Tell me about yourselves.
Here is me:
I went to Architecture school.
Pursued art at the same time.
seriously got burned out.
dropped out of architecture school in senior year.
got art degree.
worked in a museum. disliked it as I realized working at an art museum has nothing to do with art.
worked at an architecture model making firm.
It was fun, but I wanted to finish school at this point.
Went back.
am currently 4 classes shy of graduating.
(which must be consecutive. so about 2 years)
I got a job with a firm. worked there for two years.
The job was ok. kinda dull. it was nothing what school leads you to believe it is. it was rather dull.
so here is where I am currently:
I really was miserable going back to school. I hated the retoric. I hated being told what to think. (I am now 30. I have had way to much time away from school. I think for myself now). I felt rather alienated from fellow students. I had nothing in common with them on the whole. I don’t have a need to go party etc. I take my architecture very seriously.
which leads me to this:
at work I honestly felt discriminated because I am a woman. I got paid as well as the men, but honestly was not given the same types of jobs. And I would say that maybe its me, but after seeing the same situation happen to other women (and in other firms) I realize that the old boys club is alive and kicking.
I really dreaded school. I dont really want to go back. But then I have the nagging thought that I am sooooo close. I found that most of the teachers were the same ones from when I went to school the first time. Except older and more bitter. And I had a hard time listening to a few of them drone on and on about Architecture. I found their words to be empty.
but even still…
what’s the point? What’s the point in being an “Architect”
or Bad News Baboon, AIA. I saw my fellow coworkers: that simply meant the work was piled on higher and higher. They didn’t really get the perks of designing…what design is involved in apartments and warehouses anyway? Many cool buildings weren’t designed by certified architects anyay (they are designed and passed on, Plus, it sucks having a salaried job. my co-workers would put in countless hours.
and now, the biz is slowing down.
My firm laid off all interns (which included me).
So I am pursing my art now.
Any advice or comments?
Would you go back and do it all over again?
What would you change?