When I decided to pursue a career in game development, I knew it wouldn’t be easy. As someone working full-time, a father of three, and starting from scratch in game dev, I faced a real challenge: how to do it all without losing balance?
Let me say upfront that I don’t have a perfect formula, and I’m still figuring things out. However, there are a few principles that have helped me move forward without burning out.
1. Clear Time Management
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that without a schedule, nothing gets done. Here’s what works for me:
- Plan weekly tasks. I have a clear schedule for when I study C#, work in Unity, or practice 3D modeling.
- Set aside family time. This is sacred. During this time, I put everything else aside and focus on spending quality time with my wife and kids.
- Take small steps. Instead of trying to learn everything in one evening, I focus on one small goal per day.
2. Learning to Say “No”
To make room for what’s important, I’ve learned to cut out the unnecessary:
- I’ve reduced time on social media.
- I’ve stopped watching random videos on YouTube.
- I’ve learned not to take on extra tasks at my full-time job.
3. Family Support
I couldn’t do this without my family’s support. My wife understands how important it is for me to chase my dream and helps me find time to study. We work together to plan schedules that work for everyone.
I also try to involve my kids in the process. For example, sometimes they help me test small games or come up with ideas for future projects. It not only brings us closer but also makes learning game development more fun.
4. Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone
There are moments when I feel like giving up. After a long day at work, I often feel like I don’t have the energy to study. But in those moments, I remind myself why I’m doing this. I’ve always dreamed of creating something of my own—games that inspire and bring joy to people. Every small step brings me closer to that dream.
5. Leveraging Technology for Productivity
Technology plays a big role in helping me manage everything:
- Time management tools: Apps like Trello or Notion help me plan tasks.
- Short learning sessions: Instead of lengthy lessons, I complete one short video or tutorial per day.
- Automation: I automate and simplify whatever I can, such as scheduling reminders or using templates for my work.
Conclusion
Balancing work, family, and learning is an ongoing process. Sometimes I make mistakes, and sometimes things don’t go as planned, but the most important thing is that I learn from these challenges and keep moving forward.
I believe that with the right approach, it’s possible to achieve anything, even when you have very limited time. The key is to remember why you’re doing it and not to fear the hard work. If you’re also trying to find balance, share your experiences in the comments. Let’s learn from and support each other as we chase our dreams!