Life’s Little Surprises…
Ever questioned something you’ve held on to your entire life? Like, ever wonder if your on the wrong path? Okay, that’s cliche, and of course everyone has. But it’s a bit awkward for me because I’ve been heading this way since I was a little kid. I had my whole life planned out when I was like 5. Grow up, get through school, get a Master’s degree in computers, get married, and go work for Nintendo. I’ve had that in my head since elementary school (well, minus the marriage part).
This weekend I took a leisure trip back to my hometown and lived with a friend for a few days (he’s married with a kid btw). It was great, waking up and havin’ a friend right there to boot up and play some games with all day. I’m the kind of person that hates to put people out for me, so I tried to do what I could and clean up the house a bit when they were out or asleep. And honestly, standing there washing dishes at 4 in the morning, I was really kinda happy in a rare way. It was surprisingly relaxing to think of myself in that kind of life, that simple existence can be beautiful in it’s simplicity. Hell, I even got along well with the baby, and I hate kids. (side thought: ok ok, I’ll admit it, I’m actually quite good with kids. I’d probably even make a good father if I set my mind to it…but that doesn’t mean I want to, lol. Dirty diapers and waking me up in the middle of the night are a big no no.)
No no, I’m not gonna be running off from college in an attempt to “simplify” my life. I’ll get through school if for no other reason than to surpass my father (as much distaste as I have for the old fool, pray for him as he’s in the hospital). However, I am no longer planning on getting a Master’s degree (for good reason I’ll explain below), and am planning on taking my fall semester distance education (aka online courses), and taking a retail job over the summer and fall. Can you guess where, can you, eh? Surprise surprise…GameStop.
So, looking to spend a few months slaving in game retail, dealing with a horrible boss, and working to get my online coursework done. Wait…this idea was to give me some free time…ugh…well we’ll see how that goes. Anyways, why the rethinking of the Masters? Well, I visited a special program the other day put on by EA, talking about what they look for in hiring graduates (btw, I got a free copy of Madden Wii, lol). I spoke with the lady that gave the presentation afterwards. She pretty much said a Master’s doesn’t mean crap next to actual game making experience, and in general companies look much more at what kind of projects you’ve worked on than your degree itself. Oh, and second, college really starts to wear on you after a couple years…seriously…
So, I guess I’m not exactly changing my life path or anything, but I certainly did take a while to ponder just what kind of lifestyle I’m getting myself into. I think after all the shit I’ve gone through in the past year, I’d be content working just about any decent paying game-related job, the idea of being some big higher-up at Nintendo no longer feels necessary for me, although I’m certainly not trashing my dream. But if at some point something derails me, I think I could be okay with that. A simpler life might not be so bad…
Eh, forgive me, I’m having a moment. I need sleep…
well i am glad you enjoyed your time here, i enjoyd having a clean kitchen. So you are welcome anytime.
d
Dianna said this on March 25th, 2007 at 8:49 pm
Hehe, yeah, I had a great time. It was a much needed break. And I enjoy being helpful, it’s the least I can do for good friends. ^_^
Nmaster said this on March 25th, 2007 at 8:52 pm
So in other words… Your settling for less? Because college is starting to “wear” on you? Experience is key to success in anything, however you should not use that as an excuse to “give up”. Instead get your masters and while doing that work somewhere else on the side gathering experience. Yes its hard, but thats life. The hard work will pay off.
Anonymous said this on March 26th, 2007 at 5:23 pm
You underestimate the workload. Besides, like I was told, the Master’s is meaningless next to experience, so why not take the time I would spend on getting the Master’s to work on as many projects as I can handle? It only makes sense…
I can definitely say from experience you learn 100 times more doing real work than in school. I’d feel more accomplished working on something productive than just aiming for a bigger piece of paper. I’d rather have a couple game projects and that experience behind me than a degree that just says “I was willing to waste one more year.”
Nmaster said this on March 26th, 2007 at 5:32 pm
A degree will get you in the door, and it’s one more thing to use as ammunition. There are plenty of people who do it all, college and experience, I did… You may find however that you have to put down your games and your social life to do so.
But that fine, do what you will. But when you are applying for a job and the next candidate not only has experience but a college degree, you will lose.
You’ve started, don’t quit. I promise you if you quit now you will find that throughout life you always take the easy way.
Anonymous said this on March 26th, 2007 at 6:06 pm
I’m really not very concerned about getting in the door, the worst case is I have to stick to some smaller projects for a while and gain even more experience, and I have no issues with that. By then I may have chosen to go into gaming journalism or some other path anyway, and of course there’s no clue to what will happen with personal affairs.
I’m merely noting that at this point in time, I no longer feel it necessary. But life is unpredictable, and it’s a road I’ll cross when I come to it I suppose. I’m likely to change my mind, or have someone else push me to that decision, or a million other possibilities. When the decision comes, I’ll just do whatever I think will make me the happiest.
I should note, I already have little actual gaming time and no social life as it is, and that’s what is wearing on me. I do have to maintain my own sanity somehow…I’m not sure how much longer I can sit in front of this computer 24/7…
Nmaster said this on March 26th, 2007 at 6:17 pm
Happiness is relative, it is an emotion which comes and goes. Don’t make life altering decisions on something so unstable as an emotion, especially when you don’t know where the hard work will lead you.
Put it this way, would it be a bad thing to have a Masters?… No. Could it be a bad thing not to have a Masters?… Possibly.
Anonymous said this on March 27th, 2007 at 4:09 am
I totally understand where you’re coming from, but I think you miss the point that I’m quite content with dealing with the consequences…
It’s just a matter of where my priorities lie when I come to where I have to make that decision. If I had to make the decision now, I’d say no. But I’ve got almost 2 years to decide, and some things are sure to change between now and then, so you never know…
Nmaster said this on March 27th, 2007 at 3:21 pm