Relocating and couch surfing?
I talked to someone recently about my struggle to break into the industry and he said that maybe it's a good time to think about relocating. I live near Boston and I know there's stuff out here, but I can't seem to get a foothold.
I think this drastic change is exactly what I need. I've been getting too comfortable at home. I feel like I'm stuck in a rut, and it's not helping my career any.
He also said that if I do want to relocate and am short on cash, one way to do it might be by couch surfing. It'll help save money, and could be a way to meet people.
What do you guys think about moving out to the west coast or parts of Canada (or basically anywhere they have a good amount of studios)? And how about the couch surfing? Is there a safe way to go about it? Is it even a good idea?
I think this drastic change is exactly what I need. I've been getting too comfortable at home. I feel like I'm stuck in a rut, and it's not helping my career any.
He also said that if I do want to relocate and am short on cash, one way to do it might be by couch surfing. It'll help save money, and could be a way to meet people.
What do you guys think about moving out to the west coast or parts of Canada (or basically anywhere they have a good amount of studios)? And how about the couch surfing? Is there a safe way to go about it? Is it even a good idea?
Replies
If you're willing to move for work there's no reason you are restricted to looking for work in Boston. My advice would be to apply for jobs elsewhere, see what sticks, save some money for the move or negotiate a relocation bonus, and then move.
The lack of control over you life while you're couch surfing won't help you land a job. Being on the west coast doesn't guaranty you employment.
Be smart in the way you go about it and I think it will work out fine for you! Good luck man.
You can go almost anywhere you want and still not find work if your portfolio isn't good enough.
About the only reason I'd see to move to a place with more studios without having a job first is that you might get to know someone already in a studio, or with ties to a recruiter.
This industry hires based on two things, who you know and how good your portfolio is. A third one is how well you work with others, but that's covered under who you know.
I've known people who have gotten jobs in the industry based on who they knew, but they didn't last long if their work wasn't up to standard. Once you get fired or let go for that reason, it tends to follow you since everyone talks to everyone.
very true dude you got to put in the work regardless of who you know.
That said, if you need to get out of a rut and your feeling some wanderlust, go travel! couch surf, get a feel for some new places and what's around.
"I am not living in a dumpster, I am conducting in the field research!"
On the flip side I have been to many job fairs before moving. Everyone I spoke to told me with no job experience it was better to move to a place with jobs. Nobody was willing to take a chance on someone half way across the country with no field experience.
I haven't seen you work but it does say something if you can't land a job in your hometown if there is a decent amount of game companies there. Moving is very difficult if you don't know anybody. Not everybody is built for it. There is also nothing more rewarding than landing a job after working hard for it.
Bottom line is if your portfolio is not up to par you won't have a career. You might land a job, but that shouldn't be your end point. A career is something that builds over time.
Edit* Also save lots of money. I would say have at least six months to a years worth of rent just in case. You don't want money issues weighing you down.
What are you gonna do if you run out of money, run out of couch surfing options, and have nowhere to spend the night? Are you alright going to a homeless shelter? Are you worried someone might steal your laptop there while you sleep? Are you ok setting up a tent under a bridge? Are you worried it might rain and ruin your laptop? Do you have a car you can live in? Preferably with tinted windows so the cops can't see you sleeping inside? Do you think you can feed yourself and still have time to work on art when you're earning your living panhandling all day?
Couch surfing is plenty safe if you go to well reviewed hosts, but it's not a permanent solution.
Improve your portfolio, grow a network online (preferably in the place your looking to relocate), save money and then move when you know your ready to focus on landing your first gig.