So far, I'm not living up to my expectation that I would write here more.
I blame World of Warcraft. To a lesser extent, I blame this city for not having that much available to do, thus compelling me to stay at home and play World of Warcraft.
Work has been pretty insane lately, although I guess that's par for the course in this industry. It's so easy to go from "I think everything's finished" to total crunch time in 24 hours. I nearly hit my first 80 hour work week as my usual hours (which usually include some time on weekends when there's lots to do) got augmented by consecutive 14, 16, and 20 hour days.
Ouch!
I took a couple of days off to extend this past weekend and decompress, which I desperately needed. (In the process, I managed to coax an absolutely gorgeous overdriven single-coil tone out of my recently-restrung Parker and my trusty POD.) Getting material ready for this last deadline was a pretty big struggle, but I'm actually pretty proud of what I achieved, and I'm a little more at peace with the whole process now that I survived it. I also have a sense that my Department Lead has got my back that I haven't had in some of the other departments I've been in, so that's pretty hip.
I still finding myself wondering "what next?" as I ponder the future of a career spent making videogames. I think the industry is hitting puberty, and I think that the issues of economics and quality of life (google "EA Spouse" if you're at all interested in the subject) will probably get ironed out in the next decade. I can envision it becoming the new film industry, where talented people can create a body of work over decades. But every once in a while I find myself a little nervous at what I'd do if this particular gig came to an end. I don't know that "Game Designer" raises possibilities so much as it does eyebrows when nestled into a resume.
I don't know if I've mentioned it previously, but one of my friends is showing me the ropes of C programming, and if I take to it (I'm just a few lessons in but functions are kicking my ass) I may consider heading back to school. It might allow me to stay in the industry, and contribute on an even bigger level (I do really like learning more about all the parts involved, so code seems like an intriguing next step), but have a more portable and sustainable skillset if I ever decide to flee for the regular 9 to 5 world. Career-wise, I think I'm where I belong. I just want to make sure that it's a sustainable opportunity. I want the family and house and kids and the savings account and retirement plan.
I also totally want to buy Dogslife an entire bar full of drinks. If you're reading this, you can come along too.
I still need to start a band, I still need to write... something. Maybe not a novel or a short story... but something. I need some creative goals to get the juices flowing. I need to jazz up this cycle of wake up - go to work - go to lunch - go back to work - come home - play warcraft - go to bed - repeat.
I just need to figure out how.
When I'm thinkin' like this - I really miss Toronto. If there was a dull moment, it was by choice, because I wasn't indulging in all the wonderful diversions that place had in ready supply.
I need a beer on a patio somewhere. (Somewhere warm.)
I blame World of Warcraft. To a lesser extent, I blame this city for not having that much available to do, thus compelling me to stay at home and play World of Warcraft.
Work has been pretty insane lately, although I guess that's par for the course in this industry. It's so easy to go from "I think everything's finished" to total crunch time in 24 hours. I nearly hit my first 80 hour work week as my usual hours (which usually include some time on weekends when there's lots to do) got augmented by consecutive 14, 16, and 20 hour days.
Ouch!
I took a couple of days off to extend this past weekend and decompress, which I desperately needed. (In the process, I managed to coax an absolutely gorgeous overdriven single-coil tone out of my recently-restrung Parker and my trusty POD.) Getting material ready for this last deadline was a pretty big struggle, but I'm actually pretty proud of what I achieved, and I'm a little more at peace with the whole process now that I survived it. I also have a sense that my Department Lead has got my back that I haven't had in some of the other departments I've been in, so that's pretty hip.
I still finding myself wondering "what next?" as I ponder the future of a career spent making videogames. I think the industry is hitting puberty, and I think that the issues of economics and quality of life (google "EA Spouse" if you're at all interested in the subject) will probably get ironed out in the next decade. I can envision it becoming the new film industry, where talented people can create a body of work over decades. But every once in a while I find myself a little nervous at what I'd do if this particular gig came to an end. I don't know that "Game Designer" raises possibilities so much as it does eyebrows when nestled into a resume.
I don't know if I've mentioned it previously, but one of my friends is showing me the ropes of C programming, and if I take to it (I'm just a few lessons in but functions are kicking my ass) I may consider heading back to school. It might allow me to stay in the industry, and contribute on an even bigger level (I do really like learning more about all the parts involved, so code seems like an intriguing next step), but have a more portable and sustainable skillset if I ever decide to flee for the regular 9 to 5 world. Career-wise, I think I'm where I belong. I just want to make sure that it's a sustainable opportunity. I want the family and house and kids and the savings account and retirement plan.
I also totally want to buy Dogslife an entire bar full of drinks. If you're reading this, you can come along too.
I still need to start a band, I still need to write... something. Maybe not a novel or a short story... but something. I need some creative goals to get the juices flowing. I need to jazz up this cycle of wake up - go to work - go to lunch - go back to work - come home - play warcraft - go to bed - repeat.
I just need to figure out how.
When I'm thinkin' like this - I really miss Toronto. If there was a dull moment, it was by choice, because I wasn't indulging in all the wonderful diversions that place had in ready supply.
I need a beer on a patio somewhere. (Somewhere warm.)
VIEW 8 of 8 COMMENTS
Except that I do have business cards, and they don't say that.
and yes you are the coolest for your vinyl Labyrinth. I only had it on cassette. Both times I have seen him live I have discussed with the person I was there with the chances of his playing Magic Dance at some point in the show. Both times we agreed it was unlikely but that it would go over really well. Especially considering his new 'gee, isn't this fun!' kind of stage persona.
[Edited on Feb 24, 2006 8:16PM]
[Edited on Feb 24, 2006 8:16PM]