Work, Life, Video Games, and You. Finding the Balance.

Hello, everyone and Happy New Year! I am back to do some writing after a short hiatus. While I did intend on writing something up that was holiday related (in the same spirit as "Twas the Night Before Christmas" so there would be plenty of rhyming to be had), it was unfortunately not to be. Hopefully I will be able to write that up for later on this year. I regret not being able to actually write something up for December, but life has taken quite a drastic turn for me. I am now employed full-time. You expected maybe it was bad news? Nah. What does this have to do with the title above? Well, this is where this blog chimes in with a little advice on when you may find yourself trying to balance work, life, and playing the games you enjoy.

Let's have a look at my situation. I am single with no children, I am working between Monday through Friday at nine hours per day, I am living at home with my immediate family, and I have an active social life. So how do I even get a chance to do any of my hobbies outside of what I just mentioned? If you ever find yourself in the same boat as me, you have to remember that you must make compromises, acknowledge your current reality, and plan things out.

Compromises obviously entail what your time will be spent on. The core of my entertainment these days is composed of reading comic books, watching television shows, sifting through the internet, and (of course) playing video games. Bouncing back and forth with these is very difficult. Even the balance I have now can result in me getting stretched thin. Also, if an emergency happens, then that must be attended to first before everything else.

Acknowledging that you won't have all the time in the world anymore because of your busy schedule is necessary. My first month at the new job made me realize how little I am keeping up with my hobbies and entertainment. I spent more time working, eating, and sleeping than dedicating time to what I enjoy. That is when formulating a plan helps. Look at how your days often go with your available time. Work around what your have and you will find your balance.

So, what's the balance I have found with primarily gaming? One thing that I do is take my 3DS to work with me. During my lunch break, I play whatever I brought with me. I can do some Smash Runs in Smash Bros or train up my roster in Pokemon Omega Ruby. It may not be the longest session of gaming ever, but I still get to game a bit. The other positive is just the fact that the 3DS is a handheld gaming device. If you have a handheld, then you have a huge advantage. I can take this with me anywhere. So if I'm stuck waiting to pick someone up or I'm just walking around a mall, I have it with me to do a little gaming on the side and possibly pick up some street passes. Handheld gaming can become a primary option for those who have busy lives because of its strength in mobility.

What about console and PC gaming? That is where the paths branch out into two separate roads for me. Given that I work during the weekdays from the morning to early evening, I want to go home and relax. Here's the issue: my family tends to occupy the television where the consoles are hooked up and my computer isn't exactly as spry as it used to be. So, what can be done if you're in the same situation as me? Simple. Make your own secluded paradise.

Now, I'm not saying that you should completely lock yourself away from all human contact. That would be absurd. Do what I did and put what you have into a single space. Have a spare television and an extra room? Make it a small game room. Hook up your console and game for a couple of hours. When the weekend starts, you can either continue on in the new room or head on back to the living room. You will have more privacy and available time this way.

Currently, I'm unable to purchase any other consoles due to the limited space I have. Sure, I could package one of my current ones away and hook up a new one, but I have a huge library of games left to complete. Thank you Christmas! In any case, my suggestion on television space for when you're living alone is best left to your own opinion on the situation. Do I have the space for a new console? How many games will I get for it? How do I organize my setup around the television? It all depends on your predicament and what you're available space looks like. Don't rush it and you will be good.

If you have your own computer and are single, keep it in your bedroom. Trust me, this is the best option, especially if you're living at home. You can game a few hours into the night with privacy and then shove off to bed when you eventually get tired. Ease of access is a wonderful thing. If you are married or are living with your boyfriend/girlfriend, it would be best to keep the computer elsewhere. You wouldn't want to keep your significant other up at night from the light of your PC or because your talking through a headset. Let's not fool ourselves because as gamers we can spend hours into the night playing games.

In regards to my computer not performing as well as it did say three years ago, then it's time to look into upgrading. Here's the best part: it doesn't have to be super flashy or expensive. There are quite a few people who would have you believe that you need the latest for the greatest. Not so, dear reader. The beauty of technology is that you can get an iteration of an item from one or two years ago and it will be cheaper and still perform amazingly. I'm looking into upgrading soon with a budget of only five hundred dollars. I know the items I'm getting, too. If I can do it, you can do it.

If you have an active social life like me, then chances are that your weekends and evenings could be packed with plans. Hanging out with friends often entails going out to eat, going to see a movie, shopping, bowling, ice skating, among plenty of other activities. One advantage I have is that quite a few of my friends are gamers. A hangout can be as simple as ordering up some food, while chatting and gaming. A successful night of fun and entertainment in my opinion. I always say to make some time for your friends. This especially is a strong case if you're single. I'm not committed to a woman at the moment, so I can see my friends should their schedules line up well with mine. The games will always be there. A hangout with your friends is irreplaceable.

I hope my tips help you out should you ever land in similar circumstances like myself or just need ideas/advice in general. Whether it's balancing life and work, hobbies and work, or all three, there are many ways to making a plan and finding your perfect solution. Sorry I couldn't really relate to a gamer who has their own family (spouse, kids), but maybe that's where someone else can step in? If you have any advice for people who may be in your shoes, feel free to share them here. Until then, I'll hopefully be working on a new blog or review for N4G soon.