Grad school or start my architecture business? (Viewer Question + a decision-making framework)

In this video I answer a viewer’s question and describe the 5-step framework I use when making difficult decisions. Marcel from Wisconsin asks whether he should continue on with graduate school or get started building his design-build architecture business.

My framework for making difficult decisions consists of 5 essential questions. They are:

1 – Which choice best supports my definition of success?
2 – Which route provides the most optionality?
3 – Does choosing one option preclude exercising the other or others at a later date? (Linear progression – i.e. licensure or a parallel one – i.e. business)
4 – What is the opportunity cost? What do I give up by selecting one route over the other?
5 – Is this actually a false choice? Can I do both?

Although I initially dodged the question, I offer my honest opinion beginning at the 7:30 mark. What do you think, do you agree? Disagree? Let’s help Marcel out by sharing your thoughts in the comments.

Have a question you’d like featured here? Send a short video to: eric@thirtbyforty.com and I’ll add it to the queue.

// GEAR I USE //

DSLR CAMERA:
* Canon 70D: http://amzn.to/29klz7k

LENSES:
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* Canon 40mm f2.8 Lens: http://amzn.to/29x2QcI

AUDIO:
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* ATR-2100 USB (dynamic mic): http://amzn.to/2dFDaKp

ARCHITECTURE GEAR:
* Prismacolor Markers: http://thirtybyforty.com/markers
* Timelapse Camera: http://thirtybyforty.com/brinno
* AutoCAD LT: http://amzn.to/2dxjMDH
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* HP T120 Plotter: http://amzn.to/2dBGf1O
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STARTUP TOOLKIT:
* Architect + Entrepreneur Startup Toolkit: http://thirtybyforty.com/SPL

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Please watch: “Making a Site Model – The Outpost Project”

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