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October 3rd, 2006

Hai !

There should be a legal limit to how much one can say “yes” without understanding what he’s saying “yes” about !
“Hai” in Japanese is mostly used as a reassurance, especially over the phone where one is constantly supposed to acknowledge things.
So, Friday I finally got the offer I was waiting for, but I wasn’t sure it was an offer.. I understood more or less, but I had to wait until I got something in the mail to be really sure 8)

The situation with work now is that the larger company has made a pretty good offer, the smaller one was caught a bit off-guard as I asked for a delay. They said it’s their fault for not trying to find out what I was up to (shopping around). But of course it’s also my fault for not trying to make things clear from the start. Although I think I may have hinted in one of the interviews that I was really looking around.
It’ wouldn’t have been too smart of me to resign from a company and go look for another position to just one company.
Having more than one offer also raised my perspective salary quite a bit, which is only fair I think 8)

I will have to go for two more interviews and really take a decision. By now I have a pretty clear idea of where I would like to go to, but I also need to make sure I value all offers and keep in good terms with everyone.
I will have to reject some offers and I’m not too comfortable with that. Refusing good working positions for good money has a rather strong consumeristic taste.
In one case I may have a chance to join a team that filled my programming I dreams ever since my arcade games addicted teenager years.
It feels so good to be so close to realize a dream, but also feels bad to think that I may have to give up on that.
One has to trade constantly.. it’s all matter of time, how do you spend your next N years ?

I’m generally happy however. I’ll need strength to make a final decision soon, but however it goes I feel like I’m achieving great things from my perspective.
As it’s often said, anyone can achieve his or her dreams, it’s only matter of being very dedicated, very very patient and daring at the right time.

And now back to DSharingu coding. The current version is buggy as hell and I’m working on some major changes (multiple connections with tabbed views).
I’ve somehow managed to get my mother to install the application and help me to debug it. I still can’t see her computer’s screen… being able to do that is my mission for the time being !!!

woooooo !!!!

Posted by Davide Pasca in Diary, Japan, work

This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 3rd, 2006 at 5:52 pm and is filed under Diary, Japan, work. You can follow any responses to this entry through the comments RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

26 Responses to “Hai !”

  1. Ragin' Lion says:

    Refusing good working positions for good money has a rather strong consumeristic taste.

    It’s all relative my friend! You should get paid what you’re worth while you’re still worth it! 8P Another way to possibly look at it is that the extra money you’ll make can be used to fund your own research at home (providing that that job which pays more will give you adequate free time to do so!).

    All money is is just a tool … of course many people make that their prime goal … and the aquisition of money ends up controlling them.

    But it’s really a trade off; the high paying job may end up sucking the quality out of your life, while the not-so-high paying job may give you that quality you need.

    it’s all matter of time, how do you spend your next N years ?

    I think you already know what decision you will make, but just are afraid to make it … Don’t stop now … you’ve come this far (in only about a month!) I’ve been waiting too long for the final episode! 8P

    October 3rd, 2006 at 9:56 pm
  2. thepomy says:

    Hey Kaz, since I didn’t want to start debugging just after lunch break, I read all the blog entries since July :)

    Hope you’ll find the job you’re looking for. I am in a similar situation….I know I am quite good as a developer, I have 3 years experience right now, and earning 1100euro/month starts to annoy me. I think I’ll ask for more money, and then look around for something better if they don’t give me something sound to think about!
    See ya!

    October 3rd, 2006 at 10:16 pm
  3. rince says:

    Another thing to keep in mind is that right now its really a ‘game programmers’ market, with the xbox360 and ps3, the programming team size has to pretty much double or tripple, so everybody is looking for programmers with any kind of experience. And since you have all those years of console and 3d experience you should not feel bad about allowing yourself the freedom to consider offers and chosing only the best one.

    October 4th, 2006 at 12:59 am
  4. Davide Pasca says:

    Ragin
    I suppose I should try to be more opportunistic. But honestly I truly feel like I’d like to help all the companies I interviewed with.
    I guess in a sense I’m too self-conceited as I go by making a drama of every company that won’t be able to use my services… while of course I’m just as replaceable as anyone 8)

    thepomy
    You can ask for more, but it sounds like you should ask for a 100% raise !
    It sucks that Italy it’s become so expensive and people in your position with years spent on a degree and years of actual experience, can’t get a fraction of what they are worth.

    rince
    Someone told me that in UK recruiting agencies are going wild, calling people directly in the office (which is actually normal in USA as far as I remember 8).
    However I will not be satisfied until we start making more than those that do SQL etc !

    October 4th, 2006 at 2:52 am
  5. Rasty says:

    However I will not be satisfied until we start making more than those that do SQL etc !

    And you believe you’re making less?

    October 4th, 2006 at 4:16 am
  6. Ragin' Lion says:

    Mr. Kaz, you could always volunteer your services for free and not worry about making a living! I’m quite sure they’d be appreciative of that! (^-^)

    Honestly though, another way to look at it is that your home is your “company” or “business”. You need revenue (salary) to keep in operation.

    Don’t wait until you’re married (and have mouths to feed) to wake up to the fact that you’ll need $$$ to keep your company running.

    I bring up marriage (and children) because I’ve seen how that forced my friends to prioritize what’s really important to them.

    In addition, Tokyo’s pretty pricey and depending on how the company you work at sets things up, the tax will put a nice dent into your income because you’re not married.

    While I’m not sure what the work environment will be like at the company that is offering you the most money, I kind of see their offer as a blessing (and that they possibly acknowledge your potential) … given that you’ve been making variations of the same game over the last few years; that could have been a reason for them to pass you over.

    Don’t cut yourself short (if you don’t have to) …

    October 4th, 2006 at 8:45 am
  7. Davide Pasca says:

    Rasty
    You tell me: Back Office Developer

    Ragin
    You mentioned marriage 3 times.. you are obviously up to something ! 8)

    October 5th, 2006 at 3:28 am
  8. Ragin' Lion says:

    I wish I was. I think it’s just a side effect of hearing that word at least two to three times a month (over the last couple of years) from various sources. 8P

    From that Back Office Developer link: 10-15 million yen depending on experience

    That’s quite a bit of Yen! I’m missing SOAP, JAVA, and RDB experience. All too easy (compared to game development). Though I wonder what the cost of living in Tokyo is …

    October 5th, 2006 at 10:46 am
  9. Davide Pasca says:

    Ragin
    Wishing you were married ? Ouchhhh !!

    Whatever the living is in Tokyo (not that expensive, if one is content with 20-40 m^2 apartments 8), I can tell you that I’m not making 10 million yen and I know I get paid well.

    Do make that much one actually doesn’t even need to be a programmer. I know people that make big money by doing consulting, assitance.. non technical but that have acquired experience in the financial field.

    October 7th, 2006 at 12:27 am
  10. Matrix says:

    I don’t know what the hell is happening but seems like October is the month of changes ….
    I’ve started looking around too and there are plenty of exciting positions available just waiting for motivated candidates.
    Find yourself a good job could be more difficult than find a nice apartment, a lover (!?) etc. so take your time and always keep focusing on your needs!

    You’ll surely get the most suitable deal: I’m ready to bet on you!

    ..and please don’t forget to fix Mandingo for everybody’s sake!

    ole’

    October 7th, 2006 at 1:18 am
  11. Davide Pasca says:

    Matrix

    Finding the right job is not easy at all. It definitely matters more than finding an apartment or a lover (unless the lover helps to find a new job 8).
    I never worried so much about making a career, but I realize that spending 1-2 years working for one company rather than another company can make a world of differences.

    October 7th, 2006 at 2:56 am
  12. Lara says:

    What about you Davide, is your lover helping you
    to find a new job?? 8)
    L O L

    October 7th, 2006 at 5:18 am
  13. Ragin' Lion says:

    Wishing you were married ? Ouchhhh !!

    Marriage isn’t a bad thing … if you’re married to the “right” person … but that seems to be the mystery of the 21 Century.

    Of course, you’re dating a Japanese woman … typically most ladies in Japan hope to be married at some point in their lives (typically before they hit 25!) … Don’t be surprised when your woman brings up this topic in the near future. 8P

    October 7th, 2006 at 9:09 am
  14. Davide Pasca says:

    Lara
    Having a native speaker handy certainly helps.. if anything to bring confidence with the language 8)

    Ragin
    I think the one who is up for surprises is you Mr. Ragin !
    Relatioships are filled with BS and compromises. You only need to find a “barely right” person. Then it’s up to you to try get things working.
    It’s messy, it’s not like there is a perfect mate out there.
    I’m curious to see how your shopping for a bride will go. If you are interested, I can set up a blog for you on a kazzuya.com subdomain for free 8)

    October 7th, 2006 at 11:37 am
  15. Lara says:

    Davide,…aren’t you going to get married by the end of next year??? Oooppss….was it a secret??
    Wait…who told me that??? LOL

    October 7th, 2006 at 3:05 pm
  16. Davide Pasca says:

    Lara
    I hate marriage and I currently have no plans to get married.
    I hate marriage, I hate the idea, I hate all that comes with it.
    I think that marriage is stupid and useless.
    I hate it, I hate it, I hate it.

    It’s possible that someday I will have to get married. I don’t like the idea to spend my life after some kids, but I may have to do that.. because ultimately its hour duty as humans.. but I honestly hate the concept of marriage.

    I hope this clears any doubt to anyone that hints to marriage. Most people like to do that.. but I guess they don’t realize just how I plainly dislike the idea.

    Reproductive methods are good at the animal level.. where quantity matters. To me quality of an individual matters.

    I realize most people probably don’t agree with me. But I’m not most people.
    I like the way I am, I like the fact that I hate marriage and I hate the idea to plan a marriage.

    I hate marriage and there is no plan whatsoever for me to get married.

    Signed: Davide Pasca 8)

    October 7th, 2006 at 3:19 pm
  17. Ragin' Lion says:

    Ha ha ha … Mr. Kaz … I never said there was a perfect person! Just said it wasn’t a bad thing! 8P But like many things in life, it’s not for everyone … I suppose would be a slightly more sane place if people recognized that! 8P

    Hey, let’s get back to the main topic! We need closure to the job hunting program! Final episode please! 8P

    October 8th, 2006 at 12:00 am
  18. Lara Croft says:

    All I can is…..you’re soooo…..”unique”….
    ..Mr. Davide Pasca!!!

    Mr. Modern Man indeed 8)

    But why you seem like mad?….and bitter?

    Anyway, I still wish you all the best :)

    Lastly, what’s the Final Episode of job hunting
    (w/ the native speaker handy)?

    October 8th, 2006 at 11:16 am
  19. terence says:

    Here I was just trolling the net looking for a PSEMU emulator I could use (since I lost my old one some where) and I run into another Game Developers website..and one that is 34 years old as well.

    Not many 34 year old game developers (well according to the doom sayers)..I’m 36 myself and have been thinking of getting out of industry in the last few years..especially the part about starting over again..that’s painful..earning less money than your others and dreaming that dream…always wondering what it is like to work in Japan..but I probably won’t get a chance..I been fecked by the stupidit of having to spread my self too thin and do too many things so I’m not good at anything in general but have a wide experience in everthing..I should have taken that job in Denmark when it was offered..but Noo…I had to stay here in SE Asia to ‘help’ the industry grow up…(angst angst angst)….

    Good luck on the job hunting…

    October 8th, 2006 at 8:25 pm
  20. Davide Pasca says:

    Lara
    I didn’t mean to come out mad and bitter.. but I guess that’s the impression I gave 8)
    It’s just that I get the: “so so so you getting married already ?!” thing more than I wish.
    Somehow I’m very much against marriage and I don’t think that one should joke too much.
    I mean, I bet people sometimes end up getting married just because other people around jockingly keep pushing the idea.
    I myself try avoid making marriage jokes, in the fear that a friend could end up being married thinking that I really thought it was a good idea 8)
    Pressure should not be in the equation for a marriage decision.
    I’m so many light years away from any marriage.. if anything because one has to undertake so many organizative tasks.
    What a big waste of time !

    terence
    I took the liberty to look you up the web.
    It seems that you are building your own businesses. That surely takes some courage and many sacrifices, but on the other hand you must be feeling like you can do anything. While the most I can hope for in my situation is: “maybe in 10 years, when my Japanese will be good, I can be responsible for some section of a company, make more money but still work my ass off as a peeon” 8)

    Working in Japan is a mixed bag. People are very nice, but there isn’t much communication.
    Employers are nice, but they don’t expect much complaints… of course by being a foreigner one has somewhat freedom.

    I don’t believe in helping industries growing, but that depends on the environment.
    For example, I didn’t ever think to help Italy’s game industry grow because as an individual there was nothing I could have done.

    Anyhow, Good Luck with you business !!

    P.S. PSEmu came up in most job interviews, putting it in the resume definitely helped !!

    October 10th, 2006 at 12:30 am
  21. rince says:

    My biggest issue with the game industry is the fact that people are expected to put in extra hours and work during weekends during the so called ‘crunch’ period.

    This is time out of your life that you will never get back.

    In some cases this is made worthwhile by bonuses or other forms of compensation. But lately this has not been the case for the company that I am working at.

    October 10th, 2006 at 12:59 am
  22. Davide Pasca says:

    rince
    If you are not getting anymore any form of bonus then perhaps it’s time to look around.
    I understand that you’ve been loyal long enough. Although strating at a new company one is likely to have to work his way up.. unless you are willing to become a “directorator” 8)

    I guess we are assumed to be doing fun stuff, and therefore be willing to stay in the office, because, supposedly, we’d do the same things in our free time. But that doesn’t seem to be the case most of the times. Developing software can be very frustrating and games are no exception.

    October 10th, 2006 at 1:20 am
  23. Ragin' Lion says:

    Angry, but not angry Kaz:
    It’s just that I get the: “so so so you getting married already ?!” thing more than I wish.
    Welcome to the club! (^-^) Now imagine people asking you that question when there’s no woman! Then you’ll see a slight taste of my situation. I definitely do agree with you that one shouldn’t get married from constant pressure from others.

    “maybe in 10 years, when my Japanese will be good, I can be responsible for some section of a company, make more money but still work my ass off as a peeon”

    Hmm … you’d definitely better “go native” then if you want to see yourself be responsible for a section of a company (if it’s not your own). It probably depends on the company, but I recommend reading, Rice Paper Ceiling if you’re seriously considering this. More than likely (while you might move up a bit), you’ll still be someone’s peon.

    The thing is that you’ll have to be perceived as “one of us” (that’s from the corporate mind’s point of view) … Once you’re “in” in that fashion, then you’re in.

    October 10th, 2006 at 3:14 pm
  24. rince says:

    youtube sold for $1.6 billion, maybe there is a future in dsharingu.

    October 11th, 2006 at 12:20 am
  25. Davide Pasca says:

    Ragin
    That books seems pretty accurate.. at least from the preview !

    Rince
    heheh Mr. Ragin’Lion said the same thing when I commented the issue on the Japanese blog (which I update rarely nowadays).

    ..unfortunately dsharingu is a long way to come. Lots of missing details.. and to be really popoular it should do extraordinary stuff.
    I could turn it into some cool application, but I would need at east 6 months of intense work !

    wooo !!

    October 11th, 2006 at 12:25 pm
  26. Ragin' Lion says:

    Aaaaa … well Mr. Kaz you know when two Africans agree … they must be right! 8P

    You know, I’ve been thinking about writing about more technical things on that Japanese blog to help improve my technical vocabulary (which is kind of weak at the moment). I spent some time today explaining the difference between z-buffer and collision data to an employee at work. I had to resort to saying “レンダリング” (rendering) instead of “描画” which is the proper term.

    I’ll probably alientate 99.9% of the people on the blog, but does it really matter?! 8P

    My main problem (still) is the retention of what I learn … I think I only retain about 33.333333% … I suppose it’s better than nothing. 8P

    October 11th, 2006 at 4:45 pm

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