Navigating Job Loss: Reflections on a Brief Work Experience in the Gaming Industry

In a surprising twist, I’m in the spotlight of a new job market experience: getting laid off just 53 days into my role at a board game company. This scenario isn't about dismissal due to poor performance, but rather a consequence of my friend, who hired me, resigning shortly after I came on board. This unexpected job exit underscores the volatility often associated with early-stage companies and the interconnectedness of team dynamics.

Adding to the disappointment is the timing of my departure. Just days away from launching a community campaign that I had dedicated over 20 hours to, the initiative feels like a missed opportunity that may never come to fruition. Although there’s talk of potentially using the campaign later, doubts linger about its actualization. The situation brings to light how much time and resources can be invested into projects that ultimately may not see the light of day, a reality many in creative roles often face.

For context, here are the numbers from my brief employment:

• Total hours worked: 61
• Total amount earned: $3,355

This breaks down to a rate of approximately $55 per hour. Although I usually charge $100/hour for consulting services, I applied a discount in this instance since I was working with friends and engaged in a longer-term project.

The overall experience was not entirely negative. Earning some extra cash and contributing useful assets was beneficial, regardless of the campaign's outcome. The other hours comprised a mix of tasks: building databases for influencers, conducting market research focused on the gaming sector—which turned out to be an enthralling field of study—attending meetings, and tackling miscellaneous duties.

Interestingly, meetings were a highlight of my role. I was compensated to participate actively, and on one memorable occasion, I even received payment for playing the game for two hours. This provided insight into a niche of cooperative games where players join forces against a common foe, diverging from the more competitive styles I was familiar with. It showcased how cooperative gameplay can foster camaraderie rather than anxiety, which was a refreshing aspect of the experience.

Asana, a project management tool, became a familiar component of my workflow. About 10 hours were devoted to organizing the anticipated community campaign using this platform, which required creating over 60 tasks. While Asana facilitates accountability and streamline processes, I often prefer a simpler method of organization, like jotting notes in email drafts. It does feel like a paradox, spending more time planning rather than executing, yet it’s a common trade-off in many collaborative settings.

Reflecting on this brief job experience, I recognize that I learned valuable lessons. Not only did I play and explore, but I also engaged in a different form of productivity that I had missed during my months out of the workforce. It revitalized my appreciation for varied work environments and the importance of balancing my professional life with family obligations and personal interests. I aim for a lifestyle that allows for substantial work hours, hopeful volunteering opportunities, and, crucially, ample free time.

The real loss here primarily affects my friend, who faced the challenging decision to resign. While I can’t delve into specific details, it’s reassuring to know that the choice was beneficial for both him and the company. Taking time to reassess his career options could provide him the mental space to strategize his next move.

As I navigate through this unexpected turn in my professional journey, I’m reaching out for those who might be interested in consulting or collaborating on projects. My availability has expanded, and I’d love to assist others in their endeavors—as I now find myself back at square one in my search for new opportunities. If you're seeking support, or have projects I can contribute to, feel free to connect with me at jmoney.biz/consulting.

Yours in resilience during this next chapter,

*Reflecting on my employment history, I realize that this marks my fourth-shortest job. A review of my past roles reveals I've had shorter stints, highlighting the unpredictability of job tenures in today's fast-paced market.

[This post, Did I just get LAID OFF from my new job?!, was first published by J. Money on Budgets Are Sexy]