That type of experience is what made me never really get into the industry, although I used to attend GDCE on my own, be an IGDA member, had interviews at known UK and DE studios, and still do know some devs in the field.

I was never a type of person to put work before family and friends.

And even though general IT also has its crunch time, it doesn't come even close to those hours.

Additionally, in many countries, unions are also present in IT companies.

So, I just kept it as yet another hobby.

Apparently the industry prefers to destroy people life's than make it more pleasant to newcomers, thanks to the dream everyone has to work in the field.