<p>I am 28 yrs. old and have been laboring in high-end commercial construction for the past 8 years. I have been accepted to the undergraduate programs at Sci-Arch and UIC. I declined Sci-Arc because of the cost of attendance but accepted UIC's offer. I put my notice in at work and am planning to attend this fall.</p>
<p>I am quitting a job making $70,000 a year to go put myself into over $100,000 in debt, and still needing additional schooling to actually become an architect. I understand there are many other options I can pursue with an architectural degree. </p>
<p>Does anyone have any advice for me? I am really scared about this decision.</p>
<p>Look into other fields that are related. Architecture is an extremely tough field, and quite frankly not worth it unless you’re one of the best.</p>
<p>Yes, arch is a tough field, but it’s ridiculous to say it’s not worth it unless you’re “one of the best”. How would someone know if they’re one of the best if they’ve never even studied it? The majority of people in any profession aren’t going to be in the top 5% or so, but there are plenty of job options with a decent salary for someone interested in that field. So if someone is genuinely interested in architecture, or engineering, or any field really, why tell them to not even bother trying because they’re not going to be the best?</p>
<p>I don’t know about your financial situation either but I’m sure you’ve already considered factors like your current financial security, if you’re married or have a family to support, etc. Architecture is a 5 year degree and they really make you work for it, it’s not like most majors where you can finish in 3 years if you really want.</p>
<p>Evaluate whether you’re happy with the construction job or not and if you can see yourself advancing in that field with your current education. Only you really know if you’re happy with your current job, we can’t tell you that. And congrats on UIC : )</p>
<p>Architecture is one of the toughest fields to get a job. Period. The OP will be competing against kids who don’t sleep for days and live in the studio, only to come out of school with a bleaker career outlook than most. </p>
<p>Most people go into architecture for the wrong reasons. The simple fact of the matter is that you won’t be designing anything for years (even decades).</p>
<p>Most Architecture students aren’t expecting to be the next Wright or Aalto, just like most English majors aren’t expecting to be the next Hemmingway. Your outlook seems to be that there is no point in pursuing the profession unless you’re destined to be at the top of your field, which just doesn’t make sense. Having an architecture degree can result in a variety of job opportunities, including advancement in the OP’s current commercial construction job. I’m assuming since the OP is 28 and has likely worked in the construction field for years, he or she is aware of the realities of the industry and did a bit of research before putting together a portfolio, filling applications, and considering $100k in debt. Although asking for reassurance on an online forum indicates insecurity about the decision for sure. </p>
<p>Again, I’m not denying the difficulty of the field.</p>
<p>All I’m saying is that architecture is not a field for the timid. Unless you’re dead-set and gung-ho passionate about arch, it’s probably not worth it. Being an average architect isn’t like being an average accountant or average construction manager. </p>
<p>And I really disagree with the notion that an architecture degree would result in an advancement in a construction business. Too many architects know nothing about real buildings and everything about designing cardboard houses. </p>
<p>To the OP: are you interested in engineering or construction management? Both are related but have vastly better job prospects.</p>
<p>I am very unsure…That is the reason I am discussing this. I have put a lot of thought into both options and weighed the outcomes. I sm not married and have no children. I am very passionate about studying architecture and can’t think of another field I would quit my job for.</p>
<p>I guess I’m dead set on studying architecture and looking for advice on how I can best utilize this opportunity.<br>
Why do people get into architecture for the wrong reasons?</p>
<p>Man, I don’t think you should do this - at least not this way.</p>
<p>Is there anyway you could go part time? I know that would take alot longer, but you wouldn’t be losing a good paying job, and you might be able to cut back on your student loans a bit, pay as you go as much as you can.</p>
<p>Either way, you will be what? 32 or 33 by the time you graduate? Would firms want to hire someone your age with no experience?</p>