I didn’t graduate college until I was 26. At 23 I was still in school and slacking off and my dad was paying for everything. I went slow through college and was frequently depressed and unmotivated. I had very few friends and escaped reality playing video games and drawing. My dad went unexpectedly broke and left the country to work overseas. His possessions were all gone and I had 2 weeks to find a job and pay rent. I got a job as a web developer for a very small salary because I had to drop out of college and had no experience. I actually didn’t drop out properly and failed a bunch of classes so I thought I had screwed the college road up permanently.

I learned the value of money and work. Times were very difficult for a while. I eventually found out about a “grade forgiveness” program and when I went back to school at 24 I turned those F’s into A’s because I changed my attitude. I also started making a small game project of my own just for learning.

I graduated at 26 and felt a sudden urge to leave my hometown behind and start a new life. I always had aspirations to go to California and work for a big game company but up until then it felt like a pipe dream.

Well when I had my diploma in hand, I packed up everything that i could into my tiny car and gave my furniture away. I drove to Los Angeles and stayed in the cheapest motel I could find. I didn’t have much money and time and was short. I applied to every game company I could and tried to show employers my game project so I wouldn’t get tossed aside for lacking experience. I got plenty of second interviews and thought I finally had it in the bag but was turned down last minute.

After 2 months I was about broke, but I didn’t give up. I decided i’d rather be homeless pursuing the life I wanted than comfortable in a life I didn’t want. I bought 2 books on how to interview better and read them cover to cover while working on my game. I used that knowledge to really seal the next interview and I showed this next company my game project. They loved it. I got the job and found myself working for Disney as a game programmer.

Many moments I thought I wouldn’t and couldn’t make it. There were many times I felt like useless. I had to look at myself critically and work hard to change my circumstances. Somehow I did it. If i can, I’m sure plenty of others can.