[Organic]

target=”_blank”>http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34579183/ns/business-careers/

At the same time, BLS also accounted 17.8% job loss in architecture profession in the first three quarters of 2009, making architecture the hardest hit profession in this recession. This number does not include this quarter and the loss in 2008. The total loss is about 28%. If BLS predicts a 20% job growth from now toward 2018, does this mean it will take another nine years for the profession to recover to the previous level, about 2% in growth, or -8% depending on which figure you use?

[Organic]

Rico,

This concern cannot be addressed without resorting to using aliases unless you are the firm owner or simply a student, that you will have no fear of losing your job or burning any bridges. To be professional is to have discussion with integrity and without fear. Honesty and professionalism go hand in hand, not the other way around.

Archinect’s discussion forums are good examples, where you see opinions, frustration, and wisdom shared by architects in varies stages of their professional development. I have seen a few frustrated or angry posts from architects who were just laid off or were treated badly, but it is also wonderful to see how others join the discussion to help exactly those in need, share their experiences, and the community itself is self-regulating.

When the discussion is truly open and “safe” to exchange information, people understand its value and treasure it. Not the other way around.

[Organic]

I must say that I am rather disappointed about Land8 as a place to exchange ideas and information about landscape architecture. Using or letting people see the real names serves as a disadvantage for honest discussions. At this economy, I would like to know which firms had laid off people, how many, how they treat their employees, the general trend, etc. These are the information that people are dying to know now. Check http://www.archinect.com. Their “Layoffs, Layoffs” thread under “Economy” Discussion is now 12 pages strong. You hear honest inputs from firm owners, principals, PMs, interns, and career changers. It gives the community a large picture of the current state of the profession.

As Rico said, Lang8 is a professional website similar to Linked-In, but only more limiting because you cannot network across professions. Please don’t take me wrong. I was very excited initially too about Land8, but find its content rather inward looking and tame.

[Author]

Posts