Stay as 3D consultant or go back to the workforce?

[hockley91]

I don't know about all you guys and gals out there, but 3D work for me is slow to come by. An opportunity has come up for me to work back at an architectural firm. I'm not sure what role I would have, but it would be in the 3D realm.

 

I've had some great 3D work in the last few months, but I just don't know when the next one will come up you know? A lot of places that I have gotten in touch with are not building "at this moment" although they were more than pleased at what they saw.

 

Anyway, should I stick this out or should I go back into the architecture world. I worked in the field for a long time, but the 3D bug really pulled me away from working on construction documents and code issues because those things are just so much fun to do...

[Tim Nelson]

I'd take it, along with an agreement that you are free to do any freelance work after your office hours.

[hockley91]

Tim, thanks for your advice. I'm going to see what they have to offer and go from there. If it really is a good deal, I may take it. My wife's going back to school and I got 3 little kiddos, so stability is a big issue right now.

 

All my interviews with firms from the past pretty much frowned upon working outside of the office when it was brought up. One firm all looked at me funny when I brought it up and were pretty surprised that I would ask that.

 

Only one firm I worked for were very open to that as long as it didn't interfere with the day job. That was a great firm to work for.

 

It's kind of hypocritical for the bosses to say that you can't because in the past I'm sure they all did stuff on the side because they weren't getting paid enough. So....if I were to get paid what I think I'm worth, then I wouldn't have to do the side stuff correct? I'm just being humurous about it.

[Tim Nelson]

Well I guess it depends what type of work you'd be doing for them. If you went to work for a company that makes their profits from doing renderings, then it would not make sense for you to work on renderings on the side. But if you are working for an architectural firm where you do all of their in-house stuff, then having some side projects would not seem like a conflict of interest as long as you are doing your main job well enough.

 

In fact, having additional work would actually help you in your day job by letting you learn more things, hone your skills, etc. You could almost look at it as a hobby that has direct benefits to what you do at work.

[BrianKitts]

Right now any offer is a good offer. Stable or not..... I'd take it.

 

Unfortunately I know a handful people right now who would be happy to have any job. And that number just keeps growing, it's getting tough hearing about friends losing their jobs.

[Tim Nelson]

Right now any offer is a good offer. Stable or not..... I'd take it.

 

Unfortunately I know a handful people right now who would be happy to have any job. And that number just keeps growing, it's getting tough hearing about friends losing their jobs.

Yup. Take it!

[rawla]

Well I guess it depends what type of work you'd be doing for them. If you went to work for a company that makes their profits from doing renderings, then it would not make sense for you to work on renderings on the side. But if you are working for an architectural firm where you do all of their in-house stuff, then having some side projects would not seem like a conflict of interest as long as you are doing your main job well enough.

 

In fact some of my boys freelance despite the fact that we do 3D only but I have no issues as long as they do not work for my regular clients. Also they do stuff for people who cannot afford to pay our fees. What I notice is that most give up after sometime due to payment issues. Getting freelance work is just the start of it. Getting paid is a different story.

 

If you are doing an architects work in your day job I do not see how people can have an issue with you doing 3D work on the outside as "AS LONG AS IT DOES NOT EFFECT YOUR DAY WORK".

 

Take it simply for the stability it provides you. When a 3D job does come up mention it to them if you feel that is necessary.

 

Anuj

Edited July 7, 2009 by rawla

[SandmanNinja]

I can only imagine a company would object if you signed some sort of NDA and/or non-compete clause.

 

For instance, what if the company has this wonderful script that they wrote in-house and it's the Bee's Knees... It saves a lot of time and automates a lot of the tideous aspects of the work flow at work. What's preventing you from using it at home?

 

If your company asks you not to do work on the side, then the temptation to use their script is removed.

 

But I agree with the rest - go for it.

[hockley91]

Thanks for all your input fellas. I have the interview tomorrow morning. It will be interesting. I really do enjoy being my own boss though...

[artarc]

Go for what you really love to do. Even at trying times, your love for your work would keep you going.

I have friends who have enough money yet very unhappy because they don't really enjoy their work.

 

I don't know about all you guys and gals out there, but 3D work for me is slow to come by. An opportunity has come up for me to work back at an architectural firm. I'm not sure what role I would have, but it would be in the 3D realm.

 

I've had some great 3D work in the last few months, but I just don't know when the next one will come up you know? A lot of places that I have gotten in touch with are not building "at this moment" although they were more than pleased at what they saw.

 

Anyway, should I stick this out or should I go back into the architecture world. I worked in the field for a long time, but the 3D bug really pulled me away from working on construction documents and code issues because those things are just so much fun to do...