architecture graduate - go hdb or developer better?

[normalmail]

hello. I realized that every time I google with keyword “architecture” and “developer”, I always only have one very old thread on this forum to refer to. it’s so outdated haha so I’d like to ask for insights that are up to date on this issue:

1) with an aki masters degree, should one join hdb or a private developer to have better worklife balance and remuneration?

(a) which developers do you recommend/blacklist to work for?
(b) what about LTA (i heard it’s an attractive workplace but don’t know if they hire architecture ppl)
(c) any other career paths worth considering besides the above? to be RTO or RE?

I suppose hdb would have somewhat better job security but poorer career progression? by career progression I mostly mean potential for pay increment. Like, in long run can’t earn that well?

And also, I become less employable once I’ve joined gov sector is it....? cos private firms believe gov firm experience isn’t real experience...is that true?

to start off, I’d like to mention that my goal is to have a comfortable life. i hope for a 9-5job, with good pay, bonuses, and welfare in general. I know aki firms likely can’t bring me there, and i am not hung up about creative processes so I don’t mind leaving consultancy. I just hope stay in this industry due to familiarity and because I will RIP in workplaces where I have to do finance haha.

I have a friend in hdb who seems to earn at least 1-2k more than I do, and she has family-day and stuff like that, in addition to bonuses intermittently. barely OT. that seems like such a life! but I wonder if it’s sustainable in the long run because pay raises don’t jump much unless one changes firm often right? but from hdb can jump to where haha

if you’re curious about my specific situation, here are details about me below. I welcome all general insights to my query, so if your advice isn’t that relevant to my circumstances, that’s ok too okay!
-I am a local aki graduate. graduated 2yrs ago, was working in a construction firm as an aki staff to my uncle. Recently joined an aki firm and am clueless about work, but hoping after a year in this aki firm I will have more relevant experience to boast
-I tried to apply to hdb right after 2years in the construction firm but received no response. Figured going to an aki firm would boost my chances but discovered one peer in developer (from hearsay) is out-earning those in hdb.
so now I’m thinking maybe instead of setting sights on hdb, I should consider developers. But I have no understanding of that career landscape at all.

hope someone on this forum is able to help.
Thank you!
Figures and numbers wrt pay and leave benefits etc will help!!

P.S. Oh ya and I don’t intend to be a QP because there doesn’t seem to be proportional benefits - slight pay increment after studying ass off, plus bigger responsibilities. just saying. you are welcomed to change my mind.

[BiestaGetse]

I 'm new in this, I would also like to know where to search all the actual information

go switch to data science and get better bucks for your time.

Can consider URA.

[megan2019]

To keep abreast of the latest information, you need to constantly monitor specialized sites and subscribe to magazines in this sphere. Many famous contemporary architects and designers blog nowadays. It makes sense to subscribe to them. In addition, exhibitions are held annually worldwide where all the novelties of the past year are presented. Also, I would recommend staying tuned to softwaredeal.store. Drawing programs with which we work every day are constantly updated and made changes. So, this way,you will always keep up with the times.

architects in SG are just glorified project managers.

a true architect would not work in SG upon graduation and actually dabble in the design process, which is not afforded to them in the SG environment.

win some international awards, then come back and work as an actual architect after that.