A couple of months ago US News ran a story on the best career for 2008. Architects slipped from being listed as one of the best career in the year before into the most overrated career of 2008.
Well, I really do agree with it. All those hype that enticed me to study architecture in the first place is a no show.
When screenwriters give a hero a career, it’s often architecture: from Walter Pidgeon in Mrs. Miniver to Adam Sandler in Click. In There’s Something About Mary, when Matt Dillon attempts to impress Cameron Diaz, he pretends to be an architect. That’s not surprising. The public perceives architecture as a career for creative, free spirits who nonetheless earn good money while designing cool new buildings. Alas, as usual, there’s a Grand Canyon of difference between the screen and reality.
Can you tell me any other profession that require long hours, high responsibilities, potentials to be sued, and moderate compensation ? Sure, architects are cool. But those few of us that made it to the front page of design publication usually require at least 25 years of experience to gain the acknowledgement that they deserve.
Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE architecture. This is my passion, my life, my future. I just wish the road would not be this steep 
Trust me, if you have kids, don’t encourage them to be an architect. I know I won’t.
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