Reply To: Hunting

[mauiBob]

In my 12 years of experience in landscape architecture, I have yet to work with someone who’s been with the same company for longer than 15 years. How’s that for stability in this field? Principals have left their positions to start new firms or join another. The lone exception is the Principal/Owner/Founder.

I’m fortunate to be currently working in a full-time position, but nothing is guaranteed long term. My side jobs doing final, presentation illustrations and investing in the stock market take up equivalent to full-time. This is by no means boasting, but my investments the last 12 years have made more $$$ than my jobs in landscape architecture combined!! We’re talking triple figures more. Of course it helps when you believed in Apple, Netflix and eBay. If you rely on just a landscape income, you’ll encounter these economic roller coaster rides. 

If I could do it all over again, I’d say No Thank you to landscape architecture. Become a financial planner or something in the Finance field and do my illustrations as a paying hobby. 

Anyone see the advertised position in ASLA for an opening in South Carolina? Where can you find a person who can effectively speak to the media, understand legal and governmental procedures, knowledge of flora and fauna in SC, knowledge of wildlife biology, proficient in arcGIS and Autocad…and have 4 to 6 years of experience…Is that a joke? Then to top it off with that salary is beyond delutional! I can identify 4 to 5 professions to fit their one job description.