Thursday, 10 February 2011
Tired but relieved...
Been feeling really worn out, late nights, disturbed sleep, early starts and long days with few breaks have been all mounting up. I guess I'm feeling it more as I really care about what I do and it's showing, but I'm glad that it's all paying off personally and professionally.
Sunday, 6 February 2011
Really Fantstic Weekend
After being told that the game reviews site is going under, I've taken a moment to step back and assess what I want to do and how to go about it. My other half wants me to consider going back into education which I'm happy to do again, despite the whole thing about funding issues and needing to support the family as the main breadwinner, she just really wants me to go for it as the end justifies the means. It's such a great thing having such a loving and supportive person in my world...
It made me think how I had always been put off education as a route as I'd really been more interested in just simply applying myself and working my way through the ranks but I realise that you don't necessarily get the credit where it's due just because you lack a few letters after your name... so if you can't beat them........
On another matter I had a great weekend. I went up to visit my grandfather in the care home which was lovely, although he was a little confused and tired, we shared a few laughs and we just were happy to spend some time in eachothers company and that's what really matters.
Before this happened, my wife and I met up with an old friend who I'd not been in contact with for a few years whilst I got my head and heart round what had happened (that's another story). It was as though no time had passed - from the moment we walked into the pub and were warmly greeted, to the chat about just about everything, no-one would have imagined there'd been no communication on my part for any time at all. Personally it was really lovely having an opportunity to meet and talk and maybe not straighten things out but get some closure, makes it all much better. Additionally, I look forward to the future and am glad that everything looks more hopeful.
Today proved to be great too as we travelled down to see my aunt and uncle on the southern coast of England and it was really nice seeing them in another light. They're always having to tow the line and push things through to make things happen and it has a knock on effect in making them more stressed and serious. Today we saw them much more happier and relaxed and we were able to talk about numerous things.. from the cheeky inclusion of service charges at 12.5% not 10% (which is either a clever trick or way to get the most out of the new VAT rise), through to family history. I really want to find out more about the family tree and everything else.
It made me think how I had always been put off education as a route as I'd really been more interested in just simply applying myself and working my way through the ranks but I realise that you don't necessarily get the credit where it's due just because you lack a few letters after your name... so if you can't beat them........
On another matter I had a great weekend. I went up to visit my grandfather in the care home which was lovely, although he was a little confused and tired, we shared a few laughs and we just were happy to spend some time in eachothers company and that's what really matters.
Before this happened, my wife and I met up with an old friend who I'd not been in contact with for a few years whilst I got my head and heart round what had happened (that's another story). It was as though no time had passed - from the moment we walked into the pub and were warmly greeted, to the chat about just about everything, no-one would have imagined there'd been no communication on my part for any time at all. Personally it was really lovely having an opportunity to meet and talk and maybe not straighten things out but get some closure, makes it all much better. Additionally, I look forward to the future and am glad that everything looks more hopeful.
Today proved to be great too as we travelled down to see my aunt and uncle on the southern coast of England and it was really nice seeing them in another light. They're always having to tow the line and push things through to make things happen and it has a knock on effect in making them more stressed and serious. Today we saw them much more happier and relaxed and we were able to talk about numerous things.. from the cheeky inclusion of service charges at 12.5% not 10% (which is either a clever trick or way to get the most out of the new VAT rise), through to family history. I really want to find out more about the family tree and everything else.
Thursday, 27 January 2011
My wife's medical appointment...
My wife and I attended a medical appointment to see what could be done about having a baby. After several years of trying and doing everything that's been possible to aid this process, they've decided to give her injections so long as she loses some weight and gets in the optimum conditions.
To celebrate the breakthrough (after several setbacks we're glad to have anything positive) we met up with a friend and had a couple of drinks before having a meal together. It's amazing how a bit of news and a change of venue will completely lift the mood.
In the back of my mind I was thinking that going out as a family will be amazing. I guess taking a new born out will be daunting and awesome at the same time. In some ways I never would like a child to grow up and give up being a child, in other ways, I can't wait to be able to teach them and even learn things from them. I know it's a bit of a way to go still but having an addition to the family will be amazing.
To celebrate the breakthrough (after several setbacks we're glad to have anything positive) we met up with a friend and had a couple of drinks before having a meal together. It's amazing how a bit of news and a change of venue will completely lift the mood.
In the back of my mind I was thinking that going out as a family will be amazing. I guess taking a new born out will be daunting and awesome at the same time. In some ways I never would like a child to grow up and give up being a child, in other ways, I can't wait to be able to teach them and even learn things from them. I know it's a bit of a way to go still but having an addition to the family will be amazing.
Handling disappointment about being turned down for a new job
I recently heard through the grapevine that they were looking for an editorial person to join the team at my office. I took the chance to email the editor to see if I would stand a look in. I get the reply to say that I'd joined the game too late as they'd already hired the person... I think this is such a joke as jobs should be advertised and then people should have a chance to approach the people and state their case if interested.
So as soon as I heard this I just thought that as one door closed another will open and it'll lead to a better place.
So as soon as I heard this I just thought that as one door closed another will open and it'll lead to a better place.
Thursday, 20 January 2011
Taking time to de-stress proves fruitful
It's fair to say with all the strain of working to unachievable targets and singled out for promotion that never seems to evolve into anything and resolving problems at work has taken an unhealthy toll on other aspects of my life. It's really important to have a moment to clear things up and take a step back to look at everything properly. At times like these you really can assess just how priorities can be topsy-turvy and I am glad I can get things cleared up in my own mind before I can work sensibly on moving in the right direction.
My wife and I are talking about setting up our own business now as we've seen too many good opportunities pass by and between us, our skills could really complement what we are interested in doing.
There's a difference between a job and a career, a role and a passion. Don't sell yourself short! - We don't intend to!
My wife and I are talking about setting up our own business now as we've seen too many good opportunities pass by and between us, our skills could really complement what we are interested in doing.
There's a difference between a job and a career, a role and a passion. Don't sell yourself short! - We don't intend to!
Sunday, 16 January 2011
Train2Game / Train 2 Game / Train to Game - SCAM
As you may have read from an earlier blog, I had an 'interview' and I can now reveal who it's for - Train2Game.
This interview is such a farce. It starts with signing up, then you get a call from their call centre who try to 'vet' you as a suitable candidate. Pretty much whatever you say will be turned into a positive spin to convince you both that it's something you want. They then arrange for an interview to be held at your home with one of their course administrators.
The salesman - I mean, course administrator, comes round and as long as they see you're willing to sign your life away then you'll pass this 'thorough' process (confirming name, address, telephone number, current job, reason for applying and which role you wish to apply for/which role they wish you to apply for). Again, as long as you have a bit of personality, you will be put forward to their reviewing panel.
Aparently this reviewing panel is done with course directors who'll review your application and as long as the administrator puts in a good word for you, you'll be accepted.
The second phase then begins with high pressure tactics to ensure you sign up. I did get fairly upset by the approach the administrator took when visiting the first time - basically flashing snippets from The Sun newspaper as fact on the state of the gaming industry and then showing me a 6 minute DVD about becoming an animator and how great TIGA (the gaming authority in the UK - who also run the Train2Game programme) are. If alarm bells aren't ringing at this stage then surely you should try to get a second opinion.
Thankfully speaking with my brother and looking about online, we find that actually Train2Game are a dictatorship and scam of the highest order. Sure you may get the tools of the trade and foot in the competitive games industry, but all that really matters is for them to sign up as many people as possible on the promise of giving you a foot in the door once qualified (and you can repeat any exams you fail until you pass them). I was told at the interview how the software they offer are worth about £10k and you can buy them at the end of the course for about £1500.
The main thing that stinks about all this is you are trying to get yourself up the first rung of a ladder and make a career for yourself. Being promised so many things is such an easy thing but when you're not left any paperwork to mull over and all they really want to do is call up to say "you passed the initial phase, congratulateions! Now we have to source the funding for your course..." and hey presto, they can give you a loan which you pay off in weekly instalments (around £40 a week). If you do the maths that's £6240 over the 3 years.
As I know through sales you break things down to the ridiculous level so that people are like 'wow what a cracking offer!' e.g. it works out as a box of fags or couple of pints a day!
After doing some research I find that the parent company offers loans. They also have a highly aggressive stance in terms of snuffing out any negative articles about their company or courses (hence the dictatorship comment previously). I'm sure they'll either try to snuff this blog out or monitor it or try to put out some convincing article.
Anyway to draw a line under this blog, the salesman who never introduced himself properly (i.e. he never mentioned his name) has called me repeatedly to try and sign me up to the course. The pressure became crazy with having an initial interview on Thursday, a call on Friday to say congratulations, now we need to sign you up and get the funding tomorrow (Saturday), to a few calls today (Sunday) to state we need to sign up on Monday as he's going to have to work on another area and the course process goes all over again.
The amount of conflicting reasons as to why I should sign up to it by Saturday (and now Monday) are shameful. Everything from "Your course position will be given to someone else who really wants it" to "You must sign up now to secure funding" and "I need to see you tomorrow as I'm working on another area and you're very lucky to be accepted onto the course!" with a touch of "You can't do this specialist course anywhere else and it'll cost you much more doing it at university" was adopted by the salesman.
Another thing worth looking into is how really accepted is the paperwork you're offered at the successful completion of the course? From what I can see, it's not anything too special but they (TIGA) would like you to believe so and of course if you flood the market with people who have these skills, the industry will tend to tow the line by taking them onboard - therefore making it the industry standard.
In truth, you can gain the skills for free online and if you adopt a disciplined approach and are dedicated, you'll be able to keep up with (or surpass) the standards this course offers.
So don't sign your life away with these scammers, you will find much more useful information about this company and its set up by digging around. I imgaine the real reason why they want you to sign up within days is to prevent you from looking around and securing another deal.
The salesman needs to change their tactics as he slammed the phone down on me when all I said was "If the course is open all year round, I may wish to sign up in a couple of months or whatever". Now poor customer service and bad attitude is something that takes nothing to address.
I only hope you find this in good time prior to signing up.
This interview is such a farce. It starts with signing up, then you get a call from their call centre who try to 'vet' you as a suitable candidate. Pretty much whatever you say will be turned into a positive spin to convince you both that it's something you want. They then arrange for an interview to be held at your home with one of their course administrators.
The salesman - I mean, course administrator, comes round and as long as they see you're willing to sign your life away then you'll pass this 'thorough' process (confirming name, address, telephone number, current job, reason for applying and which role you wish to apply for/which role they wish you to apply for). Again, as long as you have a bit of personality, you will be put forward to their reviewing panel.
Aparently this reviewing panel is done with course directors who'll review your application and as long as the administrator puts in a good word for you, you'll be accepted.
The second phase then begins with high pressure tactics to ensure you sign up. I did get fairly upset by the approach the administrator took when visiting the first time - basically flashing snippets from The Sun newspaper as fact on the state of the gaming industry and then showing me a 6 minute DVD about becoming an animator and how great TIGA (the gaming authority in the UK - who also run the Train2Game programme) are. If alarm bells aren't ringing at this stage then surely you should try to get a second opinion.
Thankfully speaking with my brother and looking about online, we find that actually Train2Game are a dictatorship and scam of the highest order. Sure you may get the tools of the trade and foot in the competitive games industry, but all that really matters is for them to sign up as many people as possible on the promise of giving you a foot in the door once qualified (and you can repeat any exams you fail until you pass them). I was told at the interview how the software they offer are worth about £10k and you can buy them at the end of the course for about £1500.
The main thing that stinks about all this is you are trying to get yourself up the first rung of a ladder and make a career for yourself. Being promised so many things is such an easy thing but when you're not left any paperwork to mull over and all they really want to do is call up to say "you passed the initial phase, congratulateions! Now we have to source the funding for your course..." and hey presto, they can give you a loan which you pay off in weekly instalments (around £40 a week). If you do the maths that's £6240 over the 3 years.
As I know through sales you break things down to the ridiculous level so that people are like 'wow what a cracking offer!' e.g. it works out as a box of fags or couple of pints a day!
After doing some research I find that the parent company offers loans. They also have a highly aggressive stance in terms of snuffing out any negative articles about their company or courses (hence the dictatorship comment previously). I'm sure they'll either try to snuff this blog out or monitor it or try to put out some convincing article.
Anyway to draw a line under this blog, the salesman who never introduced himself properly (i.e. he never mentioned his name) has called me repeatedly to try and sign me up to the course. The pressure became crazy with having an initial interview on Thursday, a call on Friday to say congratulations, now we need to sign you up and get the funding tomorrow (Saturday), to a few calls today (Sunday) to state we need to sign up on Monday as he's going to have to work on another area and the course process goes all over again.
The amount of conflicting reasons as to why I should sign up to it by Saturday (and now Monday) are shameful. Everything from "Your course position will be given to someone else who really wants it" to "You must sign up now to secure funding" and "I need to see you tomorrow as I'm working on another area and you're very lucky to be accepted onto the course!" with a touch of "You can't do this specialist course anywhere else and it'll cost you much more doing it at university" was adopted by the salesman.
Another thing worth looking into is how really accepted is the paperwork you're offered at the successful completion of the course? From what I can see, it's not anything too special but they (TIGA) would like you to believe so and of course if you flood the market with people who have these skills, the industry will tend to tow the line by taking them onboard - therefore making it the industry standard.
In truth, you can gain the skills for free online and if you adopt a disciplined approach and are dedicated, you'll be able to keep up with (or surpass) the standards this course offers.
So don't sign your life away with these scammers, you will find much more useful information about this company and its set up by digging around. I imgaine the real reason why they want you to sign up within days is to prevent you from looking around and securing another deal.
The salesman needs to change their tactics as he slammed the phone down on me when all I said was "If the course is open all year round, I may wish to sign up in a couple of months or whatever". Now poor customer service and bad attitude is something that takes nothing to address.
I only hope you find this in good time prior to signing up.
Thursday, 13 January 2011
Back to the drawing board...
I decided from a young age I'd keep education down to a minimum as there's no substitute for experience over academia. Whenever it's crucial to train and learn new skills it's good to get a mixture of learning through doing it rather than just burying your head in books. I know that what looks good on paper does help you avoid making the same mistakes, but too often you hear about people who've gone through university only to end up flipping burgers to pay off their debts and normally end up in something completely unrelated to what they studied.
It's funny how so many people have a dream in their heads and then never choose to follow it. My wife said to me yesterday that people walk away from a dream for a reason, which got me thinking - there are too many excuses (nearly all bad ones) for why you will sell yourself short.
Take my job for example, it's not where I wished to be by this stage. Perhaps it's a dream to be happy and doing something you love and indeed getting paid for it is the real treat! Reading a few books, looking about online and researching things through speaking with honest folk who will tell you how it is makes all the difference. Just today I had a visit from an educational set up which are looking to help me follow my artistic passions and potentially through a course with them and give me assistance in getting a job at the end of it. I'll keep you posted with if I get in or not... but let's hope so!
It's funny how so many people have a dream in their heads and then never choose to follow it. My wife said to me yesterday that people walk away from a dream for a reason, which got me thinking - there are too many excuses (nearly all bad ones) for why you will sell yourself short.
Take my job for example, it's not where I wished to be by this stage. Perhaps it's a dream to be happy and doing something you love and indeed getting paid for it is the real treat! Reading a few books, looking about online and researching things through speaking with honest folk who will tell you how it is makes all the difference. Just today I had a visit from an educational set up which are looking to help me follow my artistic passions and potentially through a course with them and give me assistance in getting a job at the end of it. I'll keep you posted with if I get in or not... but let's hope so!
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