Currently in that dream firm. Every week is a conflict between “this is some of the coolest work I’ve ever worked on” and going home tired and stressed out every night around 8. Even later around deadlines. It still feels like my dream job at the same time that it can feel like a nightmare. I also feel a sense of guilt about being a willing participant/enabler of the stereotypically toxic architecture work culture.

I don’t regret it because I’ve definitely scratched an itch, and I’m learning a lot that I’ll take with me in my career. But it’s not sustainable long-term for me. Definitely am gonna seek an office where work/life balance and personal needs are more valued after this.