If you know, you know. Those 3 words can instantly deflate any excitement after a quick scan of an email. At times, a subject line can be misleading, sparking a glimmer of hope, only to be extinguished when you open the message. What does it mean when you spend day after day reading endless automated rejection letters from applications you poured your heart into? Some of these applications included detailed interview responses that took hours to perfect, meticulously crafted cover letters, and extensive research before even clicking "submit." And yet, the outcome is the same: silence, or worse, another rejection without even a screening call.
Taking Matters Into My Own Hands
It’s been four months of this. Four months of rejection, self-doubt, and frustration. Eventually, I threw in the metaphorical towel and said, forget it. If no one was going to hire me, I’d create my own job. And so, we started a game team, Side Quest Games. It’s a team full of people who are also unemployed or looking to break into gaming. Some of them are employed but eager to transition into gaming, learning from those of us who have been in the industry for years.
From a LinkedIn Post to a Movement
Yes, this all started with a simple LinkedIn post, ironically on one of the most depressing social media platforms. The tech and gaming industries have been through hell, and LinkedIn is flooded with posts from colleagues announcing yet another round of layoffs. But this isn’t meant to be a depressing post. It’s supposed to be exciting, upbeat!
For the first time in a long while, I feel motivated. I haven’t felt like myself in ages. Being rejected over and over again, especially after two consecutive layoffs, was a brutal hit to my ego. But I embraced stoicism, took a step back, and reflected deeply on my purpose and how to become a better version of myself.
The Power of Asking for Help
So, what helped me pull myself out of this rut? I asked for help. I know, that sounds simple, but for someone like me, who thrives on helping others and rarely asks for anything in return, it was a big deal. I’ve always wanted to make a game, but I never became one of those savant designers who could code, handle product management, design, and create art all by themselves.
So, I put my ego aside and reached out. And guess what? People came from all corners of the internet. Some were old friends I hadn’t spoken to in 10+ years. It’s been heartwarming to hear their stories, why they want to build something with us, and what they’ve been through over the years. For the first time in a long while, I didn’t feel alone.
The Isolation of Remote Work
Most people outside of gaming and tech don’t realize how isolating this industry can be. Many of us sit at home, staring at glowing screens, hoping someone will reach out and say, we need you. When you’re not in an office, you lose that sense of connection, the ability to commiserate when things get tough.
But I finally got so fed up with being depressed Jon that I decided to put myself out there, unapologetically, authentically. Who was I even pretending for? There was no job lined up, no corporate ladder to climb, just me and this group of people building something together.
Introducing Side Quest Games
And that’s how Side Quest Games was born. It’s not a company in the traditional sense. It’s a collective. A side quest to all of our careers. I don’t expect people to quit their jobs or put financial stability on hold.
At Side Quest, we make our own rules:
- Rule #1: We are a collective. We build beautiful things without replacing creativity with AI. We take a democratic approach: every major decision is made through Discord polls and open discussions until we reach a consensus.
- Rule #2: We prioritize good vibes. If you’re working for free, the experience has to be worth it. That means no toxic energy.
- Rule #3: Experiment and iterate. Side Quest Games isn’t about playing it safe. It’s about pushing boundaries, trying weird ideas, and embracing the unknown.
Final Thoughts: Just Start Something
And that’s the story. What started as a rejection-filled, soul-crushing job hunt turned into something truly special. We may not know where this journey will lead, but at least we’re making something real, something fun, and most importantly, something ours. So, if you’re feeling stuck, if you’re sick of waiting for someone else to give you an opportunity, create your own. Ask for help. Start something. And who knows? It might just change everything.