I left the gaming industry for robotics. I'm lucky in a number of ways (no college degree, no robotics background), but the salary and WLB is so much better her

I left the gaming industry for robotics. I'm lucky in a number of ways (no college degree, no robotics background), but the salary and WLB is so much better here. My last job was FAANG level salary/bonuses, my current company is a bit smaller but maybe we'll get there at some point. Don't get me wrong - I _miss_ it. So much. I know it's Stockholm Syndrome, but the people in the industry are my people and I miss shipping games. The work is very interesting (not that my current job isn't). But my life outside of work has improved so much after leaving - I likely won't ever go back. I remember being told "why would you want to do that?" when I told a gamedev friend I wanted to join the industry. I didn't get what he meant then, but now I do. If some young programmer wanted to get in now...well - I wouldn't dissuade them - it's a great way to get a lot of experience and work on cool stuff - but go in eyes wide open. Maybe have an exit plan. Off the top of my head I know a dozen excellent developers I worked with in the past who have left games for greener pastures (most of them robotics - the 3D math experience and ability to work with large codebases carry over well).