Soon I will need to ask myself the question: What am I actually going to do with my life? I know this sounds very teeny, but let me explain.
I am 26 years old and almost done with my masters in educational psychology. I have a very challenging study planned, but after that, all that is left is writing (and publishing!) the thesis. All my options are open as I live together with my dad for now and we get along great. He likes me being here and its more as if I have a roommate that I rarely see than an actual dad-son relationship. I have a side job as a junior research assistent at a marketing consultancy company, yet the job is not that important to me. Soon, I will finally be free to do as I please.. But.. then what?
Ever since 1999 I've been (semi-)involved in esports, as both a player, a tourney host and a staff member here. To elaborate, I used to work for ClanBase, hosting Quake3 RA3 cups, helping out with lans and adminning the games. Actually, I've brought BW to ClanBase and gave it its first nation cup, if I'm not mistaken. Oh so long ago. Further more I've always been involved with TL from the beginning: helping it develop, father of the IRC channel, banner of bad posters and general forum entertainer. I've played various games at a (relatively) high level, including BW back when gamei was the thing, Ultima Online, Quake 3 RA3 (Eurocup!), Red Alert, WC3 and now SC2. Even though I know that I am a good gamer in a variety of games, at a crucial point I chose not to (try to) achieve the highest level in the more serious games such as BW, WC3 and SC2.
To elaborate on that, I am a high school dropout due to personal reasons. At one point I had the choice: try to make a living off of gaming, attempt to full time poker similar to many other players from the old Dutch scene (Liquid`Raszi, Twisted, Nazgul, etc), or make up for dropping out of high school by returning to school. I ended up chosing the latter, because another choice meant that I sat in front of the computer 16 hours a day, every day, and that was exactly what I did not want. That, and gaming was not a lucrative business at that time. Tourneys were rare and good money was even more rare. Gamers today are spoiled, luckilly so.
I ended up working myself upwards in the educational piramid, which has given me a lot of experience in life. I've guided the mentally handicapped, worked with demented old folks, taught children in primary school, and now I'll soon be a certified psychologists in the best psychology educational in the country, almost graduating cum laude. I might still achieve that, but it is not that important to me. I'm just happy I did and do well.
During my education(s), I've always kept track of the gaming scene. Ive become a true spectator, someone with love for various games. In addition to the games I mentioned before, I've actively followed many other proscenes, such as counterstrike, dota and even wow. These days, I watch a ton of SC2 and feel like I have great knowledge about the game. I play at quite a decent level as well, though I play far too little to actually achieve something. But I do not really mind, I genuinely play for the fun of it.
Besides some minor teamliquid 'work' (actually, more moderating and providing insight/ideas, this is nothing compared to the work other staff members do for us), I've actually only spectated games. A lot of games. I might change this soon... But lets get more to the point, what are my options here?
* I get a regular job and continue loving esports in my rare spare time. I really have no idea how much I'd love to do this... The thought of doing a regular job 40 hours a week scares the shit out of me. * I try to get a phd spot and hope that I can research esports alongside of other educational psychology topics. For example, I once discussed with my current professor who guides me with my master study (Prof. Fred Paas) about a possibility of testing progamers for more insight on the acquisition and development of expertise. As I've said before, currently most of the research is being done in the field of chess. SC2 progaming is to an extent equally suitable, and way more approachable. This is tough because the ability to choose your own topic is rare, and theres a chance that you get stuck with a topic that you are not as interested in. * I try to get a job in the esports scene and take a year off to accomplish this. This could be tournament organizer, caster, coach, trainer or whatever. I would actually love to try this as I believe I can do this. But, depending on the specifics of the job, I'd have to take my time to learn these trades, and perhaps I am a tad too old for this. * Earn some cash and travel the world, perhaps volunteer abroad for the greater purpose. Re-evaluate when back. * Attempt poker fulltime. Ive actually always wanted to give this a shot to see how I'd do..
In summary, I would love to become more involved in esport and travel some with it. The chances are there as I do not need that much money for the time being, and my girlfriend actually plays and loves SC2 and is very supportive of that [we actually watched TSL3 together!]. I believe I can do it.. but... I just dont really know. Maybe I'll be chasing a childhood dream..
Second option sounds really cool and exciting to me, personally. It sounds as though you could be successful at anything you choose, although I personally would never want to support myself through online poker. I'm younger than you so I can't really give advice, but it seems to me that none of these choices would limit you from pursuing any of the other ones in the future, so I'd just pick whichever sounds the most exciting and give it a shot!
So you're obviously deeply interested in ESPORTS. You have been so for a long time and it's a significant part of your life. Yet you've been able to complete a nice education, which opens doors to your future, which won't get closed. You have a girlfriend who is also interested in ESPORTS. Plus you have the coolest icon on TL.
As much as I'd love to have you around, I don't think ESPORTS is a valid choice for a career yet. There obviously a few exceptions, if TL or MLG or some other established entity offers you a job that is a great opportunity. Trying to make it being a professional gamer or working as a freelance caster/manager/ref/etc is something I would highly advise against. I would imagine it would be fun for a bit, but it would be very hard to get a stable career. I feel the same way about poker, for a few other reasons but if you are not an established online player in decent stakes then starting now is a horrible idea.
Either getting a job or getting a PHD are both great ideas. Both create long term career opportunities that are stable and will give you sufficient income to blow on a ton of ESPORTS events and will allow you to enjoy it to it's full extent.
What ever you choose, I wish the best of luck to you
Beyonder! I thought about the same decision recently and in my opinion I took the real life. I completely stopped everything that had to do with E-Sports and took an approach at real life seeing that this will be a better outcome. Either way, E-Sports will always still be around and will still grow, but at this moment, to get into any position with E-Sports and to get paid well is a mission in itself.
I tell you now that your Masters will get you farther places than E-Sports. Sure I've traveled cause of E-Sports and I've traveled a lot, but I'm sure you'll be able to do the same with a really good job.
Dunno if this will help you make your decision, but unless you get some sort of lucky opportunity through an already established organization (maybe TL, dunno) you're basically gonna be beginning your eSports work for free until you become noticed. Whatever it is, be it playing, casting, coaching, you have to start small. For someone who's finishing up an advanced degree, being basically back at the beginning is not too appealing, but you can make your own decision.
Oh wow hurricane basically said the same as me, didn't read his post :D
On May 22 2011 08:46 Beyonder wrote: Heh, interesting perspectives, thank you. Hoping for more info, this is helpful. I guess youre right, a lot of esports is volunteering. Hmmm.
What ever happened to you being a clown either way? :D
Do you see a situation or connections that you can make a living full time right away? If not then don't bother.
If you see this as something you've wanted to do for so long, then why not try it, if it can support your life then absolutely do it. I mean if you have a masters degree that seems like a PRETTY F'ING BALLER fallback option lol. If that puts you back 1 year then who cares? It'll be 1 year spent doing something that you love.
If the availability is there, do it man, its your dream. If its not a feasible option then you have a masters degree and a girlfriend who enjoys your hobby, then do it.
Don't worry about the 40 hour a week being an employee. (everybody hates it, but we all need to suck it up) you can still do E-sports related stuff in the weekends, until somebody notices your efforts (like what pokebunny said). I've been a little bit of doing a little bit of this and that in my spare time as I do get noticed here in the local scene as the dude that teaches basic stuff, cast and manage the team.
Also 26 right here! 1984 FTW ^_^
Oh here is the thing on how to start, since it's pretty damn cool you're already a mod here. Find someone who exactly knows how to start esport related stuff (like events and shit), then make a team of non-profit dudes for the meantime. Learn how to create a proposal letter (very important in getting sponsors) then make some tournaments for the meantime. Now it's going to depend on what career you want to get into, (caster, event org, player etc) it's your own choice. But that's the 1st vague steps I can provide you since this is how we did it here.
Sheesh, another one? You're just like me. I also dropped out. Went back to school. I haven't immersed myself into the esports scene as deeply as yourself but for a long long time playing the game or waiting to see a certain matchup was what I looked forward to when I woke up. Now I'm playing less and less, watching less and less. I'm going to school and I'd like to eventually get a phd in physics or engineering and dip my toes in the frontiers of research. I'm not sure how to feel about it. If I find some sort of of activity or job that electrifies me more than esports then I guess it's not so bad and I can relegate it to a background hobby.
Seems like you want to involve yourself with esports despite of your success. And that there's an air of uncertainty about your future at the moment.
My advice would be to create a marriage between the two. Doing research in expert acquistion with regards to esports seems like a pretty cool start. Also keep in mind that to become rich or financially independent you can't really rely on a salary for that (In case that 40 hour a week thing is really scaring you). Maybe you can do something on the side. Start some sort of service, or consulting freelance service. One thing I see that's missing from current esports are sports psychologists. I mean if golf is a "mental" game then what is starcraft? I think that would be a really cool way to integrate the two. You'd be a trailblazer first of all, seems like it would be a fruitful path for research, and you'd be able to work with the players and be deeply embedded in the scene.
P.S. If you go down that path please tell me what deliberate practice entails in sc!
P.P.S. Always take comfort in the fact that you can change careers at the drop of the dime at (almost) any time in your life. I personally know someone who is in their 40's who's just gotten into med school. And since you practically have your md, you know you can handle the workload at the highest levels. Most people cannot not. I know the path I'm going down but I kinda have a back up plan where I switch careers at 40! (or earlier)
If you are ok with where your life is, and your father willing to support you for another year or more. While you pursue a unique career fucking go for it. A 9 to 5 jobs can wait a year. The only real down side I can see is it may be hard to explain to a employer what you were doing for a year from the time you left school If you don't get the job.
I think you should give it a try, it's only one year of your life. You'll realize then that you either love esports enough that you'll stick with it or realize that it's better off as a hobby and that pursuing a path in education is better for you. For me, actually working in esports turned me off from it and I'm a bit sad that I don't even enjoy SC as much as I used to. Also, getting a job as an educator/researcher is hardly 40 hours a week Having something like esports to motivate you through your day is also good - knowing that you can reward yourself with someone you are passionate about on the weekends/evenings might be nice.
Some people take a year to travel before they enter the workforce, you could take a year to ESPORT before you look for stability. I think it's a worthy experience.
I do not have a full time or paid option at this moment, but noone has really known about my desire either. I've chosen to dedicate my time to university and organize my social life, girlfriend time and ESPORT loving time around that. I guess I could give it a shot for a year and see where I end up. I actually have a backup job that I could do for 2 days a week and support myself off of that. I'll probably end up applying to some PhD spots, but there are very few interesting ones.
On May 22 2011 10:38 Licmyobelisk wrote: Don't worry about the 40 hour a week being an employee. (everybody hates it, but we all need to suck it up) you can still do E-sports related stuff in the weekends, until somebody notices your efforts (like what pokebunny said). I've been a little bit of doing a little bit of this and that in my spare time as I do get noticed here in the local scene as the dude that teaches basic stuff, cast and manage the team.
But with a social life and a girlfriend, I dont want that to be the case. I want to either be free to dedicate time to SC2 as I see fit, or not do it. I hate doing things half-assed.
On May 22 2011 11:25 lilsusie wrote: I think you should give it a try, it's only one year of your life. You'll realize then that you either love esports enough that you'll stick with it or realize that it's better off as a hobby and that pursuing a path in education is better for you. For me, actually working in esports turned me off from it and I'm a bit sad that I don't even enjoy SC as much as I used to. Also, getting a job as an educator/researcher is hardly 40 hours a week Having something like esports to motivate you through your day is also good - knowing that you can reward yourself with someone you are passionate about on the weekends/evenings might be nice.
On May 22 2011 08:46 Beyonder wrote: Heh, interesting perspectives, thank you. Hoping for more info, this is helpful. I guess youre right, a lot of esports is volunteering. Hmmm.
What ever happened to you being a clown either way? :D
Just like the best clowns, I retired early
On May 22 2011 11:15 InToTheWannaB wrote: If you are ok with where your life is, and your father willing to support you for another year or more. While you pursue a unique career fucking go for it. A 9 to 5 jobs can wait a year. The only real down side I can see is it may be hard to explain to a employer what you were doing for a year from the time you left school If you don't get the job.
I wonder how much employers really care about that? And to be honest, I never care about that. I already have a really strange educational path because I dropped out of hs and worked for a year after that. They always ask what I did there TT
P.S. If you go down that path please tell me what deliberate practice entails in sc!
Yeah, I wrote my bachelor thesis on the relationship between intelligence and chess. Cant do that without approaching deliberate practice. Id liketo uncover that in esports topics. I would love to show that the progamers are more intelligent. Even though in itself it proves little, it would be an interesting find.
Just know that I'll support you, regardless of your choice. ^_^ Your current job is pretty nice, if you continue to work only a few days a week, as you're doing now, would you not be able to pursue a bigger role in SC next to it? I know you dislike doing things half-assed, but if you work 2 days, you still have so much nerding time left! And if what you pursue in SC becomes reality you can always drop your other work, it isn't that much of a big deal ^^
But I can also really see you applying for PhD, you can always look around. There's still time, you don't have to do a PhD track tomorrow. ^^' They also have a psychology faculty in Maastricht.
<just sayin> =D
Also if you wait a little, I might live closer so I can make you a sammich while you play.
I was in a similar situation three years ago when finishing my masters, I then worked for two years and then went back and began a PhD. That worked out well for me so far, though I am only 7 months into my PhD but as a result I would recommend you do not apply for a PhD until you have completely finished your masters, you say you have a very challenging study planned and then have to write up, you might find that not everything goes to plan, or you find writing up tedious or something. I don't know what kind of person you are but with research I think it's a good idea to take time away from it to see if you miss it and would like to go back rather than continue straight with it just in case you find something else you'd rather do.
I would not recommend going straight into the workforce permanently now, mostly because of the way you described your options that was the one you seem to like the least , you could work for a year certainly and then reconsider again, or as you have in one of your options, save up and travel. I think going for something straight in ESPORTS does not really seem realistic, if you were to work part-time for a while and then work on it in your spare time maybe but I would think unless you are really lucky, or perhaps very talented or unique, I don't know if it's a realistic career.
The way you describe your options trying at poker seems to be the one you want to do most, or at least it reads as something that you want to try out at some stage in your life and if you don't try it soon while you've got the chance in your life to evaluate what you can do maybe you won't get another opportunity.
EPT
Having something like esports to motivate you through your day is also good - knowing that you can reward yourself with someone you are passionate about on the weekends/evenings might be nice.
