How can I build a career without getting burnt out?
Dear Deb,
My work history is not perfect. I tend to work for a while, get burnt out after the product is released, and then leave the job. Because I am pretty good at what I do - gaming coding - I have always been about to hop back into the working world after several months off. However, I have been having trouble lately getting back in with the big game houses. I am engaged to be married and my fiancé is not into my lifestyle of working when I please. Do you have any suggestions for how I can build a career to support a family (yikes) and not go berserk working day-after-day at the same place?
Kirk in Pleasanton, CA
Dear Kirk:
You are one step ahead of my clients I have counseled over the years. You truly understand what drives you. Congratulations on the engagement! Based on what you have shared, it seems you are a project-oriented individual. That actually aligns very well with your talents and the way the gaming industry operates at this point. Have you considered working freelance or contract work? I did a quick search this morning and there are many opportunities, especially in your geographic area. If you are willing to work as part of a team, you can go from project to project. You may have small periods of down-time, but temp work in other areas of coding can fill that time. Part of your planning should be research with a financial and insurance advisor. As an independent contractor, you will be responsible for your tax reporting, personal health insurance, and retirement savings. One last piece of advice is that if you choose a freelance career, be careful to build relationships and not burn bridges. Over your career, you will see the same people again and again. In freelance, it helps to have alliances to alert you when new projects are on the horizon.
If you have a question for Deb, please email debra@careersdonewrite.com. The Ask Deb column appears every Friday on our blog at the Careers Done Write website.