Posted by Michael on October 17, 2003 at 08:10:31:I am a 20 year veteran of a global engineering firm and recently started my own business. I am stepping back to my CAD days to provide CAD services. What I am finding is amazing.
*CAD is down to a service level equal to flipping burgers (Salary wise)
*3D, once a high technology is now a commodity
*Everyone does CADIt is my opinion that what was once a highly skilled and paid career is now just a basic service level job. I believe this is happening because:
*Software companies are too relaxed on giving out student level software at low rates.
*Software prices and lite versions are being offered for free or at cheap prices
*Software is becoming so automated that anyone without training can do it and get into the market
*Designers are competing on bidding boards and dropping fees to very low ratesIf we are to maintain our markets, grow our revenues, and charge higher fees we need to as a CAD community expect our software manufacturers to price and offer software that keeps the non-CAD people from playing in the market, raise our rates to get out of the service market, and overall add value to our industry.
You’re Thoughts