The architect's career health check

When was the last time you took a step back and honestly assessed where you stand in your architecture career? Not your latest project or your portfolio, but YOU – your energy, direction, confidence, and overall well-being?

As architects and creative professionals, we're trained to evaluate buildings, spaces, and designs with a critical eye. We analyse structural integrity, assess functionality, and identify areas needing improvement. Yet when it comes to our own career health, we rarely apply the same systematic approach.

Today, I want you to conduct a simple but powerful assessment – a career health check that takes less than 5 minutes but could reshape how you approach your professional life.

Your career health check: four critical areas

Grab a piece of paper (or open a notes app) and honestly rate yourself on a scale of 1-10 in these four fundamental areas:

⚡ Energy levels (physical & mental)

Rate yourself 1-10: How energised do you feel about your work and life overall?

This isn't about whether you had enough coffee this morning. It's about your sustained energy throughout the day, your enthusiasm for projects, and whether you feel mentally sharp or constantly drained.

Indicators of a low score may be:

• Chronic fatigue despite adequate sleep

• Dreading Monday mornings

• Feeling overwhelmed by simple tasks

• Relying heavily on caffeine or other stimulants

Indicators of a high score may be:

• Waking up feeling rested and ready

• Maintaining focus throughout the day

• Having energy left for personal interests

• Feeling physically and mentally resilient

  
  

🎯 Clear career direction

Rate yourself 1-10: How clear are you about where your career is heading?

Do you have a vision for your professional future? Can you articulate what you want your career to look like in 2-3 years? Or are you simply reacting to whatever opportunities come your way?

Indicators of a low score may be:

• Taking jobs purely for financial reasons

• Feeling stuck without a clear path forward

• Uncertain about long-term career goals

• Making decisions based on others' expectations

Indicators of a high score may be:

• Having specific, achievable career goals

• Making strategic choices aligned with your vision

• Understanding your professional values and priorities

• Feeling excited about future possibilities

💪 Confidence in abilities

Rate yourself 1-10: How confident do you feel in your professional capabilities?

This goes beyond technical skills. It's about believing in your ability to handle challenges, contribute meaningfully to projects, and grow in your role.

Indicators of a low score may be:

• Frequent imposter syndrome episodes

• Avoiding challenging projects or responsibilities

• Constantly comparing yourself to others

• Needing excessive validation from colleagues or supervisors

Indicators of a high score may be:

• Speaking up in meetings with valuable insights

• Taking on stretch assignments with confidence

• Learning from mistakes without harsh self-judgment

• Recognizing and celebrating your unique strengths

⚖️ Work-life balance

Rate yourself 1-10: How well do you maintain boundaries between work and personal life?

In the architecture world, where deadlines are tight and "just one more revision" is the norm, achieving balance can feel impossible. But it's crucial for long-term career sustainability.

Indicators of a low score may be:

• Regularly working late or on weekends

• Difficulty disconnecting from work thoughts

• Neglecting personal relationships or hobbies

• Feeling guilty when not working

Indicators of a high score may be:

• Having clear boundaries around work hours

• Maintaining interests and relationships outside work

• Taking real breaks and vacations

• Feeling fulfilled both professionally and personally

Interpreting your results

Total Score Interpretation:

• 32-40: Excellent career health – you're thriving!

• 24-31: Good foundation with room for targeted improvement

• 16-23: Some areas need attention – time for strategic changes

• Below 16: Significant intervention needed – consider professional support

But here's the key insight: The total score matters less than identifying which specific area needs your attention most.

What your lowest score reveals

If Energy is Your Lowest Score:

Your body and mind are telling you something important. This might be the time to:

• Examine your daily routines and habits

• Consider whether you're in the right role or environment

• Look into stress management techniques

• Potentially seek medical advice if fatigue persists

If Career Direction is Your Lowest Score:

You're not alone – many talented architects feel directionless. Consider:

• Scheduling dedicated time for career reflection

• Identifying your core values and how they align with your work

• Exploring different paths within architecture

• Working with a career coach to clarify your vision

If Confidence is Your Lowest Score:

Imposter syndrome is rampant in creative fields. Time to:

• Document your achievements and positive feedback

• Seek out mentors in your field

• Take on projects that challenge you appropriately

• Consider confidence-building coaching or workshops

If Work-Life Balance is Your Lowest Score:

This affects everything else. Start by:

• Setting and communicating clear boundaries

• Learning to say no to non-essential commitments

• Prioritising activities that recharge you

• Examining whether your workplace culture supports balance

Your action plan: the 1% rule

Don't try to fix everything at once. Pick your lowest-scoring area and commit to improving it by just 1% each week. Small, consistent changes create lasting transformation.

This week, choose ONE micro-action:

• Energy: Take a 10-minute walk after lunch

• Direction: Spend 15 minutes journaling about your ideal work day

• Confidence: Write down one thing you did well each day

• Balance: Leave work at work – no emails out of the office

The career health check challenge

I challenge you to retake this assessment in 30 days. Mark your calendar right now. Small improvements in one area often create positive ripple effects in others.

Remember: Your career is not just what you do – it's how you feel while doing it. A building with structural issues doesn't suddenly collapse; it shows warning signs first. The same is true for your career health.

Your next steps

1. Take the assessment (be brutally honest)

2. Identify your lowest score

3. Choose one micro-action for this week

4. Share your commitment with someone who will hold you accountable

5. Schedule your 30-day re-assessment

Your future self will thank you for taking these few minutes today to honestly assess where you stand.

What was your lowest score? What one small step will you take this week to improve it? I'd love to hear about your insights and commitments – feel free to reach out.

Ready to dive deeper into transforming your architecture career? Book a free discovery call to explore how coaching can help you design a more fulfilling professional life.