Reply To: Has anyone here exited the Landscape Architecture industry?

[Anonymous]

Saying that Landscape Architecture is stagnant doesn’t sound like a ringing endorsement. In context, it seems like a person would have to have a serious case of tunnel vision to make such a comment. In 2006 universities couldn’t produce enough LA grads to meet the demand and the big concern was engineers and architects filling the niche. Prior to 2006 our services were in big demand. If an LA was willing to relocate, it was easy to make a good living. Sounds great, but what happened? The Great Recession happened. The money stopped flowing and the new projects came to a screeching halt shortly thereafter. So common sense tells me that whenever the money starts flowing again and people/LAs will start working again it will all work out.

 

People that are considering leaving Landscape Architecture and the AEC industry for greener pastures need to think long and hard. How long do you think that this country can go on with the people that plan, design, build, manufacture, and maintain the things we Americans need sitting idle? It seems like the people I just described are the folks that made this country great. It’s just a matter of time before the lack of production from this large portion of our population drags us all down. You’re a smart guy, can’t you see it’s all connected. This country will not prosper without building and upgrading our homes, workplaces and infrastructure in a sustainable fashion.  

 

MauiB you’re missing the point. I have no problem with people wanting to leave the profession and I think it’s great your friend makes $540K as uh…whatever. I just have a problem with people who claim they’re moving on hanging out in the Lounge with a bunch of LAs pissing on the profession. Dude-who becomes an LA expecting to make half a million a year? It’s not all about the money. Most people go through the heart ache of getting a LA degree because they found it interesting and it’s how they picture themselves.

 

I was Teamster for years and I couldn’t imagine myself talking to my old work buddies who stayed about how much it sucks to load trucks in the heat and the physical toll repetitive motion inflicts on the body. They decided to stay, I decided to move on. What would I look like talking trash about the very line of work that fed me and put me through school? I’m surprised you don’t show a little more gratitude toward the profession that has provided you with a salary along with the potential for additional income for more than a decade.