I’m leaving architecture proper (staying in the design field, but working independently) for this reason. My labour is billed to clients at three times my hourly rate, I receive no benefits as a contracted employee (paid as a consultant), and regularly work overtime to execute someone else’s concepts. The latter would not be an issue if the industry-wide quality of work were better here in Canada, but the overwhelming majority of medium to large firms (where one would receive benefits) produce cookie-cutter buildings the mercy of cheap developers and clients.

Disregarding the quality of the work, the most obvious solution to the ubiquitous presence of overtime in the industry would be to hire more people, but there doesn’t seem to be enough money to go around - especially if you want to do something even slightly outside the norm.

That's why I don't understand the poor rates so called contractors get in the USA and Now Canada certain types of employers try this on in the UK but they wont get the best candidates by offering straight time for a 4-6 month contract - instead of 3x

> That's great for you that your life is so comfortable but do not assume it applies universally.

I'm an independent contractor, I just go from company to company. I just witness it, it doesn't apply to my life.

> I have worked at a job you describe where people do not do much, but I would hardly say that is the norm.

You stay very long at the same company. I don't. My job involve dev and training, and hence I go from company to company. There is a trend in what I see.