So I got laid off in June as a CAD Architectural Technician due to the economy. I’ve been struggling to find a job here in MN, which is the one state that has been hit the hardest in the architecture/engineering/construction field. I’ll check out Careerbuilder.com and search for jobs and the only jobs I do find are in other states, mainly CA. I’m so freaking pissed off that there is nothing out there. I got so many bills to pay and my unemployment benefits just aren’t enough. Yesterday I sent my resume and a cover letter to a big percentage of architect firms here in MN and I’ve already had 10 replies saying that they’re not hiring. I’ve been thinking about going back to school, but what are the chances the banks will even give me a school loan???? One reason my field has been impacted so much is because the stupid banks won’t give out loans to people in the first place. So am I basically screwed for the next 3 years? I’ve applied for other jobs that pay way less, but even they won’t hire me. I don’t know what to do and I’m wondering if I should just go back to school for accounting or some other field where there is a high demand for workers. If anyone is in the same boat, please let me know what you’re doing to make ends meet. I should mention I’m only 23 and I have school loans, a car payment, rent, car insurance and a phone bill to pay. I’m basically screwed right now and this economy doesn’t seem to be getting any better. 
. Are there ways to get school loans, even though I already have school loans I’m paying???
Down markets is part of our industry, this will not be our last, there will be others. Heck, this is the third recession for me. If you’re unwilling to move/relocate, there really isn’t all that much you can do. It’s not like you’re the only one looking for work, the entire industry is hurting. The good news is indicators show we are at the bottom and we’re waiting for the economy to pick up. Since we’re in the front end of the market, you can’t reliably look for signs for recovery on TV. By the time data is recorded for the number of building permit applications, architectural offices already onto other projects.
No one can say when our market will pick up, but it will happen. The lesson learned here is to take advantage during a good market. For young candidates like you, you need to pursue your registration, get ahead of peers in the office by volunteering for more responsibility, honing your craft by working 60-80 hours/week, volunteer at AIA functions and save up whenever possible. That was the formula that worked for me when I was your age. I did end up working overseas because of the market in the US. The best part about this profession is, your hard work will pay off.