Help me help other architects! This blog is an excerpt from the first draft of my book: Breaking the Box: Explode out of Architecture School to a Successful Career as an Architect. You can help by leaving a critique in the comment section below. And if you are just starting I suggest you check out the table of contents for an easy road map. Thx you rock! -Steve
“There’s two ways to see the world. Some people see the thing that they want, and some people see the thing that prevents them from getting the thing that they want.”
–Simon Sinek
One of the themes of this book is empowering you to to steer your own ship. When I began my career, I did a lot of waiting and hoping that things would just work out for me. I was naïve.
Have you been waiting for your life to settle down so that you can start the A.R.E exam process?
Are you eager for the day when the dream project will land on your desk?
Are you waiting for that promotion or big raise to present itself?
It could be a long wait, unless you are prepared to steer your own ship. You control your destiny.
You Control Your Income
In chapter 5, I shared how to estimate your earning potential as an architect and provided tips for earning more. The key factors are: location, firm revenue and position. Of the three, your position is the most influential. Even when you have improved your value to the firm you may still have to ask and negotiate your salary. To read more about increasing your earning potential see Chapter 5
You Make Yourself Indispensable
The #1 goal for an emerging professional should be to become indispensable. You need to be an all-star that everyone wants to work with. This happens when your are pro-active about your growth and your career. In chapter 12, I shared three paths for making yourself indispensable
1. Have a Positive Attitude
2. Master the Tools
3. Develop Architectural Expertise
In each case, the responsibility rests on your shoulders. To read more about becoming indispensable see Chapter 12.
You Find Mentors
Having good mentors can be instrumental to your career. An experienced mentor can help you navigate career obstacles and achieve your goals. Your mentor bears a tremendous responsibility however you will do the heavy lifting. Who would be a good mentor? What are your goals? What steps are you taking to meet those goals? These are questions you need to answer. Your mentor can provide guidance but it is up to you to make your destination. To read more on mentors see Chapter 13.
You Seize the Moment
Always be adding to your tool belt and when an opportunity presents itself, take it. Some of your growth will be focused and planned and other times you will get lucky. Seneca told us that “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” You have to be ready. It is up to you to seize the moment. To read more on seizing the moment see Chapter 18.
Take Action
In many ways, this book is a letter that I am writing to my younger self. When I started to steer my ship, the world opened up for me. I hope that the stories and tips presented in this book will help you anticipate the obstacles and prepare you to take action.
Steering your ship is not a burden, it is a gift. You are in control.
Cheers,
Flip the page to: Chapter 20: The Myth of Multitasking and the Most Effective Focus Tips
Chapter 19 by the Numbers
· 528 words
· 2.1 – Translates into approximately 2.1 pages in book form.
· 1 – Blog Posts
· 3 – Hours to Write and Post on Blog
· 2 – Stretched over 3 calendar days.
· 1.05 – Average book pages written per day.
The Book by the Numbers
· 33,936 – Total Words
· 136 – Total Pages
· 49 – Total Blog Posts
· 220 – Goal for final page count.
· 110– Days Since Starting
· 1.24 – Average book pages written per day.
· 73 – Estimated days to completion of first draft. (220-136) / 1.24) = 68
· 16– Chapters down.
· 12 – Chapters to go.
· 1– New subscribers to the Breaking the Box Email Newsletter
· 48 – Total subscribers to the Breaking the Box Email Newsletter