So Why Not Start Over?

I talk to people with career issues, from being out of work to unhappy with their job.  They are tired of the search or tired of the work.  They've done all they can or are just plain done.  Oh sure, they're trying to move forward with life but aren't sure it's working, or if they care.

Here's a suggestion:  why not just start over?

If whatever you're doing isn't working, why not just decide to go blank slate, give up your ideas and plans and techniques, and just start over:

  • Quit your job search for one day and then re-design it from step one.
  • If you're unemployed, just take any reasonable job mand throw yourself into it for a few weeks to just have a start of any kind.
  • Drop your career plans and ideas that seem dead in a water and re-evaluate them from square one.
  • Take that option to relocate from your company and get a fresh start (if your spouse, friends, pets, etc. are OK with it).
  • Try something new at work, a new project, etc.
  • If you're unemployed go on and try and start your own business on the side while you search.  Why not?
  • Take a friend up on that offer to move in with them until you get on your feet.

In short, if it all is lousy, why not a fresh start?  What do you have to loose?

If you think about starting over, then you'll know.

The flipside of of starting over is that when you consider it, you'll then ask yourself if it's really worth starting over.  Confronting the possibility of throwing out your current plans makes you confront your plans – and yourself.

Maybe it's time to start over.

Or maybe considering it will make you appreciate what you have.

– Steven Savage

Metal Card! I Choose You!

I was at GDC when I ran into a gentleman discussing a hard truth about programming – that a game developer (and I'd say any developer) should get some experience in computer languages that get their "hands dirty" as opposed to doing all the work for them.  .NET, Java, Flash, etc. are all good, but a little experience with C, C++, or gods help you assembly will quickly teach you the reality of technology.

(For those of you not initiated to the mysteries of programming, simply there are some languages that do a lot of work for the programmer such as managing memory, etc.  Other languages give you finer control over what you do, but also expose you to the guts of the operating system and things like managing memory, accessing resources, and more.)

The gentleman I talked to then gave me his business card.

It was made of metal with his name, email address, and website printed on it.

Yes.  His business card was made of metal.

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Epic Resume Go! Part 5! Tie-Ins!

"Wait", you think, "didn't I just do my resume?  Isn't that what all of this is about?"  Another section?

Well, if a resume is a story, it's made even better by supplemental material.  Like movie photobooks, sequels, short stories – additional elements help flesh your resume out.

Things that help you "tell your story" include:
Cover Letters – These are an art in themselves (perhaps one I should cover sometime). Cover letters help tell your story as well – I think of them as "previews" of your resume.

Websites – Having a professional/personal website helps tell your story as well.  Of course you want to have your website fit your theme and focus.

Social Media – Twitter, Facebook, etc. all are great ways to show who you are.  They're also ways to embarrass the hell out of yourself, so use them cautiously.

Portfolios – Portfolios can be online or offline (or both), and range from simple prints to clever things like DVDs with video examples.  A good portfolio, delivered in the proper manner, can really make an impression.

What else can you use to tell your story?

– Steven Savage