Digital Paint Discussion Board
Digital Paint Community => Other Stuff => Topic started by: jitspoe on November 08, 2007, 03:13:22 PM
-
So a friend from college recently contacted me offering a programming job at a game development company in California (near San Francisco). I'm a little torn as to what I want to do.
-
For a single guy, the experience would be awesome.
Cost of livving will definitely be higher than what you sare used to:
Housing.
Food
Utilities
Car registration
But, if you want to pursue that as a career, then do it now, while it's easy. And if things don't work out, you are extremely flexible to pursue other interests.
-
I'd move if the job would be awesome and I wouldn't loose too many friends from my hometown. But you gotta decide on your self if you find that job that good.
-
I moved from Missouri to Seattle for a job (and back again afterward), I'm single.. it worked out well, I left, met new people, did what I thought I loved doing, learned my mistake, I'm back in Missouri again... :D
-
Go for it.
-
There are a lot of pro's and con's.
- Cost of living is higher.
+ I'll probably get paid more.
- Thousands of miles away from current friends and family.
+ Likely to be a lot more people there with similar interests.
+ Work itself will probably be more interesting.
- I'll have less "free time" at work to sneak in some pb2 development or check forums.
- Could be more stressful.
-
- I'll have less "free time" at work to sneak in some pb2 development or check forums.
Don't go for it. :D:D:D:D:D
-
I moved from East of Sacramento to North of Houston. I left all of my family, friends, and my girlfriend behind. I had the chance to do something new and dfiferent and did it.
I don't regret it one bit.
Just remember: Doing something like this will get harder as you get older as you won't be as flexible as you are now.
-
you won't be as flexible as you are now.
/me listens to KnacK's joints creak and pop.
-
Another factor to consider is what kind of games does the company develop? Obviously if they port card games to cellphones, that affects the decision...
-
http://savage2.s2games.com/
-
Oh god, don't. That game is pretty darn horrible.
-
The big question Nathan, is what do youexpect to get out of the job?
Does it align itself with your goals, be it short term or long term?
Do you see yourself doing this for 1/3/5 years from now?
-
I'm probably alone on this, but that game looks good and looks interesting.
http://savage2.s2games.com/ss/ss96.jpg ... Imagine what he could learn to help make terrains like this for Paintball2....
On the plus side, you get a 401k, moving bonus and a competitive salary...
Competitive salary
Moving bonus
Medical, Dental, and Eye Insurance
401k
Very flexible hours
The reputation of being a member of an award winning team
A good deal of creative control
-
The game's concept is interesting, but the execution is pretty darn bad. Huge learning curve, not horribly balanced.
Of course, that was the first game. Maybe the second'll be better.
-
I think I'd actually be working on a different project, but I don't have the details yet since I haven't signed an NDA (and wouldn't be able to share them even if I did). But, hey, if it's bad, maybe I can make it better. :)
The big question Nathan, is what do youexpect to get out of the job?
Does it align itself with your goals, be it short term or long term?
Do you see yourself doing this for 1/3/5 years from now?
That's the thing -- I don't really know. At the moment I'm just kind of kicking back and enjoying life. There are a couple organizations around here that put on enough medium/large LAN parties that my friends and I go almost every month, then I have a few friends that have small 3-4 person LAN parties almost every weekend, or we go play real paintball (or both).
Between some of the disputes I've seen some of my friends go through with wives/fiancees/girlfriends and annoying neighbor children, I'm not sure I want to start a family any time soon. I kind of like the single life. I can buy cool toys without getting chewed out or run off and go some place at a moment's notice.
So... I guess best case here's what I'm hoping for:
- The work itself will be a lot more interesting. I'll feel more motivated to complete tasks.
- Environment will be loose and fun.
- Lots of "testing" will need to be done. ;) Part of worktime = playtime.
- Lots of people with common interests to hang out with.
- Neighbors that can speak English well.
- Some attractive females on the off chance I decide I do want a girlfriend (Carolina girls aren't the best in the world...)
- More tech-oriented activities, stores, and people around.
- More stuff to do in general.
-
I'd go for it Jits.
-
I'd go for it Jits.
Same, the very fact you consider means you should go for it.
Like Knack says, later in life you may not be able to even consider this opportunity due to constraints out of your control. You don't want to look back in a couple of years and regret anything. Annnnnd if you do take it, you're young enough to go back aka y00tz style.
-
Wow, the CoL increase your looking at is almost as bad as mine was .. if you go... good luck :-\
Yours:
Compared to the rest of the country, Monroe's cost of living is 13.27% Lower than the U.S. average.
Compared to the rest of the country, Rohnert Park's cost of living is 37.92% Higher than the U.S. average.
Mine:
Compared to the rest of the country, Springfield's cost of living is 23.93% Lower than the U.S. average.
Compared to the rest of the country, Seattle's cost of living is 31.98% Higher than the U.S. average.
-
Well, hopefully I'll get like a 50% increase in salary to make up for it. ;)
-
I think I'd actually be working on a different project, but I don't have the details yet since I haven't signed an NDA (and wouldn't be able to share them even if I did). But, hey, if it's bad, maybe I can make it better. :)
That's the thing -- I don't really know. At the moment I'm just kind of kicking back and enjoying life. There are a couple organizations around here that put on enough medium/large LAN parties that my friends and I go almost every month, then I have a few friends that have small 3-4 person LAN parties almost every weekend, or we go play real paintball (or both).
Between some of the disputes I've seen some of my friends go through with wives/fiancees/girlfriends and annoying neighbor children, I'm not sure I want to start a family any time soon. I kind of like the single life. I can buy cool toys without getting chewed out or run off and go some place at a moment's notice.
So... I guess best case here's what I'm hoping for:
- The work itself will be a lot more interesting. I'll feel more motivated to complete tasks.
- Environment will be loose and fun.
- Lots of "testing" will need to be done. ;) Part of worktime = playtime.
- Lots of people with common interests to hang out with.
- Neighbors that can speak English well.
- Some attractive females on the off chance I decide I do want a girlfriend (Carolina girls aren't the best in the world...)
- More tech-oriented activities, stores, and people around.
- More stuff to do in general.
Sounds to me that you actually wanna move, you are just insecure for leaving your F&R. That's normal.
Recently I've gone to a job interview to work in Dubai. In a case that I've actually got a job, I'd move there insantly. Of course, last couple of years I am trying to get out of my country to pursue better life elswere so that also you must take into consideration.
Main thing to do in my opinion is when you decide either way, you must be 100% positive that it's the right decision. What if question may arrise.
As I said, I'd go in your place, if the job is good, pay is better, and that there is an enviroment in which I can improve and get to know myself.
-
y00tz,
What CoL calculator did you use?
-
Oh, good question: Sperling's (http://www.bestplaces.net/col/). It may be different on another, but I like to think this one is pretty accurate :P
-
- The work itself will be a lot more interesting. I'll feel more motivated to complete tasks.
- More tech-oriented activities, stores, and people around.
- More stuff to do in general.
That leads me to the conclusion that you should go.
But only if you've really checked your future company for this one:
- Lots of people with common interests to hang out with.
Keep in mind while checking that one: People with the same interests aren't always really to hang out with (climate).
-
Go for it dude. You'll never know what could've happened if you don't. You'll only end up regretting it and wondering what could've happend. If it dosn't work out you can always come back eh?
~MT
-
Post removed
-
Jitspoe,
I have a friend, Hal9000, some of you may know him as the person that made the warehouse map for Q3RA3, and did some map work for Q2RA2.
Although he started his dev life as a mapper/grafx artist, he soon moved into programming (sound familiar?).
Once he went professional he went to work for Sony, Raven Soft, and I don't know where he is now.
The point is, he basically worked at each company till the projects ran dry, then moved on to another gaming company. This meant he pretty much moved around a lot (every 2 to 3 years or so).
If your dream is to work for a gaming-type company, be prepared to flow with the needs of the industry. You may be in California this year, but you'll never know where you'll be the next, or the next, etc...
As a young single male this is completely feasible for you, Jitspoe. And I know you want to work in gaming to some capacity.
Just keep in mind that you can't bounce from company to company forever. Always keep an eye out for an interesting and challenging permanent position where you can build a stable future.
I've been with the same company for 12 years. The only problem I have is that I am stuck working in straight C/C++ and some (GAK!!!) assembler. I am currently looking to make a move towards more current technologies, and even considering a UNIX/Solaris data administrator job for the stability, and because I have connections. At 44 this is a risky move for me, but I feel the need to move closer to the front lines.
Plan carefully my friend. Think of your future. Do what's in your heart.
-
At 44 this is a risky move for me, but I feel the need to move closer to the front lines.
I agree 100000%
For example: my wif has worked at the same company for 16 years now developing products for computer systems in car dealerships.
Now, within the same company, she has spearheaded new avenues of revenue generations that is taking her in to building custom VoIP csolutions based on Asterisk so that companies can get a better handle of how and who the callers are that call their company. She also is developing products for web development ( tracking ) and advertising related to web sites and tv.
So with this new avenue that she has take,it makes her very marketable outside of her current company, but she is pretty happy where she is.
-
What do you do now? Do you like it? Does it have a future?
More stress for more money is not always a good deal.
-
Right now I work on digital conversion services. We take data from different systems and convert it into a standard format or a format that can be imported into another system. It has its pros and cons. I get to solve a lot of different things. Some can be challenging. Some can be monotonous, and some are just too difficult and tedious to be fun (trying to reverse engineer an encryption algorithm for some old format now - the company that designed it doesn't even exist anymore).
-
Right now I work on digital conversion services. We take data from different systems and convert it into a standard format or a format that can be imported into another system. It has its pros and cons. I get to solve a lot of different things. Some can be challenging. Some can be monotonous, and some are just too difficult and tedious to be fun (trying to reverse engineer an encryption algorithm for some old format now - the company that designed it doesn't even exist anymore).
Do you enjoy working on your currently job 100%, or you want a new challenge?
My logic goes this way. If I'm not enjoing my job, I'll still do it, try to give 100% to it and finish it.
But if I'm working on a job for me I gove that, where I wake up and go to sleep thinking of it, what can I do more, and the job is exciting and giving, than I always go above my 100%, because it drives me that way.
-
Post removed
-
Statistic is necessary to pump up the idea which u wanna sold ;)
Edit: Ask any politician
-
Ask anyone if they believe in a politician o.O
-
Ask anyone if they believe in a politician o.O
At least 74.9% of the 345 people we surveyed did... :D
-
At least 74.9% of the 345 people we surveyed did... :D
95.2% of our statistics are made up on the spot.
-
95.2% of our statistics are made up on the spot.
And 5 out of 4 of us do not understand fractions.
-
80% all of treasure hasn't been found.
-
So Jits, in which direction you are leaning to?
-
If you're moving to San Fransisco have an open mind or don't leave your house.
-
If you're moving to San Fransisco have an open mind or don't leave your house.
Haha no kidding.
I wonder if we'll have DPCon '08 in San Fran... I remember they wanted '05 held there...
-
If you're moving to San Fransisco have an open mind or don't leave your house.
Is that where you live?
-
No but I go there a lot.
-
No but I go there a lot.
Well, just let me know when you're going, and I'll be sure not to leave my house on those days. ;)
I went to visit s2games this weekend. It's a pretty cool place. It was kind of funny when I walked in there and everybody was my age. There were posters on the wall (a lot of them concept art), models and toys scattered around, and of course lots of nice computers. It felt like I was walking into a dorm room. I got to meet almost everybody that worked there. They all came over to meet me (and play a big LAN game). I also got to play some of the stuff they've been working on. It's a nice area out there - lots of stuff within walking distance.
-
I'm glad you got to head out there and even more that you seemed to be impressed/enthused.
But where were they working on the weekend, or were they just there?
-
They organized a quasi-LAN party so that I could meet everybody. I did see a couple of the modelers working later, though.
-
Oh cool. I realize weekend work wouldn't be the death of paintball, but 7 day work weeks get old real fast.
-
Oh cool. I realize weekend work wouldn't be the death of paintball, but 7 day work weeks get old real fast.
Not as bad as nights :P
Also I know this sounds kind of nerdy but I find it helps to just make some sort of chart and kind of rate each thing out of ten I know not a great explanation so I made an example below....
| comparing thing | Job1 | Job2 |
| Pay | 5 | 7 |
Then do lots of different things on the left add up all the ratings highest goes or this could just help you decide easy to make minor adjustments to too.
-
you better stop wasting your talent at kodak and get your ass there! Or else on a non-wednesday I am coming for you....LITERALLY
-
you better stop wasting your talent at kodak and get your ass there! Or else on a non-wednesday I am coming for you....LITERALLY
Haha, thank goodness it's Wednesday now....
-
Well, now I just have to work out the logistics of relocating. Looks like it's going to cost ~$5000 for a pod, ~$2000 for a moving company, $1470 for a upack relocube, and ~$270 to rent a truck (+ probably $700 in gas).
After looking at the price of pods, I almost went with the truck, but it turns out they were just way overpriced for whatever reason. The relocube seems to be the way to go, since it's fairly cheap and doesn't involve 4-5 days of driving, but it also doesn't get my car out there. Getting the car out is another $900-$1000. I haven't decided if I want to do that or just sell it and get a different one. It's worth about $3000 - 1998 Chrysler Concorde with ~130,000 miles. Engine runs great, but the cosmetics are falling apart. On one hand, I don't know if I want to spend 1/3 of the value of the car just getting it over there. On the other hand, getting a different car would probably set me back more than $900.
The other challenge is renting. I've found a place really close to where I work, but it has a 1 year lease with no buy-out, so I'm kind of hesitant to go with that.
-
Jits,
You really need to contact a moving company. If you tell an agent that you are paying it yourself, you wil lpay less than if your company was paying for it.
Also, if you pack up everything yourself, that will save on packing fees.
-
~$2000 for a moving company
-
oops missed that.
-
I haven't decided if I want to do that or just sell it and get a different one. It's worth about $3000 - 1998 Chrysler Concorde with ~130,000 miles.
You have a gold one correct? I recently sold my dad's '99 Conco de LXI (the 'r' fell off) for $2900 despite it getting rear-ended a week prior, minor hail damage, 125xxx, and various other cosmetic problems (like the aforementioned missing letter). I'm sure you can easily get $2500 - $3000, but anything over $3k for those type of cars is a far stretch.
edit: Wow I had no PODS cost an arm a leg and a right teste.
-
He just needs to pull a Jed Clampett
-
y00tz: Mine is white. I'm not sure if it will even pass inspection in CA. Is there a site that lists cars that typically will and won't pass there? Moving is beginning to sound more economical. It would set me back about $1000, but purchasing a different car could set me back $10,000. Of course, if I can't register my concorde there due to their restrictions, that makes the decision pretty easy. Sell it here while I can.
-
Well, this is awkward. The owner suddenly decided he didn't want to hire another programmer. Fortunately I found out before my stuff shipped out. Unfortunately, I've already quit my other job, packed my stuff in a relocube, and bought out of my apartment lease.
-
Tell me you had all of this in writing.........
-
Well, this is awkward. The owner suddenly decided he didn't want to hire another programmer. Fortunately I found out before my stuff shipped out. Unfortunately, I've already quit my other job, packed my stuff in a relocube, and bought out of my apartment lease.
whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat
-
Wow that's pretty intercoursed up!
-
Tell me you had all of this in writing.........
Not as much writing as I would have liked.
-
I'm so sorry Jits.
I've been in a similar position, but fortunately it was a local job.
Don't get gunshy over this. Let me know if there is anything I can help with.
-
Oy vey! I really hope things turn out well, I hardly see that happening now..
Reply to my PM about a low-player ID and you can have a little more cash this week. :)
Edit: Deleted my Savage installation!
-
Well, now I'm just trying to decide what I actually want to do. I've got the freedom to move around, but I kind of want to stay in the Charlotte area since I have friends here. I don't know that I want to go back to my old job. I liked the environment there, but I just felt unmotivated. I'm just converting old data from one format to another - not making any breakthrough discoveries or generating pretty pictures or anything like that. Guess I'll just scope out some job sites and see if anything interesting is available.
Edit: Ugh, quick search through monster.com, and other jobs in the area seem less interesting than my job at Kodak. Stuff with Oracle, Java, and general IT/Administrative things.
-
You should go out to Cali and punch that guy in the detective!
-
You should go out to Cali and punch that guy in the detective!
But that requires touching it... Do you swap with Hades on Wednesday?
A better idea would be to recruit corporate ninjas to take down S2 from the inside.
-
But that requires touching it... Do you swap with Hades on Wednesday?
Rubber gloves? :P
-
Java Jits, take the plunge, you'll be pleasantly surprised.
-
Come to the U of K and live a hobo's life with reed and dagless.
-
Speaking of UK, I did get your shirt mailed. It was only $11 USPS.
-
/me 's idea FTW
-
Wonder how feasible it would be to make a commercial game on my own.
-
Beat me to it :P I had a post written out, in which I was just suggesting that, except I had lots of numbers written out.
In short, a single guy, who could possibly move back home, can easily set aside lots of cash, and most importantly can easily get capital with a loan.
You've got the skill and potential to create a game, and obviously you're schedule is cleared :(, but I've got to ask, do you have the patience to sit down and do it all from scratch?
Haha I imagine a press release from id tomorrow "Lone developer leases Quake 2 engine for $99"
-
It's perfectly feasible for you to make a commercial game, the hard part is getting people to buy it.
-
You could also scour the interweb tubes for publishers who deal with independent developers.
I'm not sure what kind of game you have in mind, but there really is a commercial market for a good console or PC paintball game.
-
I have a pretty cool concept for a game, but the time and manpower necessary are probably a lot more than what I could do on my own (at least before the funds run out). Really, what I'd have to do is become established as an independent developer with a really simple and realistic project. I could make a simple 2D game like Peggle, but like Eiii said, the hard part is getting people to buy it. It would have to be marketed correctly, and I hate marketing. :P
Wonder how much it costs to license the id tech 4 engine...
-
Obviously outdated, (Q3) but this is an indication of the price:
If your title requires the best technology available, this is what you’re looking for. You absolutely will not find a more elegantly coded engine. But, honestly, it’s not for everyone. It takes a technically savvy team to use, and it’s not priced for a "me too" title. For a single title [6] license, we charge a $250,000 guarantee against a 5% royalty of the wholesale [7] price for the title. Not cheap, but it pays for itself with the marketing caché alone.
-
/me drives north a few hours to make a deal with JC...