I posted this in another forum, and found it relevant to this thread:
As a recent graduate architect, I feel that there is a strong need for "jobs" as a career. There is NO WAY I can become a certified architect without gaining experience under a practicing architect. I really enjoy your posts and inspiring words, Steve, but when you advise people, like me, to not get a job it slightly angers me. I have been offered a job recently, and contemplating taking it over the past few days has made me realize that I WANT to be an ARCHITECT!
If I didn't I would be pursuing my interests blogging, and providing graphic design services. But, I would not be maximizing my potential, you see. I was meant to do MORE than design web ads. I should be designing buildings. The same is true for government positions, scientists, professors, etc. The qualities of bringing a group of professionals together is the greatest form of synergy when the intentions are aligned!
Now, I am not saying that if you hate what you do you should stick with it, but generally speaking jobs are a very important element to our society.
It's just when he describes a job with being a slave, I think it is very one-sided on his part. I am getting sooo much out of the relationship with my boss, learning how a firm works, experiencing the levels of a project, and connecting with clients (while getting paid!). This is not slave work. I just feel like he is putting "us", people with jobs, into a drone category of following the motions. I AM following the motions to eventually own an architecture firm. There are certain necessary steps to take, just like how doctors have to earn their residency. The apprenticeship process is very fulfilling and a meaningful tradition that has lasted ages.
Steve replied:
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Erin's Dad was an architect for many years. He ran his own biz and worked freelance. You don't need to enslave yourself to design buildings. Buildings can be designed by free people too.
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Now here is my main point. I have no experience with an actual project. In order to become a certified architect (I have no desire to practice illegally) I need to work under a practicing architect for 300 hours. I am willing to do this for FREE! This is called an internship, and many people are willing to gain experience this way. When the "job" is soooo beneficial to my future as an architect, I don't need the salary. So, yes, my ultimate goal is to have my own firm and practice "freely" but for now I am happily working under someone else. I may be helping achieve their goals, but my goals are also being fulfilled.