I just finished my master architecture degree at the Technical University in Vienna, so as i read earlier I also connect dots with lines and draw rectangles that ought to be a building.
From competition levels all down to detail work i have done everythi g concerning architecture.
Before i finished my studies i had shitty jobs,running a bar at a fitness center,worked in a laboratory (boring as eff) etc. etc.
The architecture job i work in now is quite stressful most of the time,competition time means working 2-3 weeks straight,no week ends,dead lines and sh.
My dad is an architect too but works mostly in our 150 year old small and humble 2man brass workshop.
I live in the district in vienna where chandeliers were made,brass and crystal work.
We produce design pieces made mostly out of heavy sand casted brass,every piece is handmade and indivdually finished.customers mostly in the US.
We dont have much high tech stuff and machines most work get s done by hand.
This is also where my heart beats, the architecture has become a IT business with too less money involved here, so on the weekends i mostly hang out on the week ends in the work shop and work on my bikes.
Though about learning a different trade aditionally (maybe welder) to forge my skillset.