Redundant SCRers' "what I did instead of working"

chuckcork

Stone Glider wrote:

The Housing Market is so stricken that I will never be employed again before the state pension arrives so i have quit the world of work. @CC I was a Chartered Building Surveyor and it provided a good income, although not hugely rewarded, for many years. A good choice in this weird employment market, by the time you qualify there should be a strong demand. When I was at college we were called "architect's errand boys"

I trained and qualified in Oz as an Architect, with my qualifications not recognised here I've been an errand boy for the last 10 years....

At least RICS against your name isn't seen (I think) as being as useless as RIBA? I've worked with people (in architects offices) who weren't architects and who considered the term to be a form of abuse they held it in such low regard. Certainly I've worked with some good designers who were dire when it came to anything else, their skills base lilmited to that and ordering other people around, my last boss was like that.

I personally have always preferred to "be technical" and make things work, I'll let others make them pretty.

Stone Glider

@CC when I was doing project management I found British trained architects less grounded in the "nuts and bolts" of design. We dealt with a wide range of architects from diverse backgrounds and our view was that the European trained architects were highly talented with good design and management skills, American training produced architects who held a depth of knowledge through their design brief which enabled them to respond to client demands quickly; yet too many British architects suffered from what we called "the Christopher Wrenn Syndrome". They were slightly dissappointed that we were only requiring them to produce housing estates, not cathedrals. We had the feeling that was a bit beneath their expectations.

All this was highly unfair and subjective but might give a bit of a clue why the building trade has a wary view of architects in general. Good luck with the switch of careers

chuckcork

I think it is because the profession here is split into design/Architect/RIBA, and technical/Architectural Technician/BIAT. As a result architects expect and are trained to design but not document/detail, while technicians aren't supposed to do anythinge else.

Whereas the way I saw it in Queensland was that (generally) the drafters were trained alongside the architects, they just left after the Part 1 or didn't quite finish the Part 2, so never qualified as a result. They did have design training just didn't as a result specialise in it, but could certainly be quite good regardless, you wouldn't mark someone down just because they weren't an architect. The architects on the other hand were seen as being perhaps more professional and work as designers but were still expected to be able to detail and document as required.

What gets me though is you get someone like my last boss, an RIBA member (not Architect, she dispensed with paying fees to ARB) who couldn't project manage all that well, couldn't document or detail, wasn't that hot on standards or good practice, couldn't understand work flow, provision of information in packages and so on was done as required and not instantly while working out the design, and to top it off while trying to micro-manage what I was doing flip-flopped constantly in her directions ....but I guess if you're female, from a public service background and working in such an environment and know how to cover yourself, you'll never get fired for inability to manage either staff or projects?

For me, someone like that who was more than happy to wave her RIBA membership card in my face (as if it meant something), while telling me my folio must have been plagiarised, just cheapens the brand and leaves me wondering why I ever wanted to be a member of it.

As a result I don't think you've overly generalised with the building trade view as I worked with enough architects like that myself (though I've also worked with many who are the opposite), but I'd rather change career direction and be taken seriously.

Stone Glider

CC as previously posted, best of luck. I think that with the breadth of experience you already have, when you qualify you will be "bringing something extra to the party".

Now if the weather would just make up it's mind and the wind would kindly drop; I could get out on the bike

chuckcork

Stone Glider wrote:

CC as previously posted, best of luck. I think that with the breadth of experience you already have, when you qualify you will be "bringing something extra to the party".

Hopefully, be nice if they paid me like I'd been working in the field for 10 years as well.

Now if the weather would just make up it's mind and the wind would kindly drop; I could get out on the bike

I ditto that, though in my case the missus is expecting right now so going out for a good 5 hour tour of the Surrey Hills is a bit chancy. That and the fluey symptoms that I have at present leaving me feelin a bit off...

Fireblade96

Riiiiiiight then, time to bring my personal gloating thread back on track. Architects - quit it with the inside talk!

So, in spite of a miserable morning and the weather forecast from Hell, suddenly it brightened up a bit this afternoon. Looking at the rainfall radar I saw Caversham seemed to be avoiding all the rain, so figured I had to go for at least a little ride.

Followed the Thames towards Goring, then up into the hills that guard the Ridgeway. Crossed and re-crossed the river at Wallingford, back across the 4074 and climbing again all the way to Nuffield.
Stopped for a banana and a check of the map: started heading south-ish again towards Checkendon, then decided to play with Sustrans route 5.

++ here, dear reader, it nearly all went horribly wrong ++

I thought I'd drop down to Ipsden to make sure the day's ride came to more than 30 miles. Heading down a narrow, windy country road, not long after heavy rain, trying to crack 40 mph may be hazardous to your health. I was in the high 30s, bumps in the road almost bouncing my hands off the hoods....braked hard for a corner that was tighter than I had hoped, trying to keep to the mud-free line....locked up and was heading for the grass verge. This had the potential to really hurt, I was looking for a soft place to crash.
Somehow I made it round the bend. I rode the poor Wilier round a bend in a country road MTB-style using the verge as a berm. I'd like to claim that it was years of MTBing that god me through, but being honest it was luck. I damn near sh@t myself, huuuge adrenalin rush after I realised I'd made it :shock:


After that, nothing exciting to report except that Sustrans route 5 is only slightly suited to white Italian roadbikes - there are a lot of potholes and cowsh1t on the road !

34 miles, 1800 ft of climbing, 2h19 riding time.

The damn Italian roadbike fashionistas are gonna kill me for getting mud all over the roadie :oops:



G 'n' T is a recovery drink, right ?

lost_in_thought

Well, after a rowing versus not rowing saga this afternoon, I noted that the rain appeared to have stopped, leaving blue skies and a lovely cool summer's evening.

So I jumped on the bike and pointed my nose south.

Some wet roads, a little shower of rain, but a very enjoyable 26 mile loop around blackwater river. Ended up on a large dual carriageway a couple of times, but thanks to some local knowledge got off it again fairly quickly!

Lovely. Sure beats working (she says after one day of unemployment)

EDIT: I promise I will clean the viner this evening. In plus sides, the rain has washed off the orange dust from RP off-roading!

il_principe

lost_in_thought wrote:

Well, so far I've not been out on the bike. Because I'm not working, I don't have to go out on a sunday, just because it's a sunday, even when it's windy and raining on and off like it is today! So I'm plotting to ride in the week, and once I've finished about 6 months worth of ironing I'm going to clean the Maxima.

Who wants to recommend me a good route from w london out to the country and back? I might do that Windsor one on Tuesday...

Try this one - head out along the Portsmouth road to Cobham, back via Epsom.

http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=13336

tailwindhome

The damn Italian roadbike fashionistas are gonna kill me for getting mud all over the roadie :oops:

Mudguards son, that's what you need, a nice pair of mudguards.

lost_in_thought

Il Principe wrote:

lost_in_thought wrote:

Well, so far I've not been out on the bike. Because I'm not working, I don't have to go out on a sunday, just because it's a sunday, even when it's windy and raining on and off like it is today! So I'm plotting to ride in the week, and once I've finished about 6 months worth of ironing I'm going to clean the Maxima.

Who wants to recommend me a good route from w london out to the country and back? I might do that Windsor one on Tuesday...

Try this one - head out along the Portsmouth road to Cobham, back via Epsom.

http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=13336

Ooooh thanks, those are those pesky surrey hills that nearly killed me 2 weeks after I got back on the bike after getting out of plaster... they should be much easier by now!

Fireblade96

WheezyMcChubby wrote:

The damn Italian roadbike fashionistas are gonna kill me for getting mud all over the roadie :oops:

Mudguards son, that's what you need, a nice pair of mudguards.

No, they'd lynch me for that too ! It's bad enough that my bar tape doesn't match my saddle !

il_principe

lost_in_thought wrote:

Il Principe wrote:

lost_in_thought wrote:

Well, so far I've not been out on the bike. Because I'm not working, I don't have to go out on a sunday, just because it's a sunday, even when it's windy and raining on and off like it is today! So I'm plotting to ride in the week, and once I've finished about 6 months worth of ironing I'm going to clean the Maxima.

Who wants to recommend me a good route from w london out to the country and back? I might do that Windsor one on Tuesday...

Try this one - head out along the Portsmouth road to Cobham, back via Epsom.

http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=13336

Ooooh thanks, those are those pesky surrey hills that nearly killed me 2 weeks after I got back on the bike after getting out of plaster... they should be much easier by now!

I'm sure you know,but you can save that route direct to the Garmin.

lost_in_thought

Il Principe wrote:

lost_in_thought wrote:

Il Principe wrote:

lost_in_thought wrote:

Well, so far I've not been out on the bike. Because I'm not working, I don't have to go out on a sunday, just because it's a sunday, even when it's windy and raining on and off like it is today! So I'm plotting to ride in the week, and once I've finished about 6 months worth of ironing I'm going to clean the Maxima.

Who wants to recommend me a good route from w london out to the country and back? I might do that Windsor one on Tuesday...

Try this one - head out along the Portsmouth road to Cobham, back via Epsom.

http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=13336

Ooooh thanks, those are those pesky surrey hills that nearly killed me 2 weeks after I got back on the bike after getting out of plaster... they should be much easier by now!

I'm sure you know,but you can save that route direct to the Garmin.

Yes, but thanks for the reminder! Must find garmin cable... :oops:

tebbit

I was working to 7 30pm after a 7am start the day before I was laid off, freelance, so, so long and thanks for all the fish.

Three months later I'm working away in Paris, just started last week, from the next few months in Paris I'll be in the Ukraine, the down side is the odd trip to Chernobyl and my wife being back in Blighty, but I agree with Fireblade96 it is a horrible situation to be in. I spent so much time applying for jobs only to be ignored by job agencies, or have the rate cut drastically or the location change, that I thought I wouldn't work again at one stage.

All the best to those still searching for work.

londonlivvy

LiT, try this one for a few hills - tis v.scenic.
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-ki ... 4481345359

though I realise it'll be more like 90 by the time you've crossed from West London...

this is kinda nice - very flat - not as cute as the kent hills - but not bad. and presumably even better traffic wise on a weekday!!

http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-ki ... 6985310048

stuaff

lost_in_thought wrote:

EDIT: I promise I will clean the viner this evening. In plus sides, the rain has washed off the orange dust from RP off-roading!

Not good enough. Go and get it dirty again
Did clean my chain and cassette off, but I've still got muck on the tyres......

Fireblade96

Il Principe wrote:

.......

Try this one - head out along the Portsmouth road to Cobham, back via Epsom.

http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=13336

Ooh, that could hurt - there's a lot of hills in them parts. Several years ago I was seeing a young lady in West Clandon, and while she was working I'd go biking up to Newlands Corner and along the North Downs. There's some hills round there that I had to push up !

I remember a cracking tea shop at a farm somewhere in the Abinger Hammer area. I dropped down to it from the North Downs Way, but it was full of roadies so there must be a road access to it as well.

@ LiT : You *still* haven't cleaned the Viner after RP ? You know the Italians can come and repossess it if they think you aren't taking care of it, don't you ?

Littigator

I got made redundant back in January. My wife and I headed to Africa to do 6 months voluntary work in early April so we've still got 2 months to go. After that we'll back back for 3 weeks and then we're going travelling rouhd Africa to see more of it.

I don;t miss my job at all. But I do miss my bikes I haven't ridden since I got here...poor Littigator.

On the plus side I am sat outside typing this wathing the Indian Ocean roll by :twisted:

il_principe

Littigator wrote:

I got made redundant back in January. My wife and I headed to Africa to do 6 months voluntary work in early April so we've still got 2 months to go. After that we'll back back for 3 weeks and then we're going travelling rouhd Africa to see more of it.

I don;t miss my job at all. But I do miss my bikes I haven't ridden since I got here...poor Littigator.

On the plus side I am sat outside typing this watching the Indian Ocean roll by :twisted:

Take it you're enjoying yourselves then? Will you be back in time for next years Tweed run?

chuckcork

lost_in_thought wrote:

Ooooh thanks, those are those pesky surrey hills that nearly killed me 2 weeks after I got back on the bike after getting out of plaster... they should be much easier by now!

The hills aren't pesky, they're scenic.

If you feel up to it, Kingston Wheelers head that way every Sunday from 9am for their club run. Tea and cake somewhere half way-ish and they'll wait for you if you fall behind, I would! :oops:

Feel free to come along, you'd be more than welcome. If getting there is an issue the start point is near Surbiton rail station, which several others use to get there as well.

biondino

tebbit wrote:

from the next few months in Paris I'll be in the Ukraine, the down side is the odd trip to Chernobyl

I dunno if that's a down side - it's pretty safe for the most part as long as you don't, like, eat the local cabbages, and it's an amazing, moving, unique place to go. have a look at this site - it's fascinating.

Littigator

Il Principe wrote:

Littigator wrote:

I got made redundant back in January. My wife and I headed to Africa to do 6 months voluntary work in early April so we've still got 2 months to go. After that we'll back back for 3 weeks and then we're going travelling rouhd Africa to see more of it.

I don;t miss my job at all. But I do miss my bikes I haven't ridden since I got here...poor Littigator.

On the plus side I am sat outside typing this watching the Indian Ocean roll by :twisted:

Take it you're enjoying yourselves then? Will you be back in time for next years Tweed run?

Perhaps...perhaps not, but I really do miss some of the rides that I was just starting to enjoy with LFGSS and some track riding at Herne Hill. The only bikies they have over here weigh about 20 kilos and have old style 28x1.25 rims that weigh more than my entire bike back home

lost_in_thought

Litts, I've been reading your blog and have to say I'm more than a little jealous!

il_principe

Fireblade96 wrote:

Il Principe wrote:

.......

Try this one - head out along the Portsmouth road to Cobham, back via Epsom.

http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=13336

Ooh, that could hurt - there's a lot of hills in them parts. Several years ago I was seeing a young lady in West Clandon, and while she was working I'd go biking up to Newlands Corner and along the North Downs. There's some hills round there that I had to push up !

I remember a cracking tea shop at a farm somewhere in the Abinger Hammer area. I dropped down to it from the North Downs Way, but it was full of roadies so there must be a road access to it as well.

That's one of my regular shorter routes, Crocknorth can hurt but aside from that there's nothing to worry about. Head south of Ranmore Common and there are some entertaining climbs though - can be roadie central at weekends!

Fireblade96

Another dry day mostly wasted in front of a computer :-(

I think I need to go for a ride.

If anyone fancies a beer and can make it to
http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/67/6742/King_William_IV/Hailey

in about an hour's time or so, I'll be there !

Later, kids.....

Fireblade96

In tonight's episode:-

I'm concerned that the Dark Side is getting to me, I blasted past a knobbly-tyred MTBer like he was going backwards :shock:

Had a lovely pint of Brakspears, guzzled rather quickly because it was rather chilly outside the pub,


and pootled home. Only 25 miles, but they were good ones and possibly the last dry ones this week if the forecast is to be believed.

Fireblade96

Il Principe wrote:

Fireblade96 wrote:

Il Principe wrote:

.......

Try this one - head out along the Portsmouth road to Cobham, back via Epsom.

http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=13336

I remember a cracking tea shop at a farm somewhere in the Abinger Hammer area. I dropped down to it from the North Downs Way, but it was full of roadies so there must be a road access to it as well.

That's one of my regular shorter routes, Crocknorth can hurt but aside from that there's nothing to worry about. Head south of Ranmore Common and there are some entertaining climbs though - can be roadie central at weekends!

But....most importantly, where's the tea shop ?
I remember it as being in a farm yard, and having absolutely superb cake. I'm never down that way now, but I'd almost consider risking it for a visit to that tea shop

squired

I lost my job at the end of April, but due to being a bit of a saver and getting a good payoff the finances weren't a problem. Worst luck though, got a job offer yesterday. In almost 3 months off I applied for 2 jobs and managed to get the second one!

Due to being lumbered with doing up my mum's house so she can sell it and move into something more suitable for a soon to be retired lady my riding has been severely limited. Having said that, I've been hitting the weights big-time and seen some really good results. Thankfully the new job is based in the middle of nowhere, with a nice commute along country lanes, which will be a bit different to my previous commute to Knightsbridge (which was actually pretty good and far better than when I worked in the square mile). Having said that, the monthly train fare also drops from something like £120 to £30 so it isn't going to be as easy justifying expenditure on the bike.

lost_in_thought

Well, a very pleasant day with a couple of rides - ealing to holborn area and back, and then down to RP for a lap and a half-ish then to Putney for a beer and home! Doesn't seem far but the miles add up... 45 all told today. However, not really redundancy miles, as they were all done sort of outside working hours.

Must try harder. :P