Should I jump?

[Bwana Kahawa]

No, not like that - I'm not on a bridge or anything. But currently trying to decide whether to leave my job in arch vis and apply for something in games. Although I'm not expecting a definitive answer here, it'd be interesting to get other takes on it.

 

I've been an in-house guy for an architects practice for the last 8 years, but since the recession and the recent acquisition of BIM CAD software, I'm being used a helluva lot less. Most of my days are now taken up with formatting documents (in Publisher, no less), powerpoint presentations, website tweaks and so on. I spend some time scripting ArchiCAD objects, which is interesting enough, as is doing some of the photography of the finished buildings. Probably about an eighth of the time, I get to do visualisation type work, and when I do, it's enjoyable. Although half the time I'm restricted to ArchiCAD's scanline renderer, at least it involves buildings and imagery. I'd say I enjoy my job about 40% of the time now, rather than the 80% I enjoyed a year ago. There's also less for me to do in the downtimes - at the back of my mind is that it'll reach a point where they ask me to work part-time. There's also not much chance of me progressing my career any further, and I don't want to be doing the same powerpoints when I'm 40.

 

An environment modeller job at a successful games studio has come up in a nearby city. Sounds like better pay, more chance of career progression, and the chance to lead a few people (and a little less serious too). Plus it'd involve much more modelling and much less powerpoint. But on the downside, it sounds more repetitive, and I'd have to drive for 1hr 15 mins to get there (compared to a current 25 min walk). I'd also be concerned that once the arch practice learnt to cope without me, then there'd be no chance of ever returning if, say 10 years down the line, it was right for me to move back to architecture.

 

Not even sure why I'm posting this here - maybe just as a sounding point to get some clarity on my thoughts. There's no deadline on the job ad but I reckon it'll be around for another couple of weeks. Do I go for it? Or wait for now but keep an eye on the company in case my current job gets worse? Am I moaning about nothing and should be grateful for what I already have?! It's a bit hard to get perspective on this at the minute.

[Noise]

Derek

 

It seems that you are not enthused by either option. Personally I would go for the games work if you can get it although, I would detest having to drive that far to work.

 

Powerpoint & Archicad scripts - its a job I suppose but I would suggest keeping your options open. It might even be an idea to speak to your boss and discuss how safe your job is.

Edited November 3, 2010 by Noise

[chadw]

Derek,

 

My two cent... I would leave while you can. However you might, if you don't currently already use it, want to learn zbrush. Showing some nice shots of not so perfect arch vis stuff might go a long way. There are some great examples on zbrushcentral of environment and architectural work... some really great stuff from Underworld 3 and some game art.

 

Good luck with your decision.

[Tommy L]

Derek,

I hate to be a doomlord, but I wouldnt get your hopes too high of getting the job. Environment modeling, esp if you are leading a team, is a sought after position and there are plenty of people out there who are specialized and hungry.

The other factor is quality of life. Lots of games artists work very long hours. Couple that with the long commute and its going to be a lot of work and not much else.

[PuffinViz]

Maybe you should invent a dentist appointment, go to the interview and see if they think your the man for the job. They are likely to show you around and discuss what youll be working on which might help make your mind up. I wouldn't change jobs without knowing I have another to go to. Good luck.

[JohanR]

It sounds like you still consider working in the ArchViz business, if it means that you could be producing more visualizations, using softwares that you want to use and doing jobs that a Archviz really should be doing.

I say, stay in the business, look for another job maybe, and if you could consider moving to another place where they appriciate someone with your knowledge (and skill i presume?) then do it.

Another option is to start a business on your own. Anyway what i ultimatetly think is go for what your heart burns for the most.

[Iain Denby]

Go for the interview. One way or another you'll come away with a better perspective. Nothing to lose.

[Devin Johnston]

Don't do it the commute alone will kill any benefit of changing career. I worked for a firm for about 2 years and had a daily commute of about the same time as the one your going to have, after 3 months I hated it. Every day was the same thing I knew I was going to spend over 2 hours in my car and I quickly began looking for a job closer to home. If your going to take the job you should consider moving closer.

[Jim Mann]

Most of my days are now taken up with formatting documents (in Publisher, no less), powerpoint presentations, website tweaks and so on...There's also less for me to do in the downtimes - at the back of my mind is that it'll reach a point where they ask me to work part-time. There's also not much chance of me progressing my career any further, and I don't want to be doing the same powerpoints when I'm 40.

 

Sounds rubbish!

 

Contrast your current career with...

 

An environment modeller job at a successful games studio has come up in a nearby city. Sounds like better pay, more chance of career progression, and the chance to lead a few people (and a little less serious too). Plus it'd involve much more modelling and much less powerpoint.

 

And journey times aside the drawbacks are...

 

once the arch practice learnt to cope without me, then there'd be no chance of ever returning if, say 10 years down the line, it was right for me to move back to architecture.

 

You are worried that you might be replaceable as the go to guy for document formatting! Apply for the other job immediately, you sound like you are in a huge rut. At least try and get an interview and find out what is available.

 

Just a little story to illustrate what could happen. In 2001 I interviewed Rob Watkins for a job at Replicanation. We liked him and made him an offer but he got a more appealing offer elsewhere (he made the right move). Ten years later, look what he's doing...

 

http://features.cgsociety.org/story_custom.php?story_id=5162

 

A lot can happen between now and your 40th birthday so JUMP!

 

Looking forward to hearing about your interviews.

 

Jim

[Nic H]

do it!¬ if you get it then you can decide

you sound bored with architecture - try something new

[Bwana Kahawa]

Cheers guys - these have been a huge help. I've decided to go for it. As people have said, these jobs are hard to get, so if I do then great, if not then my current employer is none the wiser.

 

Took a drive down there last Saturday to test the commute - seemed okay, so as long as salary would cover the fuel costs, I'd be up for it.

 

Sending off the application tonight... I'll let ya know how it goes!

[Brodie Geers]

I wouldn't say not to take the job based on the commute. I commute about 40 min. each way which sucks but the job makes it worth it. However, I just wanted to tell you to keep in mind that making the drive on a Saturday won't well prepare you for making the drive at 7:30am Monday morning. I can make my 40 min. drive in about 20 minutes on Saturday.

 

-Brodie

 

edit: a lot of that has to do with the city you live in of course. I live in St. Louis, Missouri - a city of about 3 million if you include the whole metro area which I have to drive through.

Edited November 11, 2010 by brodie_geers

[Jim Mann]

I've decided to go for it.

 

Excellent, I think we would have all come and given you a push if you hadn't