A friend of mine once game tested for EA. He said is was a good job for those who want to learn about software development, but working from 6 AM and catching the last bus across the GGB only to get a shot in at last call, every... single... day... No the paltry overtime on the paycheck was not worth it. If you have a decent job that is paying the bills right now then hold fast to it. If it's the food service, then run like monkey the first chance you get.
I have a shit job that is *barely* paying the bills and not at all paying the thousands in hospital debt I have. I've had a sinus infection for over 5 months, the docs here are clueless about everything, and my wife has auto-immune diseases; no insurance, no benefits, and social security has been fucking us around for four years now. My health has been slipping drastically over the last few years, and I know 'stress' is a commonly misused word, but I assure you it's a heavy contributor, because yes, I am in the food service and it's stressful as all hell. Doesn't help that I haven't had the best eating habits, and terrible sleeping habits. Workin' to change all that, I am; and made an awful lot of progress so far too. In the end though, my health is still going down the gutter. I am in the process of switching to factory work (yay... not. but still better n' this shit) I'll get full time, benefits, far better wages, but most importantly, a work schedule that can match my sleeping needs best. Easiest shift to get (nightshift), and my mother has been an employee of the company that owns the three major factories here, so I should have no trouble getting the job. I'd still take a desk job any day, especially one where I am interested in the work.
The good news is that my current nightmare is coming to an end and I am optimistic for the future. I also have plans for moving sometime next year which should yield some interesting and new opportunities. Like I said though I would definitely seize a job like that one.This city life you're mentioning is foreign to me. Buses... we dun got dem round' 'ere.
School buses, sure, but not much else. I drive 10 miles across country to work every day.
I know people who live 20 miles out of town.
I am "guaranteed" a job where I currently work. (I've been reminded about it a few times) So if nothing else works out I always got my current shitty gig to fall back on, whilst it may not be adequate financially, it is still more than nothing.
I would love to be a game tester for EA, or Blizzard, or any other for that matter. I know that type of job (game tester, etc.) has always had a lot of hype and exaggeration as to the actual work, but whatever, it beats the opportunities around here, trust me.
