The project is winding down, switching gears to the PC version actually, but the meat of the work is behind me now. I haven't lost my license yet, so I must be doing something right. That's not a bad idea. After all, my office is furthest away from the kitchen. I'll consider this for the Volition suggestion box.
Time is literally money, and many pitfalls are avoided through experience.
Having been a part of three titles, it's very rewarding to see how things constantly evolve and improve. But the real privilege is to be given an opportunity to make a living at what I love to do most. Ideally, the game itself provides a portion of inspiration. Certainly enough to get me started. Although in a constant state of development, this is provided early on by conceptual art, level specs, scripts and storyboards.