Dream Company, Nightmare Boss — Part I - Before it Began

As a child, I switched career aspirations as often as the sun rose and set. That is, until I played one game: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. That game ignited a fire in me. I always enjoyed video games, but Ocarina of Time was a game-changer. I loved the story, the music, the characters, the gameplay—every element that brought me into that world. From then on, I dreamed of working at that company. I wanted to be a part of a great purpose: bringing incredible games to people all around the world. Hopefully I could inspire others the same way that I was.

Thereafter, when asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I responded with the same answer: the president of my favorite company! While I look back and chuckle at that statement, I did want to be part of the team, taking part in the great mission of bringing smiles to people’s faces. The desire to make that thought a reality burned brightly as I grew into an adult. 

Several years ago, one person nearly extinguished that flame. A flicker of hope—sustained by colleagues, friends, family, fans, and that very mission that I believed in—kept me going. All that support, yet still, one powerful person's influence can still crush your spirit.

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In 2014, I was happy with my job in Chicago. I edited kids’ print magazine content into digital format and added interactive elements, games, and videos. It was a rewarding job that allowed me to flex my creative muscle. After I graduated college, I received weekly job alerts for my dream company just to keep an eye on the prize.

In February, I received an email for a “Creative Development Specialist.” After reading over the description—describing duties like managing and creating marketing materials including retail pieces, online content, and videos—I decided to throw my hat in the ring.

[The job description]

A few weeks later I had an interview with a recruiter, and then the hiring manager, Greg Everage. A couple weeks later, I received an email requesting an in-person interview. The location was not in Washington where I understood the company was headquartered, but who am I to be selective at this point? 

I flew out to Norther California, interviewing with multiple people on the team. I presented examples of the creative work in my portfolio—scripts, videos, designs. We discussed the role, and how it would be a blend of a project manager and creative contributor. We discussed all the goals Greg had for the team, and how I would help bring them to fruition...if I was chosen for the role.

Right before the interview

I flew back feeling a complete sense of elation. I just interviewed at my dream company! Having an entire row of seats to myself certainly helped

This is the dream coach airplane situation

Each day thereafter I waited for any indication whether I was chosen or not. A couple weeks after the interview, my colleagues brought me out to the Magnificent Mile in Chicago during our lunch break to distract me. 

We went clothes shopping, and I tried a couple shirts on. As I struggled to pull a sweater off my face, I heard a ding. A missed call! Then another ding. That means I got a voicemail. That means I have no signal! Ahh!! 

I busted out of the fitting room and wandered around the store like a bloodhound searching for a murder. Finally, near the exit of the Nordstrom, I gained signal and listened as the recruiter announced that they were extending a job offer and would email me the details. I cried. I cried like everything in my life led to this moment, and that my life and the world around me had purpose anew. I landed my dream job! I returned the sweaters to the rack. I don't need them—I'm going to California, baby!

I soon learned the difference, however, between a dream job and a dream company. And how one person can turn a childhood dream into a constant, waking nightmare.

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An excerpt from an email thanking my future manager, Greg, for the chance to join the team:

"It is encouraging to see the passion everyone has to bring these amazing game experiences to people around the world. I believe my professional background and enthusiasm make me the ideal fit for this role. I will bring innovative ideas to the table that will help energize X's amazing brands to effectively reach core consumers and also attract new ones. I believe you can do your best work if you find what you love—and that is what I've come to do."

Next up: Part II - What Happened in 2014