Debt

For now the second time since “committing” to architecture, I’ve faced another setback. It seems I’ve grossly underestimated the amount of money it will take for me to become an architect in the city of Los Angeles. It’s a process that’s going to cost a lot more money than I had initially expected. With full scholarship, the living expenses alone will cost 150K over three years. Without scholarship, the Sci Arc tuition will up that loan to about 250K spread over three years. That’s a lot of debt going into a profession that doesn’t really pay that much to begin with. From my perspective, it just does not seem worth it anymore. Do I sacrifice my financial freedom and comfort in the pursuit of passion? It’s a challenging question to be grappling with. 

On top of that, I have credentials right now to find a medical writing job that can pay reasonably well (i.e. within the six figure range) and steadily increase as I attain senority. The medical writing profession actually has a higher and faster earning potential than architecture, so it’s perhaps even more of an incentive to not go into architecture in the current state. Whatever option I decide, however, it is certainly nice that I’ve explored both sides of the decision. I think at this given age, I’m going to apply to architecture school. It’s clear that I’m simply not going to be able to push back the decision any longer than I have at the age of 36. It’s either they want me–and give me the full scholarship–or they don’t, and I become a medical writer. Maybe it’s alright that we don’t pursue our dreams in this lifetime. That’s certainly a harsh reality to swallow.