Architect: I Built That

Introduction
It is important to have brains and muscles here. In particular, if you want to work for yourself, you need the intellectual and creative capacity to envision your projects and the muscles to actually do them.

There are basically two types of carpenters: structural and detail. Many people like the idea of the latter, that is, being someone who creates individualized pieces of furniture, framing, etc. This can be difficult to make into a career that brings in enough income. Structural carpenters, on the other hand, face a greater demand for their skills. You are also working within a larger team as opposed to more or less managing your own projects.

Job Function
As far as going into the career, I liked that most of the education I had was through my apprenticeship. I've always been a hands-on kind of guy. I would much rather be putting something together than obsessing over the preliminary details. Though, you have to do both.

I also like the people I work with. We are all interested in similar things and we work hard. Like any career, you find the people you respect, who do good work or who you have fun working with, and you try to work with them when you can. Working outside is wonderful during the good months. In the winter though, I don't like it very much.

What I don't like is that business is dependent on the market. I've had to move twice to get work. It can also be dangerous. It's obvious enough, but you are operating potentially lethal machinery. Advertisement
Lifestyle
As a structural architect, the location of what you are building is your office. In that respect, the location is flexible. It's very hard work, but I love pointing at something and saying, "I built that." I take great pride in building long-lasting structures. I even built my own house. No one can take that away from me.

Additional Information
Work hard. Love what you do. Don't make crap. Be flexible.

Recommended Books
A Day in the Life of a Carpenter

Helpful Links and Sources
http://www.princetonreview.com/cte/profiles/dayInLife.asp?careerID=30