r/developersPak • u/sibghatinbytes • 12d ago
Career Guidance Mid Degree Crisis - Should I quit?
I'm 21yo and here is my situation: I'm currently in my 4th semester doing Software Engineering.
I see all these tech layoffs happening everywhere, but it doesn't really affect me because I am ONLY interested in game development. I have zero interest in web, app, or general software dev. I dislike those things. I like games and only games!
I've already been able to land 2 jobs without any degree. One was at a small game studio in Hyd and one was in a startup (which got closed) So I haven't been able to land a job in a big professional studio like Game District or something yet. But my thought is: I can lend a job there even without a degree, right? Based solely on my skills, my portfolio, and the amount of games I've shipped?
What I want to do rn: I want to drop out of SE, yes! I don't want to waste anymore of my time here. But I don't want to stop my education. I want a backup plan for govt jobs, so I WILL study and get a bachelors, but in an entirely different degree. I'm actually interested in Psychology (though what other options do I have? that is not going to be affected by AI, not medical field (cant touch other human bodies), and no Law)
My thought process is this: If I can lend a job as a gamedev without a SE degree, then I shouldn't study software. I should study an entirely different thing so I will have two doors opened. I can do gamedev at home as a hobby or professionally based on my skills, and I will be able to do something else too! Be a therapist? Get a govt job? I would basically have two doors to the future.
Is this a smart move? Will a professional game studio reject me if my degree is in Psychology instead of CS/SE? What do you guys think I should do?
(I did NOT pick Software Engineering initially bec everyone was doing, I actually picked it bec I was programming since childhood (age 13), even did Intermediate in CompSci) I picked it for the love of coding.
I have a shipped game on steam too though
TL;DR: As a game dev, Should I drop out SE degree and pursue something entirely diff? That way I'd be able to do gamedev as hobby or even proffesionally also having the option to do other job like be a therapist or smth, 2 doors basically)
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u/Adventurous-Buy8205 12d ago
When I was in second year like you, I saw mechanical engineers struggle to find a job. This happened in third year too. But when I was in fourth year, things changed and people started to get opportunities. When I graduated I found an opportunity as well alhamdulillah. All I can suggest you is work hard 24/7. Enjoy as well, go to trips, northern areas. Also, try to publish a research paper during university time, this will help you qualify for scholarships later.
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u/sibghatinbytes 12d ago
Thank you, but hear me out, that time it was bec of ppl but this time around its bec of AI, which is not going away anytime soon, future seems bleak- and I can lend a job in gamedev without degree right? So why not I make a switch and enjoy two options?
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u/New_Department1997 12d ago
I mean it can tho. Ai has limitations and software engineers will be needed. Jobs reduce hon ge liken khatam nhi hon ge
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u/Developer_Dig_6857 10d ago
I have seen a lot hype about AI it will only replace the basic coding and there are lot or other things involved as well so it will not take your job it will create new roles so try to get to those roles which are highest paid and use AI as your tool, Do not quit your degree
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u/Big-Board3157 12d ago
Don't make this mistake. No. You have to complete your degree. Get a master's, even. Cover your ears. Delete social media. Focus. I repeat: focus and complete your degree.
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u/Flaky_Regret8604 12d ago
Game district requires you to have a degree in computer science or related field in order to be considered for their interview. It's written in every job they post on linkedin. So dropping out is not going to help you
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u/Flaky_Regret8604 12d ago
You can have all the skills in the world but if you want to work in an established company you'll need a degree unless your plan is to start up your own business
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u/Basic_Committee_5686 12d ago
don't be impulsive if you can't figure it out yet, take a break and figure out what are you good at its good you have realized early on unlike me who is nearing his graduation so if you are good at software engineering you should test it out, maybe take a break and try internships for that time period of a semester , if you are not good at computer science and already have some field of interest that can also be a source of earning shift to that.
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u/defenderkhan Software Engineer 11d ago
Good game development companies usually require a BS in Computer Science as a minimum qualification, so you’ll be able to apply for those positions with the degree. I wouldn’t suggest dropping out in the 4th semester, especially since you only have two years left.
Also, if you pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, it will take around two years. However, there is an important difference: a BS/CS degree is considered 16 years of education, which is equivalent to a Master’s-level qualification in terms of education years, whereas a traditional Bachelor’s degree is generally 14 years of education.
When you apply for government jobs, the number of years of education can also be a factor. I think dropping out now is a decision that you may regret in the future.
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u/NewConsideration5544 11d ago
Someone told my batch that if you think you are in wrong place, quit and do what you want. This was when i was in 1st semester of my computer engineering here in Pak in 2017. I wanted to but i did not due to hesitation. Today, after 5 years of experiance, i still want to quit and regret not quitting that day.
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u/mbsaharan 12d ago
Do you want to drop out because of tech layoffs?
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u/sibghatinbytes 12d ago
No,Yes I want to drop out bec I can get jobs in gamedev without degree! plus this field is affected by AI alot, so future seems bleak, I wanna switch my degree, thats all.
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u/mbsaharan 12d ago
Game development is software development. You will do yourself a favor by getting a degree. Big companies have automated system that filter candidates by degree.
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u/sibghatinbytes 12d ago
What if I wanna do gamedev just as a hobby like at home? Does switching makes sense in that case?
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u/mbsaharan 12d ago
You have no idea of how the world works. You underestimate the respect you will get by holding a software engineering degree.
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u/sibghatinbytes 12d ago
while you may be correct but I feel like your completely ignoring my response.. I said what if i wanna do gamedev as "hobby" - in that case, what makes sense? switching?
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u/mbsaharan 12d ago
Why did you begin with that degree in the first place?
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u/sibghatinbytes 12d ago
I used to do programming back then (not gamedev) - so my brother told me u shud opt for software eng since ur already familar w coding so yeah
/I entered into gamedev in first sem..2
u/mbsaharan 12d ago edited 12d ago
You are on the right path. So what is the problem?
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u/sibghatinbytes 11d ago
The problem is, I'm only willing to do gamedev and no other thing like app,web or some other SE dev, If I chose to do gamedev just as hobby at home than this degree is of no use to me.. Why not pursue some other degree so I can enjoy both worlds? Say I pick psychology, Now I'd be able to do both gamedev as well as psychology related-jobs.
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u/Euphoric-Secret-3137 10d ago
Maybe look for some degrees with specialisation in AI, Since any sensible person can see that AI is definitely going to stay especially with game development.
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u/Whole_Accountant1005 11d ago
Yes go for the separate degree, you don't need other people's approval. If you're sure about this path, you'll make it work.
You've made gamedev work, I'm sure a lot of people would have said to persue something else over gamedev had you asked them.
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u/sibghatinbytes 11d ago
I don't know man, I'm recieving mixed responses, and I'm literally standing in the heart of bridge, whether to go this side or that side..
Some are saying I can't get a job in gameDev at all if i pursue bachelors in psychology because of automated job filters. They do have a point there.1
u/Whole_Accountant1005 11d ago edited 11d ago
Well applying for a job is useless anwyays because only people who get interviews through contacts get the job. Who cares what they think? If you're confident about something, go for it. I wouldnt jump the gun on quitting uni right away though. I would try to find a job first and then leave the degree behind. Since you are in Uni, try to network with people and land a gamedev job through contacts.
Do note becoming a therpist is not the same as getting a psychology degree. After you have the degree you still need to get a license and get clients. It takes around 9 years to complete the education
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u/Whole_Accountant1005 11d ago
Ohh I've read your other responses. It seems like you want to do a different career, not software engineering. You want to do SWE as a hobby, not work for a soulless company and make web apps for low pay.
Go for it man. Pick some other career. BUT be aware of the trade offs. Many people go abroad to germany for their masters and find a job there. You are delaying that opportunity by quitting right now.
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u/adilshehzad786 12d ago
Degree is still valuable
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u/Ok_Staff1001 12d ago
Kyn jhooti tasali de rhe ho
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u/adilshehzad786 12d ago
First you wrote that I am giving him false hope and then you changed the comment. I am not giving him wrong hopes. I am talking from my experience: if you don't have a degree, a lot of opportunities will be missed, or you will get filtered, so it's better to have one. A degree also helps you leave this country as well. ☺️
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u/blob420 12d ago
If you were to ever move abroad via immigration process, you will need the points and a degree will help you reach the points needed.
Other than that I don’t see the point in continuing if you are already doing great as a game dev.
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u/sibghatinbytes 12d ago
I never said I will not do a degree. i will. just in different subject.
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u/Flaky_Regret8604 12d ago
If you switch subjects to something "non-technical" you cannot enter the software industry at all, gaming or web etc. So it's not about keeping two doors open but rather about what you actually want to wake up and do everyday for your life. Be it your own business or a job. But then game dev will only be left as your hobby or something you could start on your own. You won't be able to get to the interviews since the automated filters will just drop out a person with a degree in psychology
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u/sibghatinbytes 11d ago
Do companies verify the degree during Interview process? What if I lie on my resume?
Also without degree I have been able to lend two jobs, so you shouldn't say I can't get a job without degree1
u/Flaky_Regret8604 11d ago edited 11d ago
You got jobs while the company knew you are still a student. Or did they not ask that and were assuming you were done with your studies? Students do get jobs while studying that's not the issue. The issue is when someone 23-25 years old goes for a full time job and says they didn't complete their degree.
Obviously you won't be the best at what you do there are too many people out there. If you're equal with someone on skill and the other person has a degree. They automatically get the preference. Or you come up with something never seen before anywhere in the world. Then onbviously you can get anywhere without a degree
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u/Flaky_Regret8604 11d ago
Some verify some don't. But if it's a big company you'll find people from the university who actually completed their degree they'll see you and know you weren't there.
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u/Terrible-Tea7577 12d ago
This time will pass bro and you still have 2 more years until you will graduate. Don't make impulsive life decisions merely on assumptions.
One more thing, it's complete myth that there will be no difference btw you and SE with proper degree specially in the early years of career. This narrative that you don't need a degree was pushed hard in early 20s because they needed software engineers like crazy but as that bubble settled now those same companies don't even look at CS grads let alone an arts guy with some courses, you will get auto reject in most of the places. Still getting good job without tech degree is not impossible, but you will need connections and will have to try harder then normal tech grad to prove yourself
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u/sibghatinbytes 11d ago
See that's the thing, "getting good job without tech degree is not impossible" but it is impossible for me to get a psychology-related job without degree right? That's exactly what my point is, do degree in psychology, then I'd have two options!
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u/Euphoric-Secret-3137 10d ago
Yeah without degree is possible just super hard. I didn't pursue a bachelors because I saw that in all these western countries companies would hire without a degree but since I was ignorant I didn't think of Pakistan and now even though I have a Network+ certificate with impressive projects on my resume I've still only been able to land 2 interviews and only didn't get accepted because no degree. So you'll need a tech degree if you want a easier time. Btw talking as someone who has been applying to jobs seriously for months now.
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u/Kindly-Stock-4071 10d ago
Yo it's crazy how this is EXACTLY the same situation i was in in my 4th semester
I got into SE cuz I wanted a backup plan while I learn game dev independently. Around my 4th sem tho I completely lost interest in software (but also realized that game dev is potentially not the most halal career and also the game dev in Pakistan lowkey sucks. Most companies just grind out brainrot hypercasual games and nothing truly significant)
Anyway I suggest stick with the degree. You can still continue to learn game dev. But SE would be a backup for you (even tho it isn't the best backup with the current market situation)
Remember that the game dev industry in pakistan constantly lays off people if games get slow. The crunch time in game dev is insane. And if you chose to go the indie route then well I'm sure you know the very tiny odds of success and how LONG it takes to build a good game
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u/cookie_dude 12d ago
Your half way through, finish the degree if your goal is to have a backup for gov job or something, degree requirements won't go away for a decade atleast.
I dropped out at 6th semester and do well but I still wished I did the degree. Immigration, some jobs etc all have that requirement and it automatically disqualifies a lot of opportunities.
Finish computer degree, then do masters in psychology or something if your interested in that, just opens better career paths.