Career Changers?

[ZEUS]

I want out of architecture. My heart was never really in it, & yet 19 years has gone by since I started down that path, so I have been in it long enough. Aside from choosing what to do next, I need to make some decisions. Anyone have experience with changing careers?

I'm leaning toward prototyping/robotics/fabrication. I will definitely be returning to school for a few courses - I'd rather not commit to another degree though. With that, I think it is time to dive into Solidworks so I can get away from Autodesk. I have no business experience but creating a company may also be in my future. Beyond that, I am not real sure what focused direction to aim for.

Does anyone have any thoughts or opinions or experiences about this type of step?

[tom4bren]

I'm probably not the best person to ask. I've been in my current (temporary) job for 31 years.

Rapid prototyping & robotics are both growing fields so there should be plenty of opportunity ... but I'd stay away from DOD Contracting for now. That marketplace is running pretty lean currently with little hope of it turning around near term.

[Riff Raff]

Maybe a driving career like becoming a "Semi Truck Driver". There are many opportunities available, good starting pay, and jobs that have you back home every night.

[ZEUS]

Maybe a driving career like becoming a "Semi Truck Driver". There are many opportunities available, good starting pay, and jobs that have you back home every night.

It did definitely cross my mind a few years ago as you may remember... but I crossed it out as I figured out it is the wrong direction & the wrong way to travel, for me.

[ZEUS]

Rapid prototyping & robotics are both growing fields so there should be plenty of opportunity ... but I'd stay away from DOD Contracting for now. That marketplace is running pretty lean currently with little hope of it turning around near term.

Right! A friend of mine used SW when modeling robotics with Sarcos which is located here in SLC. Sounds like a rough gig full of stress & secrecy anyway. He now works as a modeler/drafter for a patent law office. He is a GREAT connection to have...
...plus we went to Burning Man together!

[jasonm621]

Im a draftsman at an architecture firm in Denver and I am in the EXACT Position as you! I went to school for engineering graphics and have been an architectural draftsman with half my heart in it for 7 years.
I love mold making and rapid prototyping with my 3d printer and if i could do that as my main income id be a much happier person those 40hrs each week... All I can say is that i hope the best in your job search. If i find a job opening in Denver I'll certainly copy you on it. Of course if you find something in Salt Lake Im interested as well. That area is pretty epic for paragliding!

[ZEUS]

Im a draftsman at an architecture firm in Denver and I am in the EXACT Position as you! I went to school for engineering graphics and have been an architectural draftsman with half my heart in it for 7 years.
I love mold making and rapid prototyping with my 3d printer and if i could do that as my main income id be a much happier person those 40hrs each week... All I can say is that i hope the best in your job search. If i find a job opening in Denver I'll certainly copy you on it. Of course if you find something in Salt Lake Im interested as well. That area is pretty epic for paragliding!

DUDE! I am planning to go paragliding this spring - the top spot is just 45 minutes away from me! I used to live in Denver - not going back! Ha! Firms here are having a tough time keeping peeps employed for long durations - not enough stability & too much competition. Be careful making a move - I know a guy who moved from IL to CO to start an arch. job. They laid him off 2 months before his contract ended in order to force him to pay back the $2000 relocation money! WTF?

[Makocross]

I am on the other end of the scale. I have worked as a chicken egg packer up to the space shuttle announcer and I started a solar company and a scuba communication company. I am used to not knowing if I would have a paycheck from month to month. Are you? Do you have a family to feed? The single common thread in successful business entrepreneurs is they have a spouse or partner to support them wholeheartedly. Do you have someone? If you think you can pull this off I would say go for it.
This whole 3d printing thing is like when Altair and Apple computers came out and you can see how that turned out. Life is too short to be stuck in a job you don't like. If any of this sounds intimidating you can start part time, keep the day job until the side job can hold it's own. I did this with both of my companies, but more importantly I did it with several other companies that didn't make it. My advice is go for it but don't be stupid.
Mike

[ron]

I've been in the industrial design field for about 20 years and was not always a designer throughout. Basically, was a contractor for about the 1st 4 years and was offered a full time modelmaker at one of the largest design and engineering firms in the bay area. Did that for about 5 years as the economy tanked and got laid off as a result.

Went back into design and worked for various companies designing anything from exhibit truss configurations to POP cabinet displays. Throughout my career, I managed to learn Vectorworks, AutoCAD, and Rhino 3D. Was laid off between jobs until recently where I was offered to be the model shop/prototype manager at another large design/engineering firm. Here, I learned how to program and operate the venerable CNC machine by myself using SurfCAM and Rhino.

If you're getting into prototyping, my suggestion is to research the kind of programs and fabrication techniques you want to get yourself into. Right now, Solidworks is very popular for most designers, following rhino. But, it all depends on what industry you get into. I used to use AutoCAD and Rhino alot when I was designing POP cabinet fixtures for a well known greeting card company. And Vectorworks when I was designing truss exhibit configurations for tradeshows.

Any software you learn or get trained on, you will find a niche/industry sooner or later. Good luck. rudy

[ZEUS]

I've been in the industrial design field for about 20 years and was not always a designer throughout. Basically, was a contractor for about the 1st 4 years and was offered a full time modelmaker at one of the largest design and engineering firms in the bay area. Did that for about 5 years as the economy tanked and got laid off as a result.

Went back into design and worked for various companies designing anything from exhibit truss configurations to POP cabinet displays. Throughout my career, I managed to learn Vectorworks, AutoCAD, and Rhino 3D. Was laid off between jobs until recently where I was offered to be the model shop/prototype manager at another large design/engineering firm. Here, I learned how to program and operate the venerable CNC machine by myself using SurfCAM and Rhino.

If you're getting into prototyping, my suggestion is to research the kind of programs and fabrication techniques you want to get yourself into. Right now, Solidworks is very popular for most designers, following rhino. But, it all depends on what industry you get into. I used to use AutoCAD and Rhino alot when I was designing POP cabinet fixtures for a well known greeting card company. And Vectorworks when I was designing truss exhibit configurations for tradeshows.

Any software you learn or get trained on, you will find a niche/industry sooner or later. Good luck. rudy

Thanks, Rudy - I always thought it was Ron...? If you don't mind, I may lean on you a bit in the next coming months...? I'd like to pick your brain a bit more...

[ZEUS]

Originally Posted by Makocross
I am on the other end of the scale. I have worked as a chicken egg packer up to the space shuttle announcer and I started a solar company and a scuba communication company. I am used to not knowing if I would have a paycheck from month to month. Are you? NOPE! Nor do I want to jump in that deep right up-front - nor can I. Do you have a family to feed? NOPE! Just me & the dog. The single common thread in successful business entrepreneurs is they have a spouse or partner to support them wholeheartedly. Do you have someone? NOPE! Haha see a pattern here? I have lots of free time & I think I may have figured out a progressive & motivational outlet of expression at the very minimum but perhaps also a means to engage my ideas with more purpose & profit. If you think you can pull this off I would say go for it. Never know till you fail, right!? Haha
This whole 3d printing thing is like when Altair and Apple computers came out and you can see how that turned out. Life is too short to be stuck in a job you don't like. If any of this sounds intimidating you can start part time, keep the day job until the side job can hold it's own. Exactly what I am thinking. Test the waters, ask around, get informed before getting educated before getting to work then work incrementally until supply & demand is realized. Sounds easy! Ha! I did this with both of my companies, but more importantly I did it with several other companies that didn't make it. My advice is go for it but don't be stupid.
Mike
Thank you Mike! I like how you worded everything you had to say... as if there is any other way to do it!

[Triathlete]

Moab Mog tour driver!

[nocturnalVX]

2015 will make 25 years at my job, and (even though I will not be able to collect a pension for seven years) I plan on pulling the plug to move out West. Moving out there to be with Cece is a big reason, but I have had enough of Chicago & can't wait to get out of here. I don't have kids. I plan on cutting back on the "stuff" in my life. I don't care what I end up doing in the years until/after retirement $$$ starts rolling in, but it has to be enjoyable. I'm working on getting SCUBA certifications, but could just as we'll sell t-shirts at a Harley dealer. Life is too short to be unhappy. Yes, big changes can be scary.... but if you do it by choice, on your own terms, it isn't as scary. Good luck with whatever you choose to do!

[Y33TREKker]

If considering starting a business, you could work with your local Small Business Administration to get a realistic idea of all the various nuts and bolts aspects that would be involved that on your own you may not already know you'd need to consider.

Some even offer workbooks and in-house courses that allow you to do initial feasibility studies for the idea you have in mind.

[ZEUS]

If considering starting a business, you could work with your local Small Business Administration to get a realistic idea of all the various nuts and bolts aspects that would be involved that on your own you may not already know you'd need to consider.

Some even offer workbooks and in-house courses that allow you to do initial feasibility studies for the idea you have in mind.

Oops, almost missed this one... Thanks for your notion & gesture.
I will definitely do that. I should have already applied for a business license - when I looked into it previously (although not in-depth) it did not seem too complicated. It was mentioned that tax write-offs (my biggest excitement - tools with a discount!!) may be harder to come by than they once were for small businesses. Something to the tune of, I have to prove certain company income in order to receive the tax credit. See... then it got complicated so I got drunk instead.

Did you ever get into Steel Detailing 7 years ago or did you go a different route?