Job Hunt - The Struggle is Real - Page 3

ZerOCoolSC2

9009 Posts

August 26 2017 15:17 GMT

#41

Got a job working at the Amazon warehouse. It's a night shift gig, so 10-12 hour shifts. I'm supposed to be going under the knife in a month or so though for a torn ACL, so I'm not sure how that'll work standing. I'll just have to fake like it just happened and hope I can keep the job long enough to bank something.

Still looking for something better of course, but worst case is I'm unemployed until after winter is over. I'm looking to do some freelance in the mean time while I weigh all of my options.

ZerOCoolSC2

9009 Posts

August 28 2017 15:58 GMT

#42

Alright. Everything has been confirmed for the Amazon job. I start Sunday night 6-6. 4 days on, 3 off.

Still looking at freelancing and getting back into my writing habit. I have a cyberpunk AI thriller I'm trying to shoot for.

Zambrah

United States7389 Posts

August 28 2017 18:21 GMT

#43

Cyberpunk is the shit, and grats the Amazon job, anything to get you through til a job in the main field is a good start!

ZerOCoolSC2

9009 Posts

August 28 2017 20:29 GMT

#44

Thanks! I think I can get it down, but the writing has to be on point. I think where my hesitation is coming from, stems from the fact that a lot of what I want to write about is either here, been done, or too outlandish. So I'm trying to narrow my focus and pick one topic that seems semi-relevant today, or could become relevant in the next 50 years. I enjoy playing futurist when I write.

ZerOCoolSC2

9009 Posts

August 29 2017 01:20 GMT

#45

And a couple hours ago, I got a call from the architectural firm I was trying to get in with. They're still hiring and she was telling me she would have an answer by the end of the week for me. So now I find myself at an impasse. Do I still take the Amazon job or hold out to see what the architectural gig?

Cauld

United States350 Posts

August 29 2017 13:51 GMT

#46

I would take the Amazon job, worst case scenario you quit with little notice very early and have some extra cash. Not that big of a deal, overall.

Also, I'm a cyberpunk fan too. Don't forget us when you finish your writing... I think TL has a few people who've written book around. Good luck with everything!

ZerOCoolSC2

9009 Posts

August 29 2017 15:33 GMT

#47

I posted in one of my earlier blogs a book I wrote. I've written the prequel (sequel?) a short time after that. It's been difficult getting that rhythm back, but I think I'm beginning to get something formed in my head. I could potentially get the book written by the end of the year but would need to find an editor and publisher for the other two.

I'm probably gonna do the amazon job. I start Sunday and if the architecture gig does come through, I'll only have wasted a little bit of time. At this point, I'll take anything, but I have to be careful once surgery is completed.

ZerOCoolSC2

9009 Posts

August 30 2017 20:26 GMT

#48

So, this is happening. Another job interview on Friday at another architecture firm. I'm not mad or complaining, but man...

Kleinmuuhg

Vanuatu4091 Posts

September 04 2017 20:47 GMT

#49

Hey, just wanted to say: You're in a tough position now. But all these later years of your life you will be proud of the work you put in now. Keep up the motivation, it WILL be worth it! Keep reaching! glgl

ZerOCoolSC2

9009 Posts

September 05 2017 17:10 GMT

#50

Thanks Klein. I know it'll pay off, just gotta get start making something happening.

So, right after I posted above about the Friday interview (which, at least to me, went great. Should hear something back soon (this week I hope), I got another interview for this coming Wednesday at another architecture firm. Downtown again. Yay me!

Biggest problem is that I'm working the Amazon warehouse gig now and my body is dead. I've essentially been up 2 days straight with 3-6 hours interspersed in that time frame. I'm probably not going to be very awake/alert tomorrow when I go in for the interview, which kind of just sucks because I need one of these jobs.

So, tl;dr I'm getting interviews as soon as I take the amazon warehouse gig. The job sucks but it's something. I'm dead tired and have to drive 30minutes at 5am. Not used to it yet, but I will be if I don't get another job.

Dark Spin

United States2 Posts

September 07 2017 17:54 GMT

#51

I am in the same position my man. Though I am in a different position dropping out of school due to funds, but I wish you the best of luck. You will be fine, just have to struggle in the now.

ZerOCoolSC2

9009 Posts

September 08 2017 01:31 GMT

#52

The interview today went pretty well. It seemed like they needed me to learn to draft and help with some other things, but I'd probably be on the shop drawings starting off and then move forward. I'll have to wait to see what they say I guess. Supposed to be scheduling an interview with them again on a Saturday or Sunday to meet with the Principal.

Dark Spin, don't let not finishing school limit you. If you have the skills and experience, then you can still get the job you desire or at the minimum, something related. Make it a point to mention it in interviews and you'll be fine I think. Good luck on your struggle.

Disregard

China10252 Posts

September 08 2017 03:18 GMT

#53

I'm surprised you didn't know your school is NCARB accredited or not. A lot of students tend to overlook that but in reality many firms don't give a shit nowadays because it all really depends on how much practical experience you have because anyone with time can make fancy conceptual designs and portfolio, especially if you're really good with the programs. I lost count of how many CAD and post-production programs I learned to use from Revit, Adobe Suite to Rhino. I really do recommend adding some technical and more practical content you did in school rather than just design studio work.

I graduated last year from architecture school and currently working full-time at a small firm in NYC(I'm sure everyone in this field knows what a bureaucratic headache and clusterfuck it is here), I started as a intern/drafter last year which is something I regret doing so late. But working in a small firm really gives you exposure to different aspects and positions of the profession, one day you could be a project manager and next week you're assigned to grind your way through figuring out how to do details and specs.

edit: Would like to add I really do miss being able to laser-cut, CNC machine or 3d-print physical models like many of us did in school. It was always an awesome feeling when everyone is in awe of your final project models for design studio, fuck yeah. And is OP planning in the future to be a RA or acquire professional accreditation?

ZerOCoolSC2

9009 Posts

September 08 2017 12:49 GMT

#54

I think you misread my comment about the accreditation of my my school. My school is NCARB accredited. And WASC accredited. My degree isn't. I got a 4 year BA in Arch instead of a B Arch.

I agree that the firms don't really care about it that much, they kind of want to see what you can bring to the table. You're going to be doing intern/drafter work starting off anyway, so that isn't my concern. It's being stuck in that role for years. The firms here in Kansas City have assured me that I would be involved with all aspects of the firm, so it really is just a waiting game to see who make the first offer. I'm tempted to go with Jackson|Main because they do a bit of everything, while Hollis & Miller focus more on education. Another one is mostly commercial, but I haven't interviewed with them yet, so I'm not sure how that firm feels.

The problem with adding more practical and technical things to my work, is that my school didn't focus on that much. We had to do some details, but mostly we copied from online. Or we made the shit up and no one really cared about it. So all we know is the conceptual design aspect of architecture which hurts. Plus, my laptop won't run the programs any longer, so I can't really go back and update anything or add anything new. I've been stuck on this speculative building design for 3 weeks because I simply can't do anything in the programs. I suppose now would be a good time to get my concept artist skills back and just hand draft everything.

To answer your last question, I am looking to see right now if architecture is indeed the path I want to invest more money into with a master's degree. If it is, then I'll go that route once I get more understanding of the practice. If becoming licensed isn't in the cards, then I'll stick to being a designer and figure it out from there.

Disregard

China10252 Posts

September 09 2017 00:34 GMT

#55

So I'm curious why you didn't change your program into the typical 5-year professional? Or were you mislead some how? Typically they tell you it's either 5+2 or 4+3 years, bachelor + masters respectively. Though, you don't really have to get a masters in order to be RA, NCARB just tells you to do more internship hours but of course having that masters in your portfolio may influence your base pay.

And regarding the conceptual design aspect, I agree that's the probably with majority of architecture schools, it's great for competitions but once in the office, a lot of my time is dedicated to deciphering many municipal codes and standards. Also what really hurt was learning details, I think every architecture student can vouch for this. They basically never really teach you that in school and even in firms, some of the senior project managers rarely do details and are stomped. Knowing how to do great details makes you honestly look like a god.

ZerOCoolSC2

9009 Posts

September 09 2017 20:49 GMT

#56

I changed from the 5 year professional. I didn't feel that the thesis year was necessary to me. I can write that in 2-3 months instead of 9 months that they have us do. I can always do my masters if I need it later in my career.

This one firm wants me to do the technical aspects but I think I'll get some of the design part as well mixed in. I'm down for doing details and stuff like that, but I don't want to be stuck doing it all day every day. I would just fall asleep. Can't do repetition so much.

ZerOCoolSC2

9009 Posts

September 12 2017 20:29 GMT

#57

Okay, update: My knees are just becoming more and more rekt (complete torn ACL, tendonitis in both) and my wrists feel like they're about to give out on me. Other than that, just body pain from being a fatty (no offense). It's not bad but it's definitely wearing me down.

I meet with the principal of the architecture firm Friday. I'm saying it's about a 90% chance I get a job offer of some sort in a few days. As soon as that happens, I'll put in a week's notice (I can't do a solid two weeks, I'd die) and be on my merry fucking way from Amazon.

I will admit, it's not hard work, it's just boring and drone. This isn't the kind of work I see myself doing for more than a summer if I was a kid. There are some people who thrive in this kind of "non-thinking" environment, and I congratulate them. But I'm going to shoot for something higher/greater than pushing pallets of items around and tearing down cardboard boxes.

I'll update you all again once I know more on Friday.

Cauld

United States350 Posts

September 15 2017 14:57 GMT

#58

Good luck! Personally, I think at least some menial work experience is important in life. But, it sounds like you've had that previously... regardless you've had some now.

ZerOCoolSC2

9009 Posts

September 15 2017 16:40 GMT

#59

Got an offer! Going to turn in my voluntary resignation letter to Amazon as soon as possible and be done with it. Can't wait to put this degree to use. I lowballed my salary and they countered with something more than I was expecting with a performance review after 90 days. Should be able to make more and contribute more. Stoked to be finally doing architecture (drafting starting out).

Thanks Cauld. Yeah, I've always had a job since I was like 11 it feels like. First time having a career that I'm passionate about. We'll see how it all goes but this job is looking promising for the long haul. Best part is they are moving closer to where I live in 6 mos (Really wanted to work/live downtown) so the commute will be easier.

Cauld

United States350 Posts

September 15 2017 19:49 GMT

#60

Sweet! Congrats man! Good luck with everything

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