Real life begins now
Remember this job? You may recall the whole saga of how it didn't work out. Well this story has a sequel.
The person who got me in the door at this company was a certain Immutable character, a former Yulblogger. Through his tireless efforts my name got the attention of his game director, who works on a different team. After the recommendations of not only him, but one of the directors I interviewed with as well as the VP of HR, I got a second interview with his director. As luck would have it, this week I am working nights to cover the people that are taking vacation this week, so I was free at 9 am on Tuesday.
The receptionist remembered me from January, and seemed quite positive about my chances. I showed up in a suit and tie, and after getting reacquainted, we cornered me in the cloak closet to warn me that "SUITS AND TIES DON'T WORK HERE! Look around you!". Shocked, but convinced, I hurriedly doffed my tie and hung up my suit jacket. "This interview is just a detail. You're already in. Just crack a couple of jokes and you'll be fine." I didn't place that much faith in her words; I wasn't there to crack jokes, but I did feel a small surge of confidence. I wondered aloud why she was so well informed, though. I will spare you the details of the interview, but I definitely nailed it. I went to the floor where the team works and met them; saw a couple of their previous titles. I thought that this was a very good sign, but I had had very good signs before, with nothing to show for it.
Today, I put the ringer on the phone on low, and placed the phone next to me while I attempted to sleep. I am generally a light enough sleeper anyway, and my circadian clock hadn't really adjusted to the night shift, so I would wake up easily if the phone rang. I really can't work nights, it's 11:20 pm and I could sleep until 8 right now. Anyway, I woke up and left the phone in the bedroom, and went to the computer in my "den". (I like to call it a den. It makes me feel as though I do not live in a hovel.) The base of the phone is in my den, and as luck would have it, as its display flashed I was able to notice it from the corner of my eye. I saw the phone number come up and frantically ran back to the bedroom to retrieve the receiver.
It was an HR person from the company. She asked me if I were sitting down. I wasn't; so she asked me to. And then my life officially changed. I was offered the position, at a starting salary higher than any I had previously had. I said that I would stop talking about job opportunities until one of them worked out, and I meant it.
For the first time I was able to choose a career, train in it, and get a job in it rather than just falling into it and staying there for years. But not only that, it's in something I actually care about. Video games. And I could not have done it about the Immutable One (nor MJ, because I would not have known about the company if not for her). I will NOT forget this.
Rose is ecstatic. The second I got off the phone, she emerged from the bedroom. We both SCREAMED! It really was like winning the lottery, except that you make your own luck, and you pay taxes on your earnings. She's talking about all the places we can go, and things we can do. I am far more pragmatic than this: I wouldn't even discuss the possibility of promotions and future career options until I secured the position. But now, we can actually move ahead with our lives, and this is sorely needed.
Finally, FINALLY, something I can sink my teeth into. And I will not fail. I don't think I have mentioned this, but my intention is to become nothing less than an expert in what I do. I will receive more diplomas and certifications. I will write books. I will give seminars and conferences (that reminds me, I need to pay my IGDA fees). I will be SOMEBODY.
Now...NOW. Real life begins now.