Ok... before you say it, I know everyone is moving to Texas and specifically Austin. But, I grew up in Texas so I love it there and feel like it should be okay for me to move back. I'm in Northern California right now with my wife and kid and we are getting sick of Californias laws and the overall price of living here. The wife wants to move to the Pacific North-West but i'd rather be in Texas. Completely different weather patterns in these two places. Is the job market in Texas as bad as Nor-Cal? I was thinking either Austin or San Antonio. I grew up in Houston and don't think I want to move back there. I work in the Architecture profession and our industry is completely dead here. Any advice you might have is appreciated!
Well, as an unemployed HR manager I can tell you the job market here is not great. But... it is way better than most other parts of the country. While our unemployment is below 10% there are lots of guys on this board that live in areas where it is 14. Depends on what you want to do and how picky you are. Texas are known for their resilience and will bounce back from this quicker than most. No place I would rather be.
Everyone moves back to Texas when you have lived here before. They always come back. As far as jobs, If I wasnt in the oil industry, I would move to another city. The Art culture in Austin is Great. San Antonio is a fun city too though. The riverwalk at night is always a blast.
"I work in the Architecture profession and our industry is completely dead here. Any advice you might have is appreciated!" I am from Colorado and provide architectural support services (building code expert). I also teach building code training all over the western US and can tell you that of all the states, Texas has weathered the recession better than most. They seem to still be building and remodeling...at least more so than in other states. The energy economy helps them a lot. Here is my list from worst to best for architecture/construction based on my architecture and regulator student comments: Nevada (Las Vegas) California Arizona (think that New Mexico may tie here) Washington Oregon Colorado - Wyoming Utah Texas This is an VERY non-scientific ***essment, so do additional research. This is also based on my perceptions from middle of last year. I will be heading back to all these places in the next few months and may have another take on the subject! Good luck! Tom
Hey Tom, thanks for that feedback. That Arch info definitely helps a lot. On the Arch topic, I'm also looking for a state that doesn't require a 4 year degree to get yoru Arch license. California suprising is one of those states, I 'think' Texas and Washington also don't require the degree. In regards to jobs in general, at this point I would gladly start over from zero in a new industry if I new it had growth and I could learn the job and make good money. I have family in the Austin area so that is why it is my first pick.
I've lived here all my life. I also am in a job where I travel the US and support over a hundred locations. I don't see Texas has been hurting as much as any other part of the US in the last 12 months. There have been declines in real estate and jobs overall, but not as bad as I've seen before or as bad as I'm seeing elsewhere. I'm glad I'm here.
yeah texas is the best. for jobs i think houston or dallas areas would be best (correct me if im wrong). i live between the 2 and go to both alot. good luck with your decision and the move.
That's funny!! My girlfriend and I are NorCalifornians and we've been considering a move to Texas, too! We've never been, does anyone have an overview of the different climate zones? I'm pretty easy going as far as that goes, I love the heat, but the little lady is a bit more.... sensitive...
i moved here about 6 months ago and its the best choice i think ive ever made. lived in cali for awhile but couldnt afford it. austin is expensive but i love it here. lone star round up should be enough to make you want to move here...
Hey El Scotto, if I remember right Texas can be about as hot as Nor-Cal in summer only it's SOOOOO much more Humid. The wife and I would really like to go to lonestar Round Up this year, it would also give us a great chance to introduce my wife to the area. I think the only thing holding us back is our house, can't sell it for what we owe and I doubt I can rent it for enough to cover the monthly bills on it. And if I had to change my username.... I prefer a cold Lone Star to Shiner bock! They actually have LoneStars at the BevMo by my house, I always pick some up.
Climate zones?!?!?!? Ha! We have real mountains, coastal plains, desert, rocky hills, tall woods, swamps, open gr***lands, miles of beaches, hundreds of lakes, asphault jungles... What climate do you want? I've seen -20 and +114, sometimes on the same day! Come get some!
"That Arch info definitely helps a lot. On the Arch topic, I'm also looking for a state that doesn't require a 4 year degree to get yoru Arch license. California suprising is one of those states, I 'think' Texas and Washington also don't require the degree." Good luck there! I have an architectural degree but could never sit for the exam because I hadn't worked directly for an architect long enough to acquire the necessary Vocational Educational Units. Modern version of indentured servant! Anyway, sounds like you may have the opposite problem. I recollect that Wyoming would allow you to sit for the Bar exam if you worked for an attorney for 10 years or so. No law degree needed. Wonder if they do the same thing for architects. You probably need to research AIA or NCARB. You can also consider a mul***ude of related sub-specialties. Never hurts to be considered an expert in something. Lots of emphasis on alternative energy, energy conservation, and green building these days. Get your Leed AP to start. This is all self study stuff, so shouldn't cost you anything other than time and a few books. Right now, the construction work is in anything being promoted by the government. May not like it, but it's a reality of the times. I have learned that there is no limit to the amount of work you can get helping people negotiate a myriad of federal and local regulations. Chaos = Cash...
If California is truly such a state you may want to see if getting your license there and using reciprocity to get your license in Texas (or where ever you end up) would work. I am an engineer so it's a little different but most states around here (Nebraska) require an ABET accredited degree for a PE license. Not sure what is required for an architect though. Good luck whatever direction you decide.
If you can handle the heat, mosquitos, heat, the best BBQ and mexican food in the U.S. well...its the Best. Job wise? Cant complain at all...seems we're recession proof, but dont tell anybody.. My job tried to ttransfer me to Cali, went to Paso Robles 2 weeks ago for a interview and to check it out...couldnt wait to get back. Texas Rules in my book.
Job wise Architecture took a hit in Texas as well, both my friends wifes worked for a couple of big firms in Houston and both were laid off. One has finally got some contract work. I'm in I.T and applied for a new position in one of the school districts, 300 people applied for that one position. I got it so I must of done something right. (I have a job at the moment so wasn't sweating it.) The job market in Houston still has a way to go. Don't know what Austin or San Antonio is like. I've been in Texas for 5 years now and wouldn't be anywhere else. (originally from the UK) Alex
Ah, might just consider doing anything other than becoming an architect no matter where you end up. Like building hot rods, doing it as a hobby is way better than for a living for the vast majority of people and very few will ever make that much money at it. If it is something your heart is into, that is different. But if it is just for making money, good time now to change course before the hole gets any deeper. The first thing out of my professor's mouth the first day I was in arch. school was 'If you want to make a lot of money doing arch., it is best to just leave right now.' Stunning thing to hear off the bat to say the least, but about 5% of the cl*** got up and left and it was a smart decision on their part.
We have two seasons here, summer and hell! But seriously, if you can stand the summer heat this is paradise! My brotherinlaw lives in Santa Maria and I wouldn't trade for it if I couldn't take the Texans with me. Greatest people in the world, period.
I am an architect in Dallas and am just getting by. The job market is tough with a lot of lay offs but I think still one of the best markets in the US by comparison. Licensing regulations differ in Texas based upon education and experience. Check with NCARB and they can give you the information you need for licensing in Texas or elseswhere. Others have said it above, Texas is somewhat depressed but not nearly as much as California and other places.
I've been laid off since July. I have been doing retail arch here in Ca for 8 years now. It never paid TOO great but enough to buy a house. I finally got good enough at it to manage my own team and then I get laid off. haha
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