| I would be a indie game maker if I could start over, so I guess I would still need the programming skills. But I would also gain skills in art, music, level design, etc. on top of it. I would avoid corporate life and carve out a happy little niche in a funky little community like Portland or somewhere similar. Save, live within my means, pay off my student loans. Work as a hard working, humble little dev and pursue my passions on my fiercely guarded free time. Volunteer some of my spare time for environmental conservation and human rights organizations. Have a garden, two cats in the yard... wait that's exactly how I live now, except I'm a sysadmin instead of a game developer. Overall I have an amazing life and a really bright future so I can't really complain. Choosing to study Computer Science in college is what lead me down my current path. And when I look around at my options, I feel like I made a really great decision. Happiness comes from within. Keep your eyes peeled, always be learning, and don't be nobody's sucker. Don't get left behind. Really my biggest regret is under-valuing and not believing in myself. It's amazing how great things can go when you just commit to something and make realistic and well-thought out choices while pursing your desired path. ALTHOUGH, I'm only 29 so I can still do a LOT to change my life and work towards my goals. |