I Quit Architecture // 1 Year Later

A little over 1 year ago I decided to stop taking on architecture projects full-time and pursue my woodworking goals. Now that 1 year has passed, here's what I've learned, why I made the change, and how I was able to make it happen.

00:00 - Intro
00:12 - Quitting Architecture after almost a decade
00:39 - Facing the BIG Questions
00:52 - What Would I Be Giving Up?
01:30 - My Routine in College
02:00 - Where My Passion for Woodworking Started
02:21 - The CRAZY Post College Process
03:06 - Architect Status
03:54 - Regrets
04:33 - I Lost EVERYTHING
05:08 - The Person Who Pushed Me
05:31 - Could I Make it Work?
06:17 - 4 Factors To Jump
08:41 - Assess the Risks and Move Forward
09:08 - Dreams
09:43 - Would I be Happy?
10:44 - Purpose
11:31 - It's the Process, Not the End
11:48 - I am Fulfilled
12:11 - In Conclusion, Thank You for Following the Journey

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[XanaXisis]

it will always be mindblowing to me, how since the very beggining of University, we as future architects are programmed to live for our jobs. We are programmed to only do Architecture, disregarding very important things, like hobbies, healthy food habits, sleep and overall social interactions.

[benndanny]

Congratulations! So glad it's worked out so well for you.
Being an architect is a dogs life; You have to be incredibly well qualified, the competition is immense, the bureaucracy is mind numbing, the responsibility is overwhelming, the resistance is huge, the thanks you get is minimal and the financial rewards are pitiful. I'm leaving architecture at the end of this year and I'm going to make canoes. 🙂

[TheSmitty-jsrj]

After graduating Architecture school, I worked in the industry for 6 years. I interned and worked my way into a great local firm. I was apart of a very fast moving adaptation from school to the actual industry draft sets and packages. I spent the last two years at this firm; stressed, extremely grateful for the large projects I was apart of, and logging my hours for LEED and NCARB endorsements. Right before 4th of July break, my office owner pulled me up and stated they’re going to just replace me with an architect. Rather than keep training me. I wasted so much time. I got into the trades immediately after, and still do not regret it. I’m 27 making a lucrative living now. Maybe the industry wasn’t right for me, but I damn sure felt I was committed to becoming an architect. I’m glad where I am at now. I was extremely surprised the money I was making at multiple places wasn’t really a lot.
Anyone that is considering, architects don’t make as much as you think, and often firms will work their younger draftsmen and women hard before they let them go.

[rrfirefly]

The memory of two consecutive all-nighters as a regular practice is still with me. Feeling like c_ap at breakfast in the campus dining hall before returning to the studio to finish a project. Lots of long hours. In retrospect, none of that was of much value, as it often depended on the profs who were serving as crits during design class and at the brutal juries. If I could I would revive some of those guys from the grave and give them a good talking to because they were of limited help in actually teaching us something of value. Several of them were cynical, showing signs of alcohol abuse. // A degree may be of some value but being an architect is no guarantee of a fulfilling life that generates money to pay bills. Good luck to everyone who believes in making the world a better place. Design is important but it should not entail anyone sacrificing themselves for it.

[MisterMcKinney]

I never pulled All-nighters because I never wanted to be in the cultist mindset. I just saw the degree as a tool to get a decent job. It eventually worked.

[LaserMadeProducts]

Love this video, Bao! It's refreshing to hear another architect talk about venturing into something new and the struggles and success found along the way.

[metabeard]

As an architect who does woodworking on the side, and follows 3 or 4 ex-architect woodworkers on youtube, this was good to hear. Glad it's working for you. Don't know if I'm ready to quit yet, but it feels like a backup job if architecture ever gets to be too much.

[AndyBirdBuilds]

Your style and attention to detail is and will continue to lead to success!

[Bralvis]

I really appreciate your bravery and honesty in sharing this with us, Bao! I love this video. Thank you for such a kind and encouraging message.

[tjuricek]

This is a great summary of what it means to transition careers. A lot of people wax poetic about “doing what you love” and sometimes forget that being a professional means your boss is now your clients, and all that entails. It’s not always easy to figure out and there’s challenges no matter what.

You seem to have planned well and I suspect your approach and mindset will be the source of your continued success.

This is giving me a lot to consider as I ponder my own career. I’m a professional software engineer working for large companies. What I’ve noticed in woodworking is a sense of completion and feedback that seems to be missing in my professional life. It’s not that I want to drop everything at go for woodworking, but instead, try to find a different path where I can see the value of my contributions more clearly.

[drewmagnus]

Loving the channel, Bao. Great to hear your backstory, very inspiring! The quality of your videos are top notch, you’ve a distinct style and you are creating a fantastic back catalogue that allows newbies to your channel (like me) to binge! I know at the moment the numbers aren’t that high but from what I’ve noticed watching other channels at an early stage (Scott Brown Carpentry, Lincoln Street etc) that one video somehow explodes and they sudden leap up to 100, 000 subscribers. I’m sure this channel will do the same and wishing you all the best in your journey.

[Pop_Gordo]

I love your transparency about the whole process. I was introduced to you through the live streams with Andy and now I follow you on both my personal and professional IG and YT. I’ve really enjoyed watching your journey. You have seem to have a core base of fans that support you virtually. You’re killing it, man.

[Life_Architects_]

Let's say that if you're a good architect you can also be good in many other fields because what architecture leaves you with is the mindset of a problem solver and the creative process. So surely the last ten years have not been wasted even if you have changed professions, in fact, they will probably help you for the rest of your life so good luck! 😉

[s.a.]

Man, Im about to finish my second year of arch undergrad after 3 more finals.. I think about switching out of architecture everyday, but I just dont know what else I can pursue and it took a lot of hard work to get to where I am so it feels a little bad to quit, but im really scared of being unsatisfied in the future and slaving away for a measly salary. I just hope once I figure out whether I want to stay or leave it wont be too late

[AGduzit]

Congrats buddy!! Taking that leap was only the beginning. Super excited to see you grow into your new element!

[joshkwd]

I hope you find what you are looking for, amazing videos. I am just like you - ended up being an Optometrist and can't wait to hang up my gloves and get into building. Thank you for the inspiration!

[musababur]

i think i wasted time . Got myself depressed, have backache, my eye sight has been fucked ! zero social circle. Just a big void inside myself and i always wanted to run away

[LuisSanchez-wfzw]

Your story has inspired me greatly at the right time in my life to take the inevitable leap I have been delaying. It’s strange how much creative people like us share in what we do to get here and want to create. Thank you Bao for making this video.

[jaykepley]

Nice story. Congratulations on how this has turned out for you. It's all about the journey, indeed. Really enjoy your channel.

[AceWoodCo]

Love seeing the growth and honesty in this video! I feel like I'm on this same journey as you haha excited to see where you take it man!