So, staring a new job in two days. It’s a very strange feeling that I’m sure we’ve all felt at one point or another – some more recently than others. I wonder how bad the commute’s going to be. I wonder if I’ll like my coworkers. I wonder if I’ll like the game I’ll be working on. Will they like me? Are they smart? What batch of problems will this company have? What won’t they have? What can I learn from them? What can they learn from me?

Lots of questions. No answers.

Sometimes, I don’t wonder why I work. I know why. I love the process of making games. I love the creativity, the collaborative environment, and the joy that comes from making something new. I love working on passionate teams, with smart, innovative, interesting people. I love dealing with the strange little details no one notices, or trying to figure out how to crack a particular nut, whether it’s a person, or a game mechanic.

Other times, I wonder. I love hanging out in the sun – I don’t get to do that that much when I’m at work. I love doing things – making stuff, changing things, practicing, creating – on my own time, on my own terms. Doesn’t pay very well, but it’s fulfilling, and if I’m not satisfied, I’ve got no one else to blame but me. But I suppose I’ve got bills to pay, so I go.

This time, I hope the things I learn will be fun, not painful. I’m looking forward to it.