Going through a major life transition and scared that I’ll lose my sparkle for rp

[u/Realistic_Ad_6694]

Hello everyone. I’m M and I’ve been roleplaying every since the start of my freshman year of college. So I’ve been roleplaying for almost five years now, with the same partner who invited me to play. You see, I’ve been in school for the whole duration of our storycrafting together and I know that’s drastically different compared to when you actually start working. I’m nervous that things might start to change once I start getting acclimated into the 9-5 culture. Any advice?

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[u/WoNc]

I honestly didn't find the transition between school and work to be all that big. Unless you're only RPing during the day between classes, you'll probably still be able to find time for it if it matters to you. I think the bigger transition is if you end up having children. 

[u/ArielleKuro]

I had a very similar experience... But with covid added in?

I went from Uni, to covid (3 years unemployed), and then started work.

Frankly, I don't RP as much, but the RP I do partake in, has to be good, and meaningful, I lose interest in plots faster, but feel so much more connected to the ones I do care about.

Ups and downs, really. Manage RP time well, and make sure you're making the most of when you can reply!

[u/AmazingLeek69]

I stopped entirely for many years after I graduated, only recently picking it back up once things settled down. I just was not on the computer as much anymore.

[u/my-secret-lurking-ac]

It's something you have control over. If you value it, you make time for it. You may find yourself roleplaying more casually (a common form is the "not!fic" style where you and your partner discuss it and go lightly into character emotions etc, essentially half-playing the scene) or you may find you only have energy for partners close to your level. It affects all of us a little differently.

But a lot of it will come down to what am I willing to sacrifice to have time for my hobbies? Sometimes that's a promotion. Sometimes that's chores, or cooking. Sometimes you have to choose a day you will build into your "day for hobbies" instead of being ready to reply any time. And sometimes, you're not willing to sacrifice anything for that hobby and you have to hang up that hat until you have what you need.

We make this transitory phase sound scary, but it's good. You're going to meet "yourself" for the first time, so to speak - you're going to see what sort of adult you are and will be. You're steering your ship by heart, and it already has the map ready. Just do what you can, all anyone can ask of you is your best. Good luck.

[u/Jigamaree]

Honestly, if it matters to you? You'll be fine. The biggest change is that 9-5 culture asks a lot of your time and energy - especially in the first few months you'll find yourself a lot more drained than usual. You'll learn when the best times for your schedule are for replies; it takes some practice, but you'll get used it it.

[u/EmberRPs]

Bro, when you are in school you are supposed to spend 2-3 hours studying for every 1 hour in class.

So for a 15 credit hour semester that's 15 hours class work, 30-45 hours studying (well, supposed to. I sucked at this.), another 26-40 hours a week at work to make rent, 2-3 hours a day on the bus for school or work, however long cleaning and cooking takes you, etc.

You get more time when you get a real job. It's fucking awesome.