You do what you need to do. I cant even imagine how all of this feels. Youre an amazing personality in the industry. I hope freelancing can give you the kind of freedom you need. I know it doesnt need to be said but surround yourself with those that want you to succeed. You deserve it.
Just watched the YouTube. Damn. What's really sad, is how American your story is. How much we miss out on because we're forced to participate in this fucked up system. Regardless if the job is amazing or not. Condolences to you of course. Proud of you dude. Keep kicking ass. You got this.
This must've been such a tough decision, but it sounds like you made the right call. Even if you are working at your dream job, nothing is worth more than spending the limited time that we have with our loved ones. Sending you a big hug from a stranger on the internet 🫂
I believe you’re making the right call as someone who has also lost members of my family too. You can always make money but time is something you can never get back. It already sounds like you have some excellent ideas of where to go next and I’m excited to see how they go.
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. Losing a loved one is never easy and does make you reevaluate your perspective on life. Spending time with friends and family is really important. Jobs come and go even dream ones.
Our sincere condolences. Lost my Mother two months ago to cancer and it is devastating, confusing, and many other things. Ppl say there's 'no wrong way to grieve', but instead it feels like theres no 'right' way. Regardless of outcomes, exercising agency empowers us. We salute you and are inspired 🫡
Sorry for your loss Alanah and sorry to see you go. Appreciate your work, and all the kind things you said about the studio. Was great having you on the team and wish you all the best for the future.
Condolences to you and your family for the loss. Sending good vibes your way as well. As someone who also lost someone close not that long ago, I can relate with what you said about one's perspective being changed.
Things will get better and regroup for you fast. Hang in there.
❤️. All the best Alanah. I lost my dad in 2022 and it was the hardest thing I've went through, and continues to be hard even to this day. I know this decision must fill you with worry, but I think it's a very brave and admirable choice, and I know you'll make it work.
So sorry for your loss, and my sincerest condolences, Alanah. I can't imagine what you're going through but I hope this is the best decision you've ever made. Can't wait to see all the good stuff on Patreon. Huge change is going to pay off big time!
I commend your courage, bravery, and willingness to follow your heart on this decision, Alanah. You inspire me as a writer and as a creative, and I wish you nothing but the absolute best as you pivot into freelance work.
So sorry for your loss, these moments can really cause one to take stock of everything going on in life. Wishing you the best and looking forward to all the new podcast opportunities that seem to be coming out of this. They are always a highlight. ✌️
Made a similar choice April this year after losing my dad last year. Now, a couple of months in, it definitely feels like the right choice. Hope everything works out with freelancing and taking your next steps.
I'm very sorry for your loss Alanah. I know that this decision was incredibly important. As someone who is just starting to do more creative things, I know how difficult it can and will be. However, you CAN do this and will be supported by so many people.
Lots of love, Alanah. Sorry for your loss. Best of luck making this switch work long-term. I hope you get to make tons of great memories with loved ones form now on
So sorry for your loss. I absolutely sympathize with your situation. My wife and I had a revelation this summer after her parents had serious health scares. We realized we were missing out on so much and regret not spending what little time we might have left with them because we are so far apart.
Family and work life balance is very important and we have better leave and assistance from the gov than America. Hope you take care of yourself and find more opportunities here!
I’m so sorry for your loss. You have made a very difficult decision, but I promise you, you won’t regret it. Things will be different of course, but I’m 100 percent sure that new paths will open up for you professionally and personally. God speed.
an understandable decision considering all you have gone through recently. I wish you all the best, and I look forward to the things you'll be working on going forward 💕
Sorry for your loss Alanah, it might be scary but you should do what works for you mentally and emotionally. The times we live in do make choices like yours more sound than what some think. Hope your dad recovers without issues and best of luck on your freelance journey.
I’ve got some friends in the US, a bunch of them only get 10 days off. In fact, the one started with just 5 days off - he’s ramped up to 10 due to being there long enough.
Damn, this video hit hard. A big reason why I decided to take content creation seriously is to get more freedom to do the things I want to do. I've watched people drive themselves into the ground for a job and it's just never the right decision. I seriously hope this works out for you.
I'm very sorry for your loss Alanah. Thank you for making this video, it made me feel less alone with a loss I trying to deal with. Im rooting for you and looking forward to whatever you do next
As someone who's been permanently changed by grief, I empathize so much. You are figuring it out as you go & doing what feels right for you. That's all you can do. You'll make magic wherever you go. Wrapping you in love 🫂
So sorry for your loss. Knowing how great the people at SMS are, I realize how difficult it must've been to leave. But choosing family and people you love over work is never the wrong choice. Wishing you the best in all your future endeavors, Alanah!
My condolences, Alanah. That is an incredibly hard decision. Life can bring on a lot of change, so don't think too hard for making a move you feel in your heart you should do. Just remember you always have the support from your friends and colleagues. I'm rooting for you!
I'm so sorry to hear this, and am deeply sorry for your loss. You're an amazing person that's done incredible things this far and I'm sure you've brought nothing but pride to all those around you.
Question: I could've swore you said you were on a work visa awhile back? If you are leaving Sony, wouldn't you have to leave the U.S. too or am I mistaken?🤔
My apologies for the confusion on my part. I sort had recalled your YouTube video about the issue with the Green card and got that mixed up with the O-1 visa stuff you had talked about in that video. (went back to rewatch that just now)
Best of luck on your future and sorry to hear about your step father. May you be able to see your family more frequently. Isolation from family suuuuuck. You've done a lot in the US, hopefully you can visit home more.
The worst fear in my life is losing my father which is why I make it a point to see him multiple days a week since returning home from being in the Air Force.
That time apart made me realize how much I missed him.
All the love and support to your family. You're absolutely making the right choice, even if it'll be scary for a bit. I'm as proud as I can be about someone i dont know. You're going to do great!
Sad to see you leave SM but hopeful for your future endeavors! It’s not close to the same but I live on the opposite side of the US from my family and you really do miss out on so much and the regret is hard to deal with. I believe you’re making the right choice and I really do hope it works out
I've been living for 6 years far from family. The only thing that didn't make me lose my mind is that Portugal is not that far from Brazil and in Europe we have several days of paid vacation, which allows me to spend time with my family.
I totally understand your choice and I hope the best for you!
You not super talented, you're multi talented. This is a scary first step (more a leap) but you have the skills to back it up and a good reason to do so as well. Wishing you all the best.
My condolences for the loss. I can't imagine how difficult this is for you. And I greatly appreciate the video. The why is the most important part and is as a whole something I think about more and more as I get older.
grief is such a difficult journey - and making a decision like this is so incredibly hard. All the best - excited to see what all these project create.
Hi Alanah - So sorry for your loss, but glad to see you inspired to turn that into personal change - which is so hard to do. I think this greater flexibility will do you wonders and I look forward to all that you create as a result.
As a parent (and no doubt this applies to a stepparent too), it's hard seeing your kids grow up and move away,but seeing your them live their best lives, be fulfilled and happy is something many would wish for.
I don’t think you did life wrong and I’d stop saying that to yourself! You got a future and just focus on that and the present. Also the game you worked on is still yours even if you left! I don’t like metroidvanias but I’ll keep an eye on the game. Good luck!
Yeah it’s tough… I’ve been abroad now for 17 years and it really sucks missing that stuff. These are hard decisions and I feel like there are no right answers but the one you feel you need to choose at that time. Hope to keep seeing your posts and I’m sure it’ll work out for the best.
My condolences Alanah, and honestly truly, this has me rethinking my current arrangements in relation to my family back home. No matter what, you’re gonna do amazing and thank you for all that you’ve given to gaming thus far.
Grief definitely has a way of shaking our perspectives on what we thought was important and the things we focused on. Sorry for your loss and I hope you can find some clarity with this new direction and ride out the waves of what happened.
Joining the masses to wish you the absolute best and I'm very sorry for your loss. I've been following you since like 2013 and we're basically the same age (I'm 29) so the stuff you do is inspiring / cool as hell to me. This decision is scary but I think it's going to be worth it! Stay rad!!!
So sorry for you loss, Alanah. I think you're brave for doing this, but I think your happiness is kore important than a job, even a dream job. Fair winds and following seas!
Long time listener, first time commenter. You are making the right moves. I have no doubt that you will be successful in your personal and professional ventures. - Some rando from the internet
This one hurt. I lost my dad, in June. Gastric cancer. He fought. They said he beat it, but it came back and he couldn't fight anymore. They told him he had 2 months, we got a month. I rushed to him and we watched Forrest Gump a week before he died. It changes things. I'm sorry for your change. Hugs
Condolences for your loss. Best of luck with your future freelance endeavors. And since I never had the chance before, I want to thank you for the writing advice you gave me back in 2020, it gave me the confidence I needed to continue applying for full-time jobs and led to the one I have now
My heart breaks for you but wow, you are amazing for taking big steps to find your happiness in life. I have had this same problem by putting job and success ahead of a lot of things I shouldn’t. It’s inspiring you aren’t letting it control you anymore. “Living life wrong” hit me hard.
I'm sorry for your loss, and I wish you luck in all the projects that you have mentioned in this video. Enjoy the company of your beloved ones, that time is tremendously valuable and it's something that we cannot buy with money 🫂
Hi Alanah. Very sorry to hear about the passing of your step-father. Best wishes to you and your family. Best of luck as you move onto the next journey!
So sorry for your loss. This was clearly a tough decision but it's inspiring to see someone do the hard thing. Thanks for sharing. Wishing you all the best!
I completely understand the difficulty of your decision, having made a similar one in the past, and for what it's worth, it's definitely the right choice. In the end, in this very chaotic world, spending time and growing old with the people you love is the *only* thing that matters.
I’m sorry, losing family is always tough. Don’t look back at the things you could’ve done differently though, and just focus on the now and forward and enjoy what you can with the people you love 🫶
Just finished watching and I know I'm a stranger on the interwebs but i think you're doing the right thing for your family and in the end of it all it will make you happy. Good luck with it all and I'm def excited to tune into your future content!
I get that sentiment of "doing life incorrectly" but I'd disagree with that 100%. You're a wonderful person who does great work and makes the world a better place. That's better than most.
Try to enjoy your breather. We're with you, whatever you do.
I'm literally in tears watching this Alanah, I'm so sorry for your loss.
You can only do what you think is best in the moment you're in, people will always be proud of you for chasing your dreams.
I am not quite as far from my family than you are, but I live in California and they are all on the east coast. Earlier in my career I was pretty underpaid, so it was hard to fly back more than once a year and I always prioritized my career advancement. Last year though, my priorities changed...
I got laid off in September so I couldn't afford flying home for Thanksgiving or Christmas which I usually aim for, so I decided to go during Diwali because I really wanted to see them. My sister died in February this year, and my only solace is that I got to see her beforehand. It felt like...
The cruelest fate, because I decided then that I would try to fly home 2-3 times a year instead of just once so I could be more present in their lives. She told me it was her goal to make it out to California so she could meet my partner and dog. She was only 32 years old.
Very, very, very sorry to hear about your step Dad 😔.
I had been hoping with all my heart that he would get better. I've watched 2 ppl pass from cancer and it was a living nightmare.
This community loves you and supports you. We wish you the best of luck!
I hope your heart heals friend. Much love.
Now you've really peaked my curiosity as to what this new project is that's about to be released...
and my condolences on the loss of your loved-one. 💔
Sad to see you go. But excited to see what you do next. Cheers friend. I'm so sorry for your loss and I wish you all the best while you navigate this chapter of your life.
What a heartbreaking and, at the same time, exciting video. So incredibly sorry for your loss. Pumped to see what comes from this new chapter. You being able to discuss what you're doing on PWL is badass on its own.
So sorry for your loss. I am sure that what you work on moving forward will be great, and all the better for this change. Can't wait to see what comes next.
I'm sorry for your loss. It sounds like a good (and understandably difficult) choice to me. We don't have a lot of time, and it makes sense to spend as much of it as we can with loved ones.
So sorry for your loss, Alanah. And same to everyone else in the replies as well. I lost my mom this year and the most comfort I felt was hearing from others who could relate, so I hope everyone reaching out in the replies is comforting. Also sure you'll land on your feet quickly with freelancing.
I lost my grandpa this summer and he was very important to me. I live in another state from my family and work really long hours. Your video hit me hard cause after he passed this summer I realized I never got any time with him because of my work. I hope stepping away helps you! Maybe I should too.
Comments
I wish you all the luck in your new stage of life, but I don’t think you need luck. You make things happen. You’re a resourceful and talented cookie.
I'm know you're gonna do great in this next chapter of your life, cause you're fucking awesome.
Things will get better and regroup for you fast. Hang in there.
When things are made from the right place, everything will find its way/place for you to be happy.
My condolences and good luck in this new path.
Very few writers ever get to write full time, though. What an incredible milestone to prove your skill and dedication to the craft.
Can't wait to check out the stream!
Never easy having to leave something you love but sometimes it must be done for something else that’s more important.
I hope it all works out for you Alanah ✨🙏🏻
Bank tellers in the US get at least 15 and often 20 just to start.
Working conditions in the game industry are terrible
You gotta do what's best for you. Even if that means leaving behind a home that was very good to you. ♥
Can’t wait to see what you do next!
Keep it up!
Best of luck on your new freelance journey. Your family is very lucky to have someone like you.
I know you'll excel in your next steps.
Good luck with the next adventure
The worst fear in my life is losing my father which is why I make it a point to see him multiple days a week since returning home from being in the Air Force.
That time apart made me realize how much I missed him.
Time with family is precious.
I totally understand your choice and I hope the best for you!
Looking forward to what comes next.
I hope you are able to find the peace and comfort you need and the time with your family you deserve.
I'm looking forward to see what you do next.
You got this.
I hope it provides you with everything you need to, as you say, live differently and spend more time with your loved ones.
Your stepdad must have been immensely proud.
You do what feels right for you.
Your family would support you no matter what you do, and it's great that you have the heart to reciprocate it.
All the best to your future down under!
And I'd say you're doing life the right way :)
That's the key thing, do what is best for you.
I get that sentiment of "doing life incorrectly" but I'd disagree with that 100%. You're a wonderful person who does great work and makes the world a better place. That's better than most.
Try to enjoy your breather. We're with you, whatever you do.
You can only do what you think is best in the moment you're in, people will always be proud of you for chasing your dreams.
Best of luck with the future, you'll be fantastic
I hope you find peace. ❤️
I had been hoping with all my heart that he would get better. I've watched 2 ppl pass from cancer and it was a living nightmare.
This community loves you and supports you. We wish you the best of luck!
I hope your heart heals friend. Much love.
and my condolences on the loss of your loved-one. 💔