SmileEast6057's journey

I recently found myself laid off from my position as a contract game designer after three years with a startup in the medical field. The company has been struggling to secure grants and, as a result, they can no longer sustain the contracts for developers like me. This has left me feeling overwhelmed and stressed, even though I'm just starting my job search. I did the math and realized I can survive on my savings for about six months, which adds to my anxiety. Part of me is eager to find any job, even part-time work in unrelated fields, just to keep things afloat. However, I’m finding that even minimum wage jobs are hard to come by. Another part of me is aware of the current job market for software development and I’m unsure if my experience aligns with what employers are looking for. I’ve dedicated my life to game development, and it’s disheartening to think about stepping away from that passion. I excelled in my college courses related to game design, which helped me land this job, and now I feel like I’m losing the opportunity to do what I love. I wish I had spent more time developing my own games and pursuing indie projects, but balancing that with a full-time job has been challenging. I find myself wishing I had made different choices that would have put me in a better position to succeed. I’m trying to cope with the reality that I may have to put my dreams on hold just to survive, and even then, I know it will be a struggle. Writing this out helps a bit, and I appreciate anyone who takes the time to read my thoughts. I know others have it worse, so I’m also trying to focus on my blessings.