2010-11-12, 01:41 AM
Omni Wrote:I don't even know anybody that would say "Yes, my job is very fun!" unless they test video games for a living or something.
Speaking from experience, even this has it's ups and downs. There are occasions I enjoyed myself, but for the most part, it is still work, just like any other job. Think of running through the same game, beating it 3 times each day, and playing it for 3 months straight. Then of course, there's test cases. If anything, it ruins you for typical game playing. Testing is not the same as playing after all. I can't see corners in game the same ever again.
As a counter point, you run into all kinds of interesting people there. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm glad it is something I've done, but even that is not something I could do for life.
On the topic at hand; I have yet to read the OP's link, however from what I've read of the discussion I typically have to agree that the system is not exactly the best as it stands. In particular, I have the disadvantage of poor test taking skills, and even worse memory. I had the highest test score average in calc based mechanical physics since we were allowed one hand-written page of notes last semester, yet I have a D in entry level college Spanish right now which I actually took back in high school (testing ginkgo as we speak). I'll also admit to having more issues besides my memory at the moment, but even after telling myself not to stress out over things that I'll never use and generally have no interest in, I always seem to fall back into that pressured feeling whenever I'm behind in the course material. Seeing as I can't change my mindset on the matter without pursuing medical aid, I suppose that would qualify as brainwashing.
As much as I don't like my grandfather from my mother's side, he has had a discussion with me on this topic that I agree with him. He was raised between the middle-east, European, and African schools and he never understood our system of general education and why we took so dang LONG in getting to the point of specialization. The way I was raised, I personally wanted to be a jack of all trades, but such jobs don't exist in the real world so now I have to decide upon specialization as I move forward. As he mentioned, I believe that if I had been pushed into specialization at an earlier time, I wouldn't have had as much trouble. Granted that could also be attributed to my parents, but I digress.
I feel I wrote this rushed, and that I've left a few contradictions in there, but that's basically my input for the subject.