Should I study Architecture?
Hey everyone.
I wanted to study Architecture because I saw it as the best fit for what I'm looking for and for the skills I have. I'm good at math and easily grasp logic-related subjects. In high school, I specialized in programming, and even though I wasn't the best, I did well enough, and it did improve my problem-solving skills. The only aspect I'm quite lacking in is my presentation and communication skills, which I'm hoping to improve in university.
I've read from others that the actual job involves very little design and creativity, which is fine with me. But the fact that many describe it as soul-sucking, with a bad work-life balance, and seeing basically everyone straight-up tell those studying it to quit and pursue something else is really starting to get to me.
I know that the pay isn't the best, and I had some sort of plan that I wanted to follow for my future. I come from a country with one of the lowest minimum wages in Europe, which is why I want to study and work abroad. I picked Polimi and Polito to learn as much as I can in university and create a good portfolio that will help me find a job later on, but I don't plan on working in Italy since competition there is really high. I don't have a specific country in mind where I want to work and will figure that out as I become more familiar with everything, but honestly, most EU countries offer better pay than mine.
The plan was to work abroad for a company for some years (I don't aspire to have my own) and build my skills. Since I know it's possible (though not necessarily easy to achieve), I eventually wanted to start working remotely and perhaps return to my home country for a more comfortable and peaceful life.
But the problem is that I don't know if this plan is realistic at all. What if I don't manage to find a job with how bad the job market currently is? What if I won't be able to eventually work remotely, which is something considerably important to me? The adults in my life have only encouraged me to move forward, but the more I read about the experiences other people have had in the field, the more anxious and doubtful I become. Should I still try regardless? Any advice or insight would be helpful.