“Looking at my savings account I have no other option but to admit to myself I’m running out of money…” That is how I started a blog post a few weeks ago. I had realized that my savings were running out before reaching my 6-month goal. So I was going to need to look around for ways to earn some cash.

Fortunately, I’m in a position where I don’t need much to get by. My monthly costs are low because I live with my parents and they provide me with food and necessities. Tho I still want to go to the gym, drive my car and occasionally go out with friends.

The biggest reason for needing money is actually so I can go to conferences. These events are crucial for game development projects. It is highly likely to meet influential people such as publishers, investors and future business partners at these conferences. A pass to such event costs couple hundred euros + plane tickets + accommodation. For example, Casual Connect in May 2018 developer’s pass alone costs £395. And NordicGame in May 2018 conference pass is currently 560€. Huge amounts, but when you’ve been to one, you understand it is worth it.

Things changed

I ended up not publishing the previously mentioned article because the problem temporarily solved itself. Starting off, I received some money from leaving a web development company I founded with my friends some months ago. Also, I found a small game development gig that should keep me afloat for a bit.

To be honest, I didn’t really want to spend my time on any side projects other than my game Mechanical Difficulties. But a friend told me – “Sometimes you need to do other projects just for money. Then you can fund your main goal and keep going on the path of your dream.”.

Does it change anything with Project Number 2?

No, not really. I will spread out the side projects on a longer time period so that I can still put my main focus on developing Project Number 2: Mechanical Difficulties. This is not anything to stop me from developing my current game. It is just a bump in the road, just something to think about.

I’ve previously discussed the financial security a 9 to 5 job gives to a person, but now it dawns on me more than before. Simply the feeling of “If some emergency situation happens I’ll have spare money to get out of it.” Those being, for example, unexpected medical bills or crashing my car etc.

What if I run out of money again?

The community will help out. By this, I do not mean donations from my fans. I mean that I will find some way to earn money with my game development skills. I’m an active member of the Estonian game development community and they are like a family – all sticking together and helping each other out. I also know many of them are looking for Unity developers.

So when the time comes, I will find a way.