Published on: Oct 07, 2024
It’s been a busy month. A month into a new job as university IT I’m settling into the work well. I’m still quite detached from my co-workers, but I’ve not actively tried to be social for the past 3 weeks, so its to be expected. It’s not great though.
I’m afraid me being too uptight is starting to seep through the office again like my last job. There’s an iciness setting in that was absent from when I started last month. I need to be more caring and engaged with others around me (outside of work topics). Talks are stilted at the moment in the office, but there’s some traction when I’m 1 on 1 with someone. I don’t like annoying people, and still have an instinct that conversations annoy people in the office when they happen, so I don’t start them. Not caring about other people enough to interrupt them is part of it as well.
I find myself stressed and engaged most days. Its a nice change from the extended holiday I found myself in after quitting my last job. The stress comes mainly from the personal responsibility on each ticket. There’s only ever one set of eyes on a ticket unless someone else is asked. It’s different to the 6 man pool we had on each ticket back at my old job. It has been much more fulfilling as a result, as most tickets feel as if I’ve solved it on my own. With lots of help from documentation, of course.
Outside of work, the bad habits are back. Chocolate, alcohol and no exercise ain’t helping me get into the swing of full-time work. The vices help with destressing a little, but I know its only temporary. Has been some progress breaking off them over the past week. So hopefully I keep to it.
Went to my first convention after a while too! Pixel in Perth. A bite-sized gaming expo. Went with 3 mates, and we both split off into pairs part way through. Checked out some indie demos, retro games. Got Top 8 in a Street Fighter 6 tourney, which felt great. If it weren’t for a 10 game loss streak the next night online, I’d be driving hard to get good enough for locals. The fighting game community really is one of the strongest in gaming for being inviting and supportive. Still a goal I’m aiming for though.
Gaming is very much a hobby that those who are less abled or socially shunned gravitate to. At pixel it felt as if everyone was letting loose, everyone looked very comfortable. People in cosplay, fursuits, “grunge wear”, larping and DnD all sharing one roof. Didn’t even smell too bad! It was a refreshing feeling being on the same social tier as people and being cozy enough to get into conversations with strangers. The duo I was in was a nice change too. It’s not someone I’m usually with one-on-one. It was chill, which is something I’m working on.
REVIEWS My Review Scale
⭐ Something I enjoyed, was good/important to do, stirred some feeling - e.g. my Morning Routine
⭐⭐ Really enjoyed doing it, had a strong impact on me, felt it in my chest - e.g. Montmorency falls visit
⭐⭐⭐All-time favourite, life-altering impact, stricken by the feels - e.g. Quitting my 7-year job
Frostpunk 2 ⭐ If Frostpunk 1 was about surviving the ice age, Frostpunk 2 is about how a society thrives in it. A large focus on policy making, relationship management and large scale infrastructure feel like great fits for a sequel. The art direction is stellar as well. It has been added to my mental short-hand along with Persona 5 for UI design and designs that match the aesthetic of the game. Oil spill character portraits, a fiery oil gauge to reflect tension, resource meters that slowly drip down the screen with severity. A strong experience which lends itself well to replays with how the faction game gets played.
The Wild Robot ⭐⭐ I feel Dreamworks needs to sacrifice some trash on the altar between each film before they can release a banger. I came in with no expectations and loved it from start to finish, with a few small dips here and there. A lovely film about self-discovery and how relationships morph people to be better. Each shot felt very filmic, especially in the quieter moments. It’s not usually something I think about when it comes to animation, but it reminded me that a cinematographer adds a lot to a film’s aesthetic and clarity. A thorough recommend to anyone.
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