The job itself isn't too bad.
The job itself isn't too bad.
I'm doing a "working interview," where I spend these first two weeks getting acquainted with the machines while they determine if I'm going to work out. I'm picking up all sorts of things, not only working with new machines, but new applications to programs that I'm already familiar with. I'm not very fast, yet, which is constantly embarrassing, and even though the two other guys at the shop assure me that I'll eventually get faster, I am constantly aware that speed is the most important aspect of this job. It's definitely more important than my good sense of design; anybody working there for a while will have a good sense of design, or be able to fake it, because you're designing the same sorts of things all day long. I'm used to knowing a lot when I'm working, used to being the guy who has the answers and helps others, so it's a bit distressing to be in a position where I'm constantly asking questions. I feel stupid and stressed quite often, but the people there are very laid back.
I think I'm more stressed now, though, than when I couldn't find work! I'm not getting paid much right now, and I'm not sure that I'm going to be getting much more once the interview process is over; I'm just not fast enough to deserve it. So I'm worried about paying rent and bills this month. I've been trying new approaches to finding some supplemental freelance work. I've even tried going to the local gaming store on nights where it's really packed with people, and sitting to the side painting in the hopes that someone would be interested in paying me to illustrate their 3rd-level Dwarf or something. I've had no luck with that yet, but it was pretty fun, and at least I got a lot of painting done for myself.
But keeping positive, I'm learning quite a bit about a side of the industry that I've never really dealt with before. I'm sure that when I'm back to the sort of work I'm accustomed to, this experience will only add to my ability.
Well I've got to post this quick. I have to be there in half an hour.
I'm doing a "working interview," where I spend these first two weeks getting acquainted with the machines while they determine if I'm going to work out. I'm picking up all sorts of things, not only working with new machines, but new applications to programs that I'm already familiar with. I'm not very fast, yet, which is constantly embarrassing, and even though the two other guys at the shop assure me that I'll eventually get faster, I am constantly aware that speed is the most important aspect of this job. It's definitely more important than my good sense of design; anybody working there for a while will have a good sense of design, or be able to fake it, because you're designing the same sorts of things all day long. I'm used to knowing a lot when I'm working, used to being the guy who has the answers and helps others, so it's a bit distressing to be in a position where I'm constantly asking questions. I feel stupid and stressed quite often, but the people there are very laid back.
I think I'm more stressed now, though, than when I couldn't find work! I'm not getting paid much right now, and I'm not sure that I'm going to be getting much more once the interview process is over; I'm just not fast enough to deserve it. So I'm worried about paying rent and bills this month. I've been trying new approaches to finding some supplemental freelance work. I've even tried going to the local gaming store on nights where it's really packed with people, and sitting to the side painting in the hopes that someone would be interested in paying me to illustrate their 3rd-level Dwarf or something. I've had no luck with that yet, but it was pretty fun, and at least I got a lot of painting done for myself.
But keeping positive, I'm learning quite a bit about a side of the industry that I've never really dealt with before. I'm sure that when I'm back to the sort of work I'm accustomed to, this experience will only add to my ability.
Well I've got to post this quick. I have to be there in half an hour.