Bad Times in Dark Places: Overcoming Burnout While Transitioning To The Gaming Industry

The glowing monitor used to fill me with determination. But now it just feels exhausting, heavy, and sometimes, overwhelming.

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I’m navigating through the last bit of fog in my burnout while trying to make a meaningful transition in my career. This is what adulting is like, right?

After my lay-off in April of 2023, I found myself at a crossroads. With the inability to move to a different fashion house due to a non-compete I was under for a year, regardless of how we parted ways, I really didn’t know where to go. The kicker was my last company didn’t believe in titles or technology upgrades so my experience seems fake and my title didn't make sense. It’s a unique brand of exhaustion.

I filled my first few months of unemployment with endless applications, balancing the upcoming transition to Penn State to finish my Bachelors, courses on Coursera, and rejection. It wasn’t until I had an awful interview with a brand known for their brazilian cream, meeting one of their truly insufferable recruiters that just didn’t know online schools existed that I hit my rock bottom. That was enough for me to want to walk away from account management. I loved eCommerce, but it was time for me to move onto an industry that would celebrate my differences, not berate me for affording my dreams later in life.

Video games have always been something that was in my household. Crash Bandicoot was how my brother learned his fine motor skills, the walkthrough books where I learned to read as my father played Tomb Raider, and where I really shined in explaining how to do something to the talent (my brother). I read the industry was known for its harsh grind: long hours and relentless pressure, but deliveries were extended. Coming from fast fashion it sounded like a typical season, just not as rushed. However, I was still dealing with the emotional whiplash of burnout - one moment I was filled with determination, the next I’m staring at my to-do list feeling insurmountable pressure. I took a step away, took a part time job, and chose to focus on treating myself with compassion by prioritizing my well-being.

This is what I’m learning:

The Importance of Setting Boundaries: I’m finally learning that “no” is a complete sentence. As a people pleaser, it’s learning that I don’t need to overextend myself to prove that I’m good enough. By doing so, I have nothing left to give.

Pacing Myself: This might be the fast fashion in me to want to hit the ground running. But I need to consistently remind myself that transitions are hard. Giving myself permission to rest without guilt has been an uphill battle. I’m still cleaning while listening to books, but hey, I’m getting there.

Finding Pockets of Joy: Whether it’s a quick gaming session, finding time to do things on Canva, or just taking myself on a quick walk, I’m prioritizing feeling present in moments and reminding myself why I started my journey.

Reaching Out: I’ve never been one to rely on people. With my transfer to Penn State, and I say this a lot to the professors I have, I have never felt so supported in my courses. I’ve made amazing connections in the industry with others in a similar boat, and gained a mentor and a friend. I’ve grown a supportive community around me - and I’m so grateful to every member of it.

This is where I’m Headed:

I don’t have a studio to call home, yet (if you’re a studio recruiter reading this, call me). But I’m committed to this journey - not just as a job or a career; but to a healthier version of me within an industry I love and care so deeply for. For those in a similar boat: keep on keepin’ on. It’s okay to move slowly, reset, and keep hoping.