So Long, and Thanks for all the Fish World of Warcraft
Tags: career, productivity, mentalhealth
Published: 2018-07-12 23:52:48

---
title: So Long, and Thanks for all the Fish World of Warcraft
published: true
description: A gratitude message to a game that has changed my life as a software developer and a person.
tags: #career, #productivity, #mental health
---

About 5 minutes ago, I finally uninstalled World of Warcraft. 

10 minutes ago I said goodbye to my guild I stumbled on my last crazy adventure of leveling up a Orc Warrior to the current level cap (lv 110). 

Right now, I'm writing this article with a bittersweet taste in my mouth. 

Sweet because I'm finally done playing World of Warcraft as posted in my 7 day challenge series. 

Bitter because I found a bunch of nice people in a virtual world that I didn't want to leave. Much like you guys are here at Dev.to.

But my decision has been made and there is no turning back. 

Let's take a brief look at what has happened.

## Last time
[Narrator voice]
...on Dragon Ball Z!!

Nah, I won't recap the entire journey. 

If you need a quick refresh, please check out the [kick off article](https://dev.to/josegonz321/going-to-bed-early-and-stop-playing-world-of-warcraft---kick-off-18b3). The [last day entry was a turn around point](https://dev.to/josegonz321/going-to-bed-by-10pm-and-stop-playing-world-of-warcraft---day-7-55kn). 

## Short Adventure Summary

First of all, it was insane! 

I was playing 3-4hrs on weekdays and 8hrs+ on weekdays. It was aggressively stupid. 

Why? - I can hear you ask.

Because I was focus (read: obsessed) with reaching level cap as soon as possible. 

**First week.** 🙂
I was enjoying myself in the game. I wasn't obsessing to reach level cap. I had a plan what areas to level up and what dungeons to do.

**The second week.** 😓
This is where I started to push harder than I should. I was getting tired both physically and mentally. 

But I think I reached level 60 by this point. It was getting crazy. 

If it hadn't been for that guild I mentioned earlier, I definitely would've called it quits then.

**Third week** 😨
This was the turning point. There was little enjoyment here and got to obsess pretty bad. It felt like the good ol' days of my obsession. I was really tired, annoyed and anxious...I was a wreck. 

This is where the guild came in and helped me power level. I didn't ask but they were help other guild members. I went in for the ride. **This is when I built rapport with some of the guild members.**

They helped me reach level 98. Good enough to play content from the Legion expansion.

But things weren't going well...

**Fourth week** 🤧😵
I crashed. My body finally gave out. I exhausted myself beyond belief. In other words, I **burnout**.

Burnout from a game? - You may be thinking.

Yes, but also burnout from my work place. 

It is said that an addiction is an escape mechanism. And I was escaping work related issues.

"You have been burning the candle from both ends.", said my doctor when I went to see her, "you must rest!".

And I did. 

My body forced me to. I had to take sick days off from work. I reached a point of no return.

**Fifth week.** 🤕
Eventually, I'd catch up on some rest and reach level cap: lv. 110 without really trying. To be honest, I didn't even noticed when I reached lv. 110 with my Orc Warrior.


## Stepping Away

I wish I could tell you I stopped playing right there and then. But I didn't.

The habit (read: addiction) was too strong. I ended up making **another** character with much less obsession but still dedicating **too much** time to the game.

This is when I made my decision to really quit the game.

## First Step of Many!

I decided this a little over two weeks ago from the time of writing this article.

I have not played WoW for almost a week and half. I'm doing great.

With the exception of logging in today to say goodbye to my guild, I have not played at all. 

Anyone dealing with an addiction knows how critical the first days are. 

I'm not out the woods yet. I have a long way to go.

> One day at the time


## What's next?

Continue to get plenty of rest. 😴

Here are some immediate improvements:

🔥 My eyes don't burn
😁 I'm not as cranky as I used to be. 
🧘‍♂️ I have a clear mind and present in the moment. 
⚡ Next week, I'll be giving another lightning talk at my local user group!
💖 **I have more content coming down for you!**

I will have more challenges, more crazy adventures and wild stories to share. 

All in all to help you be a better developer and more importantly a better person.

Thank you for reading and till next time!

What would your journey say? 😊