Downsized...
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 42,315
Likes: 45
From: Central Massachusetts
Been awfully busy lately. Every few days I get to poke around s2ki, but not often. Looking forward to our spring drive, soon.
By the way, Angela, do you know Jerrianna (sweetj)? I think she's in Bowie too.
By the way, Angela, do you know Jerrianna (sweetj)? I think she's in Bowie too.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 9,027
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From: Bowie
Yep, we met at FC03 but I don't see her around Bowie that often. We have quite a few folks here in Bowie who are in the club. They get together for happy hour all the time but I've never been able to join them. She's funny and she and her husband really liked hanging out with the Vintagers at FC, which I thought was cool. I'm so desperate for Spring Fling I can hardly wait. So glad you're coming down. Should be a wild time at the OK Corral.
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 18,885
Likes: 33
From: Philly (Narberth)
Originally Posted by paS2K,Mar 20 2004, 01:58 PM
On Wednesday I started on a consulting position as an architect....working on the Owners Rep team for an MM project that is in trouble....behind schedule/ over budget....dysfunctional & non-responsive design architect 
It'll be interesting....challenging....a different role to try out
I'm suddenly self-employed....high rate but no benefits. Working with another architect who I've known for >25 years. I've done this before (in my own business), but not for 6 years.... <snip>
It'll be interesting....challenging....a different role to try out
I'm suddenly self-employed....high rate but no benefits. Working with another architect who I've known for >25 years. I've done this before (in my own business), but not for 6 years.... <snip>
When we last 'talked' I had just accepted a consulting position per the thread above. I think the results might be interesting for any one (Vint or pre-Vint)....as well as the next chapter that starts this coming week for me.
I'll post more info if anyone thinks this is a good discussion topic
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 18,885
Likes: 33
From: Philly (Narberth)
Originally Posted by ralper,Jan 15 2006, 09:25 PM
.....Seriously, now that you've been on your own for the last year, how do you like it? Have you been able to find steady work?
I had a great run as a consultant....starting 3-15-04 with a projection of an unknown number of months of work....hired by a good friend/ former client. I was (modestly) a key member of a team representing the Phila School Dist on a huge project: $107MM/ 1400 people/ 750,000 sq ft (equal to 5-6 good sized suburban office bldgs). As the project turned pretty ugly, the design architect was terminated and my role became even more critical to keep things on track. I recommended the new architect and brought their team up to speed. Long story short: the engagement lasted thru 9/30/05.....a very rewarding 18 months. I did well enough financially to take off the last 3 months of the year....providing unusual time for L Geo, NZ trip, holiday leisure....and also provided a nice period for networking in prep for new opportunities.
The need to build and/or keep alive one's professional network is the biggest 'lesson learned' for changing jobs/ independent work as a consultant/ etc. That's the next chapter....with the search concluded a week ago
PS- Never did the LLC but have secured professional liability insurance.....the next best thing. There was actually very little risk in the work over the past 18 months, since I was not actually 'sealing drawings'....that's wherein lies the most risk. Someone else was the architect/ engineer of 'record'.
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 33,157
Likes: 1,638
From: Randolph, NJ
Jerry,
You are absolutely right on two very important points.
It is very important to keep your network of contacts alive. And, it is very important to stay in touch with and up to date with your profession.
As for the LLC, I still think its a good idea.
You are absolutely right on two very important points.
It is very important to keep your network of contacts alive. And, it is very important to stay in touch with and up to date with your profession.
As for the LLC, I still think its a good idea.
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 22,620
Likes: 867
From: The (S)Low Country
A lot of +1's work associates become consultants and apparently can work whenever they wish to do so. The only problem (for many) is that a great deal of travel is involved. They have to go where the work is, but all travel costs, meals, lodging, etc. is reimbursed. The important thing though, is maintaining the contacts. Many of them form consulting LLCs.