| architecture is a great profession, but not for the feint of heart. as you're working hard in school, realize it's no different in the real world of architecture. everything you do will take longer than you planned. and yes, the pay is low, especially relative to other professions, and even trades. it's depressing to pay the electrician or plumber or car repair people more per hour than you can imagine being paid. i highly recommend that all architecture students take a class in entrepreneurial business just to give you exposure to the thought process of running a business. most of what you'll get in school regarding design theory, etc, is really important to your success and education, but if the profession is to change in regard to the more temporal rewards, attitudes and education that it's still a business need to improve. lots of clients still think it's okay to 'hire' architects to work for free, and you know what? we let them do that to us!
that being said, in regard to the question of career vs. family: many architects marry and have children. is it easy? no. but in general, the life rewards of a family trump the professional rewards. who ever lay on their death bed regretting that meeting you missed? and women in architecture are becoming more of a norm - but women in LEADERSHIP of firms are still in a minority. this generation of students have good opportunities for the future. 60% of the college students are women these days, and the number of women in architecture may be close to 50%. HAVE HOPE! :-) |