Expert: Paul S. Brown, AIA - 1/9/2006

Question
Hi Paul.  I'm hoping that you can answer these questions for me.  
Thanks.
1. Was it easy for you to find a job once you got out of
university?
2. What was your starting salary at your first job?
3. Is your job exciting and different everyday?
4. How much time and money does it take to start your own
company?
5. How many years of university do you need in order to
become and architect?
6. What would look really good on my resume that would
get me noticed over others?
7. Is it a lot easier to work for someone, or for someone to work
for you?
8. Is being an architect competitive?
9. What is the proper age to retire?
10. How many hours a day do you work?  

Answer
Christina:
hi; is this a homework question?
If you are asking because you seek serious help with a career choice, please send your contact information to me at : brown@draws.com.  we should discuss on the phone.
But, here are the answers:
1) no; very tough at the time.  (1978)
2) $5 per hour.
3) no; lots of repetition; the excitement only comes when things go wrong.
4) All of your time, and all of your money.  Seriously.  If you are going to start your own business, do it before you have a family that is dependant on your income.
5) Minimum of 5 years.  Most take about 7.
6) Construction experience.  Carpentry or other skilled trade work.
7) I don't know how to answer this one.  It depends on the person.
8)  Yes, very competative.
9) What do you mean by 'proper'?  Most people retire at 65.
10) about 10, on average.

Thanks,
PB