Leveling Up After a Game Over: Navigating Job Loss in the Video Game Industry

Ever faced a 'game over' screen in your gaming career? Don't sweat it because we've got you covered! This week's episode of the Press Start Leadership Podcast is a power-packed power-up for anyone who's had the misfortune of job loss in the video game industry. Your host, Christopher Mifsud, is sharing his personal walkthrough on how to turn setbacks into comebacks. Using his own experiences and unique approach, he discusses an eight-step strategy to bounce back, starting from keeping your cool to sharing your journey and the importance of self-care.

Prepare to level up your job search game as we explore the crucial aspects of a strategic approach to job hunting. Christopher shares how a daily quest for job searching can enhance your productivity and the significance of refining your job search strategies based on your evolving insights. Plus, we'll talk about how to distribute your resume effectively, the importance of networking, and why self-care should be at the heart of your job search process. So, press start and join us as we navigate the maze of bouncing back after a job loss. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to respawn their gaming career!

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:38

Hey there, press starters and welcome to the press start leadership podcast, the podcast about game changing leadership, teaching you how to get the most out of your product and development team and become the leader you were meant to be leadership coaching and training for the international game industry professional. Now let me introduce you to your host, the man, the myth, the legend, Christopher Mifsud.

Speaker 2: 1:08

Hey there, press starters and welcome back to another awesome edition of the press start leadership podcast. On this week's episode, we'll be discussing leveling up after a job loss a game developers guide to bouncing back. Turn game over into an extra life eight proven strategies to navigate job loss in the video game industry. If you're grappling with a game over screen in your gaming career after a job loss, i'm here to tell you it's not an end, but a new game mode waiting to be unlocked. I've been in your shoes and I'm here to share my walkthrough. Here's an upgraded guide on how to bounce back and seize new opportunities.

Speaker 2: 1:48

Number one keep your cool, just as you would in a challenging video game boss fight. Stay calm. Losing your job in the game industry much like a sudden difficulty spike can be disconcerting, but it doesn't spell defeat. For instance, when I lost my job to do a company restructuring, i felt disoriented initially. However, once I reoriented my mindset to view this setback as part of my journey rather than an end, i could strategize my next steps effectively Two time out. Remember how you relish those precious moments of relaxation after an intense gaming session. Now is the time to extend that. For example, after I lost my job, i immersed myself in playing indie games, exploring genres I'd overlooked during my work phase. This not only refreshed me, but also broadened my understanding of various game designs and directly enhancing my professional expertise.

Speaker 2: 2:38

Three upgrade your inventory. Consider your resume as your game character's stat sheet. Highlight your recent accomplishments, like how you would upgrade your character's abilities after completing a quest. When I revamped my resume after my job loss, i highlighted my latest project, which involved integrating cutting edge VR technology, a skill that was highly valued in the game market at the time. Four deploy your resume. Posting your resume online is akin to venturing into the open world map of an RPG. With each posting, you are exploring new territories and opportunities. For instance, once I posted my updated resume on LinkedIn, i received a message from a recruiter from a startup working on an exciting VR project. Five share your quest. Treat your job search like an ongoing game narrative. Share your quest on social media platforms. I kept my network informed about my job search journey, my aspirations and my progress. As a result, i got contacted by an old colleague who recommended opening in their company.

Speaker 2: 3:35

Six establish your daily quest. Job searching is a full-time quest, and here's how to ace it. First, define your work hours. Maintain the semblance of your regular work routine. For example, i continue to follow my 9-5 schedule, dedicating these hours solely to job searching activities. Next, set aside time for communications, just like how you wouldn't pause mid-battle to read messages. Don't allow emails to distract you throughout the day. I reserve specific slots to send and respond to emails, which improve my productivity. Then follow up in a timely manner, like a well-timed combo in a fighting game.

Speaker 2: 4:10

Timing is crucial when following up on job applications. I made a habit of sending follow-up emails 2-3 days after applying, subtly reminding recruiters of my candidacy. Next, distribute your resume. As in any loot-based game, the more chests you open, the higher the odds of finding valuable gear. Similarly, the more resumes you send out, the better your chances of landing a job. And finally, plan breaks. Looks like taking breaks between gaming sessions to avoid burnout. Schedule breaks during your job search too. I often took short walks during my breaks, helping me clear my mind and come back refreshed.

Speaker 2: 4:43

7. Tweak and refine As you gain more insight into your career trajectory, adjust your job search strategies accordingly. When I found myself drawn towards studio leadership, i started tailoring my resume and applications to cater to that sector. And finally, 8. Self-care matters. Job searching can be a long grind, akin to a marathon gaming session. In such a situation, self-care is crucial For me. Maintaining a healthy diet, regular workout regimen and pursuing hobbies outside of the gaming helped maintain my mental well-being during this challenging phase. Final thoughts Job loss, like a seemingly insurmountable challenge in a video game, might appear daunting at first. However, every setback is an opportunity in disguise, a new level to master, a new skill to acquire. Remember, the game over screen isn't the end. It's an invitation to respawn and strive for a high score. You've got countless extra lives ahead, so power up, level up and keep playing. Alright, and that's this week's episode of Press Start Leadership Podcast. Thanks for listening and, as always, thanks for being awesome.