'Balancing' Gamedev and a Day Job

Balancing work and commercial game development can be a challenge, but doing both at the same time can reduce financial stress and allow for more focus on project quality. I've been trying to juggle the two for the last few months.

Yawnoc Discord:

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Special thanks to my Potato Tier Patrons:
Agent Effe
Eivind Teig
Kurt Vinci
kyle meyer
Michael Placido
Nelligan
rethanon
Sam Cork
Szabolcs Dombi

Timestamps:
0:00 - I have a software job
0:26 - Yawnoc
1:56 - making it work
2:48 - an average day
4:44 - strategies I use
7:20 - Yawnoc progress

#gamedev #pygame #python

[DuolingoOFFICIAL-english]

You are the reason I have been able to get into game development. Your pygame tutorials built the programmer I am today. I am now making a game of my own in python and pygame ce. Thanks man for all the knowledge and advice you have blessed us with. You’re one of a kind.

I just realized you and me have the same exact stove/oven.

[nathan-franck-invests]

Insane difficulty is doing this while having a family :/ I can dream

[TheCodingCorner-sk]

2:34 love what you said right here about the amount of work not being as important as the habit of putting in the work when your not as motivated or don't have a ton of time. I know you followed it up by stating that it is not universal advice but I beg to differ. It's so easy for people to be productive when they are feeling motivated but it's very hard to develop the habit of being productive even when you're not feeling particularly motivated, I believe this makes a world of difference and after enough time, you an teach yourself to get the work you want/need done, no matter what.

[anonofDeath]

man, I really need a 32 hour job. That sounds like bliss

[JamesKelly]

I'm a full time senior engineer. I haven't really been able to do much lately but generally I try to spend at least an hour on moving forward. I also discovered at one point that I have sleep apnea and it was really draining me, and now that's fixed I have much more energy at the end of the day. It's still hard not to get discouraged though.

[yeekiatunpro]

Nice seeing someone who's much further down this path making this work. I'm working on my first game part part time. Full time work, part time Masters Degree in AI, and whatever remaining productive time on my game. I'm still very early in production, making the main mechanics for my game so wish me luck. (I'm aware of the long long journey ahead)

[tbranch]

Very interesting! I've had the game wishlisted for a while. As a developer that wants to get into game dev, I like hearing how you balance all the work and stay fresh throughout the day. These are long days and the workouts and naps definitely help.

[douwezumker]

I LOVE the Conway's Game Of Life reference with the enemies!!

[ArktikusYoutube]

Looks amazing and thank you for the great insight of your schedule.
Really helps to see how other people handle it!

[bryceguyle]

This was a really inspiring video and even though you said coding is your strength... It was your art style that initially drew me in, so not bad either! Great work.

[hermit]

yeah fluffy uploaded a video !! thanks for the videos man

[reidaslaranjas]

It's really nice to see that you're doing well, mate. Great video as always.

[blamechickenman]

This is something I can take on board, I'm only in the 12th grade now, but I love programming with OpenGL and C++, and I intend on going into either academics or the industry with a comp sci degree. Thanks for this video!

[PythonIsGod]

People recommended me your channel because you are a python developer. Man, you make magic! Python is Love, Love is Python.

[UnderArea]

Hope you are safe and sound from all the storms! Nature is being awful this week!

[WeekofRain_hr]

so much respect 🙏 its difficult juggling your passion project aswell as life commitments

[Fungustus]

So cool dude! Full time engineer, game dev and youtuber! You're awesome!!

[EvanRunner]

I love your videos, you have helped me learning python and pygame thank you so much

[EngineerNotFound]

I don't do game dev, but am currently on a several months long personal project involving programming, mechanical design, and the use of micro controllers. It's interesting to hear how you juggle a full time job and a large undertaking outside of work, especially given that you're already problem solving in your day job. I'm a bit fortunate in that my work largely involves manual labour, and only minimal problem solving. So, in between tasks at work I get to 'think' about my next steps on the project, or how to solve some current problem; I carry a small note pad with me to jot down ideas during quiet spots and lunch break. so by the time I get home, I have a set of tasks to work on. I also go to bed fairly early, but get up early in the morning and give myself about an hour to work on the programming side.

I prefer this way as I struggle with a short, wake up / shower / break fast / commute schedule. I like to take my time in the morning otherwise I get a bit irritable/stressed. Saving this for future consumption, especially when I start feeling a bit burned out or demotivated.

[Skeffles]

Very interesting ramble. Good luck getting to your release date. Putting in that much time with a day job is tough but I believe you can do it, with limited effects on your sanity.