I guess the drafting is that it pays next to minimum now-a-days. I started as a drafter back in 1975 after my divorce (because I needed work) but became self taught in the stuff I needed for construction projects in HVAC, electrical and plumbing – including all the codes. I was generally called a “designer” but did the same work as the engineers and supported my family until they were on their own. I tried doing some CAD drafting (oh, yeah, that was just part of the learning process during my working years) freelance here, but the few independent architects who could use my work were struggling in the 90s (after my last lay-off) so now in my 70s I have learned to live more frugally in my big house. I put aside savings from each employer and even with the stock market also letting us down, I’m OK.
I guess the drafting is that it pays next to minimum now-a-days. I started as a drafter back in 1975 after my divorce (because I needed work) but became self taught in the stuff I needed for construction projects in HVAC, electrical and plumbing – including all the codes. I was generally called a “designer” but did the same work as the engineers and supported my family until they were on their own. I tried doing some CAD drafting (oh, yeah, that was just part of the learning process during my working years) freelance here, but the few independent architects who could use my work were struggling in the 90s (after my last lay-off) so now in my 70s I have learned to live more frugally in my big house. I put aside savings from each employer and even with the stock market also letting us down, I’m OK.