancy beautiful building, party every week, making wooden models for fun, dress like the next hot shot designer archtect, 10 years later, all went broke
😂
I just graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 2019 with a BS Arch, and have been working for 3 years if you included all of my internship time. I very much feel what you are saying. I used to have dreams of working up the ladder or starting a firm but the low pay and overworking is really taking a toll on me. I decided to start making CZcams videos like you earlier this year and hope to be doing something outside of Architecture some time next year. I'm super glad I found this video. It really hit me. Thanks Belinda!
Hi Nolan! So glad to hear that you are forging your own path & especially excited to know you've gotten into trading (we have too to supplement our income). Wish you all the best. Go Bearcats!
@@BelindaCarr You're so right! Have to find ways to suplement haha. Go Bearcats!
@@PoppoFitz There is more to life than work my friend! Also, depending on the state in which one works, the requirements for becoming licensed in said state can take a while longer than 3 years.
The job market is utter trash for everyone these days aside from the trades like plumbing and HVAC. Even then not many people want to do those trades because why would they? People want to find a career that's fulfilling and they can at least enjoy. For many, most trades will never offer that. Imagine the gall it takes to offer someone with a Master's degree and experience an unpaid internship. Insulting and common. This is why when people say there is a "labor shortage" they're incorrect. There is a shortage of places willing to pay appropriately and people are sick of it.
True dear, facing the same situation.
I’m going into Hvac, there’s a career for everyone.
Thanks for sharing this. Quitting architecture is not easy specially when you are passionated. I quite architecture few years ago to become python developer and i'm still doing few project and i'm thinking about creating my own architecture tools.
Good for you! Hope to use your tools soon :)
Hey i want to quit architecture also i am not passionate towards it So what else i can do
My students need to see this video. Well said and well done!
Amazing story. I was also disilusioned with Architecture and basically quit for a year to work in a kitchen and do side gigs. But I kept coming back with independent projects. I believe the path remains open to do great things and this channel is really inspiring to me, because I have so many issues with the lies of the industry but I didnt know people like you were actively going into the kind of detail that you do.
Thank you for sharing your story. This is EXACTLY what I needed to hear tonight. I'm 41 and have an incredible family and job, but there are changes I need to make to become a better person. Thank you for showing that hard work and continually fighting for growth can lead to unexpected/wonderful things. Love your videos. Keep them coming. :)
Thank you!
@2:16 "things won't change until you make the change, you can't just sit back and expect things to happen to you.. expect things to get better, you have to work for it, you have to fight for it" #inspirational, thank you!
CLAPS!!! Congrats! I'm happy for you. You are clearly a self learner. You inspired me to do better with this video. I will continue to watch your content. You gave me hope and that's super. Thank you very much for that. I'm proud of your accomplishments and the hard work you've shown on CZcams. Cheers from Canada.
You're a very impressive and inspiring lady, I look forward to watching more of your videos.
I grew up in Montreal, and when I was a high-school student in the early 80s, I thought I wanted to be an architect. McGill University hosted a series of monthly talks by architects from around the world. I'll always remember one from Los Angeles who designed his house with an outside finishing of plywood and metal wire fencing. It sounds awful, but actually looked great. I remember him joking that for decades he only had contracts for doing kitchen renovations, and that he used plywood and metal wire fencing to finish the outdoors of his house because that is all he could afford. Anyway, by the time he gave his talk at McGill in the early 80s, he was designing skyscrapers in downtown L. A., and finally Frank Gehry became a starchitect a few years after I saw him give this talk, when he designed that museum in Bilbao. But, remember, he spent the first few decades of his career designing kitchen renovations...
Reminds me of my youth as a lawyer. I too expected great cases, as in the American movies, and instead had to do title deeds.
Consistent growth requires that we consistently let go of what we are, in favor of what we could be. What a beautiful journey.
As a person who studied engineering but works in remodelling, I really enjoy your videos. I love how you explore building materials and methods from an almost engineering perspective.
Simply put, You were born to build... to learn... to grow... So far so good.
Life is as much the fight as the goal,
The journey as much the destination.
Bravo!
Glad you decided your course early on, I did 39 yrs of something that frustrated me nearly every second of the job and tried to stuff my real life around the edges. Glad you had the support to be daring.
Wow,again you amaze me. We are so alike. I am an artist, 62 years old.Retired but never stop. I too was stuck in a cubical(but in advertising) & scratched my way out into being a set designer in the photo studio. After only 6 months, I lifted something heavy & slipped a disc at age 50, Never to work again.You are your best cheerleader. Your brilliant mind is to be admired. Good luck to you.
Ms Carr, love your gentle manner, your spirit, and your Independence.. You are an inspiration.
Thank you,
John
Related to me... I am an Architect, graduated 12 years ago but still living my life in a box... i never wanted to be an architect and why i choose that field i never knew and i still don't know what my future will be... i don't have any direction or dream to follow... struggling with everyday's life, hardly meeting expenses for me and family... i am glad you found some direction but me... i am totally lost...
@LamarAbutayeb i dont know even if i can trust myself or not…
Your videos are hands down the best I have found. Your information, poise, interest objectivity and ability to stay on topic are amazing. I can't get enough. Found your channel while home sick. You have made being sick not so bad. Your an inspiration 😊 !!!
Not sure if you do remember me! Seeing you grow from under 1k! ♥️ happy for you
I do! Thanks for sticking around and supporting me!
I don't know who is luckier, you, your husband, or us, your fans. Thank for being sooooo REAL.
I love your channel. Straight talking, honest, unpretentious- which is quite rare on social media. Keep it up.
You are just such a hugely impressive individual, but humble. Well done...good luck...
I wanted to be an architect all my youth but quit architecture too....in my 2nd year at UT in Austin!! ....then got a degree in Computer Science and made a good living. Tech is amazing but building and remodeling is truly in my bones.
I also quit architecture for the same reasons. It‘s a pity that this profession struggles with the same issues, no matter where you are in the world (I live in Germany).
YOu're a brand and i have been following your videos because you give unbiased, dispassionate reviews backed by your research.
Not all architectural firms are cubicle farms. Like ANY profession, there is a range of types of firms. From the hands-on artsy-fartsy firms, to the 'we're here just to make money' firms. All of them provide an opportunity to learn something about the practice of architecture. But I don't recommend quiting architecture just because that one firm you worked for wasn't to your liking. And of course, if you stick with it long enough, you get your own license and hang your own shingle to practice they way you want.
Belinda, your channel is a Gem! Keep going at it. I love watching it and it inspires me on my channel. Cheers from Canada
You are influencing me to move into what I love
I had to quit my full time job in archy due to the stress and burnout which eventually gave me insomnia. I then had to take sleeping pills in order to meet my work hours and pay the bills, but the pills gave me serious side effects that im still dealing with 3 years later, which also affects how much energy and focus I have and how much im capable of working. Im very fortunate to have found another job in another creative industry that pays me more and with part time hours. But I still feel extremely sad for essentially being forced to quit on something I love and worked so hard for. The lessons ive learnt is that firms and clients dont care about your health, and big pharma just wants you to be addicted to their pills. I have another friends who was also in archy and had anxiety and had to take anti depressants, which also gave him the serious side effect like the one I have. And even more tragic is another mentor and friend who had a very beautiful and sensitive soul who worked in archy right up until he commited suicide (R.I.P.), it was due to a variety of issues but I dont think being worked so hard with so little pay helped his situation with his family. Work smart guys, and dont put your health and future in someone elses hands even if you love your profession. People are full of vices and explotative natures especially if they know youre passionate about what you do, so set your boundaries and lets hope we can change the toxic work stabdards of this industry one day.
Very Brave. I worked 35 years in a cubicle, but have finally broken free! Congrats.
iam thinking about quitting Architecture these days although i didn't spend too many years after graduation ,, just 3 years but it feel like 3 decades, thank you for your beautiful words :))
Hope you find your niche and enjoy what you do!
Dear Belinda
I discovered you today and I am fascinated what you are doing!
Congratulation!
I am retired, but still learning and working arround BIM.
So I can just confirm, that with hard work you get payd off!
I am fascinated about your speed!
Just continue and I wish you all the best!
This is one of the few channels that I don’t find myself hitting skip forward to get to an interesting point. Love your content, it’s concise and well thought out.
As far as life goes Michael Chabon said it best “Man makes plans . . . and God laughs.”
PS Yes I know it’s an old Yiddish phrase.
I appreciate that you've followed this path.
I value your knowledge base.
This is what life is really all about Change and how you respond. I too had wanted to be an architect from grade school high into high school. One day my drafting teacher gave me a detention - no reason given. When I reported he said I picked the wrong career choice! He said I understood all the different disciplines like no one else and should consider a career in machine design. After a few weeks I did as he suggested. Now after about 50 years I realize there have been many changes to what I had initially thought all for the better!
thanks for sharing more of your story... your success here on youtube is an obvious sign that you have earned respect as a knowledgeable source of information regarding the building industry, but, even more importantly, you are earning admiration as a personable human being :)
Liked you video so much. I did shift on BIM from architecture 2016, after spending few years in BIM I started learning about development Finance in 2018 and got into Real Estate Development. You can leverage your background and become property developer and make hell of a lot money than average coders or It guys or so called Chat GTP replacements. Trust me, when a architect knows finance and do property development, no way to stop that architect being most successful developer. It's only our attachment space design holds us back. Architects are best property developers, wish they knew !!!
My life struggle... Word for word. I studied Civil Engineering instead! I quit back in 2019 and found my way back this year... I tried to get into software development but with no luck...
I am a starter in architecture, now facing confusion.
Keep evolving! You got it!
As someone whos an architect grad and is thinking of changing career to tech. Thanks.
Here here need advise 😅
Wonderful video. ThNk you for creating and sharing and finding your path.
You are amazing and I wish you the most success!
Thank you!
Thank you. That was a very inspiring video. Best wishes.
Keep it going Belinda, your work makes a difference for you and the people that are tuning in to your creative mind . Take care 😎 👍
Thank you!
Thank you for sharing. This speaks very much to me. Thank you!
Glad to come across your videos! Pretty similar situation here, graduated from architectural program in 2015 and don't like the job so much but still keep working. It has been almost 5 years. I am also trying to self learn some coding and hopefully save some money for a formal diploma.
Thanks for sharing this 😌...
I graduated this year Barch and soon after that i joined full stack course... in search of better life
One thing that can always be counted on is it never turns out the way you expect it to. life has a way of destroying the best laid plans. That's not always bad sometimes our biggest mistakes lead to the best things in our life. I got cancer when i was younger but during the cancer i ended up meeting my better half and that was twenty some years.
You are very inspiring! Love watching your videos. They are extremely well put together. I am an Architect in Orange County California doing higher education projects and agree with all the things you say!
An interesting back story to your career so far Belinda. What makes your videos interesting is your ability to park your ego outside; I would argue that this is going to be the key to your future success.
Your context is really good!! wishing you all sucess ahead, cheers!!
Thank you!
This video made me rethink all over again.
I am a qualified architect in the middle East who moved to UK because of family reasons. Now at 43 under pressure to re adjust my qualification to be fully qualified.ane the pay is horrendous..
I'm seriously thinking to quit ot change carrier.. your video started whole new thoughts.. wish you can advise me. 😞
I’m proud of you, your destiny will lead to the right path….😍from Gilbert, Arizona
I really enjoy your videos. Thanks for sharing your story.
You videos are really informative 💯
Your videos are supper informative, interesting, and very well made.
I hope my daughters become smart like you.
Thank You.
This was good for you it was a lesson that you needed to learn this is how the journey is so keep moving forward
My first office job with an architect...he sent be out to work construction under the tutelage of contractors...on weekend he let me come out to his ranch to work construction and learn how to handle his horses, at night I learned how to render and read space time and architecture...
You are excellent
Love your videos
Especially the one related to insulation,I’m of that ,
It’s very informative ,
Your conclusions found to be genuine & logical
Thank you 🙏 for the kindness & the knowledge
Keep going
i'm studying ux design right now, i want to design for accessibility. though i think it is truly a field i love and want to invest myself in, the air of hype and tech can cloud the field.
Hey which school, do you know any school which offer bachelor's
My experience of knowing people who work in architecture in the UK mostly seem to be paid poorly and worked to death...AutoCAD? I'm sorry you had to go through that...
Bravo. That's what I'm teaching my daughter, don't just accept the "normal", instead find your niche and set yourself apart. That's how you create your destiny, the way you want to live it. 👍
Thank you, Andy!
great things learned from your all vdos in row... Thanks Carr..
Very inspirational. Thank you for sharing your story.
Finding a niche is key. Good for you!
Your video and story has reinforced the changes in career and living standards I am currently making. I’m not happy with so many things and our industry has many problems but so do many others. There’s always a way to upskill your skillset and learn new ways of pivoting and transitioning into other creative fields. Allowing you the chance to make a lot more money and work on a lot more interesting projects in different disciplines. Thus allowing a much better work/life balance in the long term. Great video. You’ve inspired me to start my own CZcams channel. Watch this space. I’d be honoured to collaborate with you one day soon if you are ever interested. Maybe a Q&A podcast style event.
Great to hear how you found your space to grow and evolve. The universe wants the acorn to become the big Oak tree 🙂 🙏
Ahhhh the days of those white green and blue pink lines. Then copy and paste each floor. I feel the same way and that's why I got out of CAD too.
That's so cool, your so Smart. Using CZcams to market yourself, teaching your self skills
Architecture can be super interesting and satisfying but the pay is so bad for most. My partner studied architecture and worked for a few years in the field but quit not knowing what to do. I was at the time a photo producer and I asked him if he'd like to help out on a photo project and pull furniture and props for a shoot. Well, that was that and he has been styling and designing sets for the last 20 something years. His architecture background proves invaluable when designing sets but the pay scale is just so much better than what he would have earned at an architectural firm. You seemed to find your way to a place that suits you well. Continued success for your future!
Well said! I work full time and running an Etsy shop, and it only took off after figuring out a product that would sell well, material cost and time involved was a good ratio, and constantly marketing it. It's never easy! Also applying for new jobs!
Life is tough for every one & life is easy going for everyone let's all about our attitude towards the gratitude 🙏
I'm hoping to hear more from you about environmentally friendly architecture or design or material. Thanks for the videos, great insight cheers 🍺
you gained a subscriber
Great video, expectations are dangerous. Planning out your life out has been instilled in us from a young age....and is usually based on selfish desires. (especially when younger) Ask any older person if their life went as planned. (or anywhere near)
I love your story, keep up the good work!
Thanks, Brent!
Love your ideas and honest approach to learn within of what you have already learned. Maybe you need to start and create your own ideas into a business step by step. I wish you all the best.
Thanks!
This was eye opening. I received a B.Arch accredited degree back in 2000. But now I working as front-end web developer and inspiring graphic novelist. I still have a soft spot for architecture though as it was my entry point into designing actual building solutions. This video inspired me to try architecture again. Any advise on getting back into the field part time?
Glad this video resonating with you! It's tough to work as an architectural designer part-time, especially if one doesn't have a license. From my experience, most of the opportunities are in drafting and BIM modeling. What niches are you interested in?
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I learn so much from watching your videos :) As a recently graduated architect, I'm afraid of uncertainty, what comforts me is that I'm not alone in that journey.
Thanks, Daniel! All the best on your journey. If you need any advice, I'll try to help.
Mucho bravo Belinda! You're doing great!
I will send this video to my brother. He wants to be a license architect so bad. Meanwhile, I just want make money... He is the artist type, and I'm the greedy little brother.
It's a shame one has to pick a side!
I can totally relate. I was in engineering and unhappy in a cubicle too.
Hey, just shouting out some encouragement. Your perspective is really useful and I look forward to more of it~
Thanks, Brian! I appreciate it.
Somehow I really like your voice :) It soothing XD
Please keep up the good work. Go girl
Thank you!
Incredible! Looking forward to seeing what you share of where the journey takes you next.
Also glad this wasn't an ad for Skillshare or any other training site or program (though you could use it for your Revit and other tutorials if you went the paid course route. I say this from the outside looking in as I'm not in the market for such training.) It would also make a good channel intro (I'm subscribed so it won't show me the intro if you have one)
Thanks, Kacey! For better or for worse, I haven't scored/pursued any sponsorship deals yet. I thought of setting up a Skillshare course, but I think free content might be the better alternative (The jab, jab, jab, right hook method!)
You are a brave and creative person!
You are doing great! God bless!
I really enjoyed your container series. What do you think about doing a video on earth sheltered homes?
She does great research and I enjoy that..
Inspirational!!! 😀
Thank you!
Just because you have 8 years of "education" does not mean you are deserving of anything more than the next person. Your hard work is what gets you ahead, not the poor education colleges give you nowadays. Your story proves my point. You have learned more in real life than that college ever taught you.
I completely agree! 8 years in college didn't prepare me for the real world where you have to prove yourself. I'm glad I got rid of that sense of entitlement early on.
@@BelindaCarr I also agree, but I think we have some societal work to do in order to convey this to our youth. The age-old attitude that we were sold on: "Go to college, do well, and get a good job" does not reflect reality any longer unfortunately. There are so many more elements of success that are not mentioned in this sales pitch for college experiences that so many of us are sold on. I appreciate hearing your story, and I hope it plays a role in adjusting this narrative.
Yeah, good luck getting a job as a nurse or any job that requires a qualification without that "poor education" . . . . . . .
That's ridiculous. Education is quite important in learning to do things. It's also important in teaching one how to think through new situations and learning how to learn. That's up to and including the undergraduate level. Beyond that, extensive specialized training is important, especially when lives depend on it, as would be the case for an architect or a doctor. Getting through all of that already represents plenty of hard work. If one is going to school in the USA, it also represents, conservatively, an expenditure of $200,000 on that education. So it is not unreasonable to expect that if one followed the path prescribed to enter a career that companies wouldn't try to fuck you with an unpaid internship. But there's always plenty of assholes willing to denigrate the hard work that has been done because they're full of hate.
@@seanmcdonald5859 Shut up with your facts!
Superb autobiography. This is what is life..
Architecture is the WORST VALUE career. Kids, know before you go in because after you’ve invested your life it’s very hard to leave but leave is probably what you’ll have to do.
Fantastic video! I quit manufacturing for AEC.
Just curious, were you able to get licensed? I have a similar story in the world of Architecture. Started at the bottom, started my school and made 3/4 the way through until life interrupted it. Tried to continue by working at firms and even finishing my NCARB. Never could find a mentor even going through all the different firms. After 11 years, it was not all a loss. I was able to be evolved with very large projects, even be a sole designer and project manager and even received an award for one of my projects. But like you I had high expectations but had many road blocks. What is really funny, I am in IT right now.
I'm not licensed. I completed my IDP hours in 2014, started studying for the exams but decided that I didn't want to go down that path. I couldn't see the returns. Like you said, my high expectations weren't realistic.
@@BelindaCarr Exactly, I was also looking at what the returns would be and found out that I might increase my pay by $1,000 a year.
Good for you!!
You should be very proud!!✌🏻👍🏻🇺🇸