What alternative career paths have you considered or are interested in?

Daily writing prompt

I have been an architect for over a decade.

Suppose if I include my architecture school educations and work for other offices to get the necessary training along the way…well, let’s just say it was too long of a time.

Thinking about this question, while trying to come up with alternate career choices, I am coming up with professions closely related to architecture: engineers, builders, developers, etc.

These are the people I work with daily, and I have thought that their professions seem somewhat “easier” than mine.

Trying to come up with many design iterations, dealing with unexpected surprises at the job sites, or keeping up with constant city regulation changes (zoning, building permits) seem like “too much” at times. And don’t even get me started on having to justify architect’s fees to potential clients EVERY TIME!

However, my “greener pasture on the other side” in career choices is illusory.

Listening to my engineering colleagues and their “difficult” work brings me back to the reality of difficulties in ALL career paths.

While focusing on the negative aspects of “do not want” lists in my career choice, I realize I do not have the “alternate” career path I wish for. 🙂

The next time I have one of those “why am I working so hard in this profession” moments, I should remind myself that I am one of the lucky ones who cannot think of an “alternate career path.”