Career in architecture - should I give up?

[CheerfullyIndifferent]

So, the short version of how we got here: I'm originally from another country and met my DH while travelling around a bit. At the time, I was doing job interviews in Ireland and all was seemed to be going well, then credit crunch happened. I couldn't find a job in my area and we decided to use that time to start a family. I was then diagnosed with a chronic disease and struggled for a few years. During that time, I worked as a photographer and studied interior design at the local college, but I keep coming back to architecture.

So, the thing is, I really really want to go back. I am fully qualified in my country but my degree is not recognised by the ARB. I am preparing for the prescribed examinations but I don't think I would be able to do it without getting a job first (because of one of the criteria and because of the fees ). Now one of the recruiters I sent my cv to said that I have no chance without UK experience. Is that really where I stand? Should I just give it all up (6+ years at uni plus something I really really love doing) and try something else or should I just stick to it until I find someone who believes in me - if there is such a thing outside fairy tales?

Does anyone have any advice of what I could do to get started again? I feel a bit lost at the moment, one moment I think something like a Revit course would help but then again, I don't have £1000 to throw in the bin if no one's interested in hiring me, IYSWIM.

Sorry for the long ranty thread, but I just need a bit of advice from people who don't know me and will invariably say everything is going to work out fine. TIA!

Oh, and I'm in my mid-30s if it makes any difference

What sort of position are you applying for?

I would avoid recruiters and approach companies directly.

It's a great career. I would pay the £1000. Do a conversion course at a British university if you can. If you need experience but employers are not keen, send out your CV and a covering letter and offer to work in a voluntary position for 3 months (or whatever) with a view to negotiating a salary after that or at least a good reference. Have a chat with them and see what they can offer you. It might be difficult to get back into at this point, but the pay-off when you do manage it will be well worth it.

whatsthatcomingoverthehill I am applying to everything I think I would be suitable for based on the description but I know I am not likely to get anything above Part I assistant or junior CAD technician. I really don't have a problem with that, but the recruiters feedback really knocked me back. Thanks, I will try the direct approach and leave the agencies alone for a bit.

FeckArseIndustries I never managed to find a conversion course, and the universities I approached would only let me skip the 1st year - the thought of spending another 5+ years in university studying the same thing fills me with dread. I will definitely do the examinations as soon as I am ready though, I know having the British qualification is quite important higher up on the career. I will look into the cad course asap, many thanks for your advice.

Thanks both of you

Look into your local college for a Revit course rather than CAD. I have just completed a Revit course over 4 months at my local college. It seems to be in high demand at the moment due to it being industry standard. I'd also look into completing a portfolio that will show off your skils.