Time Poor: Efficiency Rich

Balancing full‑time (remote) game development and parenting is like juggling flaming torches while churning out the work-goods—it’s exhilarating, challenging, and often beautifully chaotic. I'm not sure which way the pendulum swings regarding that last bit.

Below is another short blog post on a subject that (honestly) impacts my every working day, in a variety of ways.

⌚ 1. Time-efficiency is a Precious Resource

You learn to slice your day into bite‑sized blocks if necessary. Whether it's earlier mornings, post‑bedtime, or lunch breaks, those 1–3 hour slots are golden for balancing against core work hours and commitments to being present for your child...

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 2. Sacred Family Time

Whether it’s a bedtime ritual, dinner chats, or weekend outings, staying present is non‑negotiable. This isn’t just about bonding—it's what keeps you grounded and energized. It's far easier to write that than action it, but without keeping that crosshaired when you can, you'll have little to no chance of finding an equilibrium.

🚫 3. Say “No” So You Can Say “Yes”

Social media? Scaled back or eliminated. Open‑ended browsing? Cut short. The result: more focused energy for what truly matters—your family and what you choose to action in your own time.

➡️ 4. Shrink, Prioritize, Iterate

Big ideas? Sure—but chunk them down. Whether it's another side-project, a small series of chores, or a sketch, bite‑sized tasks mean progress even in tiny time slices—and help you avoid burnout. I've even resorted to using task management apps to help filter this. I used to frown on the flow of use found in 'Trello', not now - oddly it's become the go-to for managing my household.

💪 5. Support Systems Matter

Partner schedules, carer swaps, indie‑studio camaraderie—these help you stay on course. Again, far easier to write than to action - I myself am without a 'supporting village', so it really is only my spouse and I, in it together, with our work-schedules and commitments - doing the best we can, every day, with the resource/s that we have.

🪴 6. Becoming a Better Developer Through Parenting

Debugging a stubborn bug after soothing a little one? You'll grow sharper, more patient, and laser‑focused. Chaos at home becomes resilience at work. I like that last bit.

🧠 7. Prioritize Mental Health

Boundaries matter. Whether it's a daily walk, an evening run, carving separate game and relaxation spaces, or setting 'office hours' (and sticking to them), preserving mental space prevents burnout and keeps creativity alive. I've long been in a 2 to 3 year cycle of burning out, and it's frustratingly difficult a trend to break, or reset. There's no quick or easy-fix. Simply, establishing rules and habits, sticking to them, and recalibrating yourself over time.

Final Thoughts

Being a full‑time parent in game development isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence and purpose. You may work slower, but the journey is richer. Every completed task is balanced with hugs, bedtime stories, and laughter + inevitable chaos.

To every dev‑parent out there: give yourself grace, celebrate small wins, and remember—this equilibrium you're building between pixels and parenthood is crafting more than games; it's shaping a life worth playing.

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NOTE: This blog and its posts are a personal side-project and aim only to share and invite conversation within a community. This blog is not in any way affiliated with any company or organisation that I work with or for - views and opinions are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of others.