Skillgaming on a resume?

[PHobosLX]

The last 2 years I've made a liveable income on skillgames and I haven't had a 'real' job for these 2 years... I'm getting so bored of this and want to get back into the workforce. I've not been a student during this time and haven't done a damn thing other than this for the last couple years. Previous to the skill games I did have a good job history.

I'm split over what to do. If I don't list it, then I have to spin a tale as to why the big employment gap. If I do list it, I don't see many potential employers looking too kindly on it.. To them a min. wage job at McDonald's would appear loads better than what I have been doing. So discouraging!

Any advice/ideas would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

[Studs100]

One should only play as long as it amuses one..
I My self have noticed that new games is less skillgames now than they used to be( Go and figure)..So I don´t think it is funny to play anymore,,Therefore I don´t play..

[Jacob]

So long as you can provide W-2s for your background check (if it becomes needed), you won't look like a total baffoon. I'd say do it. A gap in your employment history will be a big deterrent in getting any meaningful job. I just hope you can find something that's related to the gaming industry so that you aren't going to look too odd for being a "professional gamer".

[Grengoddess]

I am with Jacob on this one. But it also depends on the job you are going for. you can kinda "spin it" to suit the preferences of the job, especially if you did more than just gaming.

were you active in the skillgaming communities and regurlarly help out other players and give advice?

Did you regularly give suggestions to the skillgame company or helped with the brainstorming for new games, promotions , look of the site, etc?

Did players come to you for information and help INSTEAD of the player/customer service or fairness/abuse department in the skillgame site?

you know stuff like that. something that shows you did more than just "rake in money gaming". If you can say yes to any of these you might be able to put skillgaming consultant. or customer service advocate and what not on your resume. as long as you have got the goods and stuff to back you up ^_~

[Kworb]

It's tricky. I don't think I would list it. I'd just make something up about a sabbatical or traveling the world or some shit.

[CreepyD]

I think I listed it on my CV in the last section on stuff you do in your own time.
Gaming skills transfer very well to a whole host of jobs - You generally require far more skill to play these games than you do to do most jobs lets face it..!

If you really was earning enough to live on, then you should include it I think - I would.
Maybe just put down pro gamer or something, I mean that job DOES exist now these days.

Or you could move to South Korea where you would be welcomed with open arms with 'pro gamer' on your cv

[Joker8334]

I agree with a little bit of what most people said. It really depends on the job you're going for I'd say. I mean in this day and age, plenty of people are "self-employed" or have internet businesses, or engage in online ventures, etc. etc. You could tailor it as you see fit, but I wouldn't come right out and just say you've been playing games online for the past two years (no matter how much you made). I dont think it should be ignored completely, but I also dont think you should be completely direct about it. Good luck.

PS...If you have any trouble w/ your resume, pm me if you'd like some help. One of my clients was a resume writing firm/professional staffer doing everything from just giving advice and pointers all the way to writing your resume for you. Im sure they could give you good advice in exchange for some good gaming tips! :-)

[Jacob]

Joker, does your client do staffing for California clientele by any chance?

[dpaull414]

I was an executive at a software company and did a lot of interviews. I think the following:

1. You don't want to lie!
2. The person you interview with is probably going to be blown away that somebody could earn a living play video games.
3. You're going to need to explain why you left your last 'real' job to play video games.
4. You're going to need to explain why you are 'done' with playing video games and want a 'real' job again.

Not knowing all the details, this is my impression:

"This person had a good job and quit to play video games. Video games really? Is that possible? Now they want a real job again. Why did they quit? Were they bored with their real job? Will they become bored again and quit again? Have they done anything in the previous 2 years to keep their skills current?"

Can we ask why you quit your last real job and what it was and how old you are and what real job you are looking for now? It's all about formulating the spin (duh). If you truly haven't done anything other than play video games, then I almost think all you can do is explain what it took to make a liveable income off video games! If you are simply a gifted gamer and it was easy, then that becomes a tough spin. But if you had to 'work' at it, you could list out all the time it takes to practice, create strategies, manage your money to make it last, etc.

Why did you quit the real job? The challenge of something new seems as good a reason as any. Why are you done? The challenge is gone and you're looking for new challenges... but you need to make sure the person you are interviewing with doesn't think you're just gonna quit and go play games again!

The last 2 years I've made a liveable income on skillgames and I haven't had a 'real' job for these 2 years... I'm getting so bored of this and want to get back into the workforce. I've not been a student during this time and haven't done a damn thing other than this for the last couple years. Previous to the skill games I did have a good job history.

I'm split over what to do. If I don't list it, then I have to spin a tale as to why the big employment gap. If I do list it, I don't see many potential employers looking too kindly on it.. To them a min. wage job at McDonald's would appear loads better than what I have been doing. So discouraging!

Any advice/ideas would be greatly appreciated! Thanks