The World Championships of Warhammer are taking place this weekend in Atlanta, GA. You may have seen my article earlier this week breaking down the meta for the event. I actually earned a Golden Ticket to the World Championships and was initially on the roster to attend and compete among the best players in the world. I had to turn it down because it also happens to be the same weekend my daughter is performing in her first ever theater show. In this article I’m going to talk about the challenges of fatherhood, family and balancing that with Warhammer 40K.
The Parent-Gamer Balance
Warhammer 40K is a time consuming hobby, especially playing the game competitively. From staying on top of the meta, new releases and FAQs, to building, painting, practicing and actually playing in events. Leveraging all of that on top of regular responsibilities like your career and being a husband and father can be incredibly challenging.
I did not highlight my example of bowing out of Worlds as some way to pat myself on the back or to seek some form of validation. Choosing to attend my daughter’s first show over a Warhammer event doesn’t make me special. Pretty much any parent would make that decision without a second thought. I point it out as merely an anecdote of the challenges we face as both parents and gamers.
Finding that balance between both can sometimes seem like walking a tight rope that’s going to snap at any moment. As we enter into parenthood our priorities and goals shift and change. Our kids’ successes and dreams take the priority over our own desires. It’s a natural state of life.
How do we find balance between both when we enter into this stage of life? It starts by redefining our goals and managing our time.
Redefining Goals Around Real Life
I’ve written before about setting goals for Warhammer 40K. When it comes to balancing that around your work and family life, setting realistic goals for yourself that are attainable is key.
Chances are if you’re balancing those things you don’t have hours upon hours to dedicate to practicing and fine tuning lists. You probably can’t play 3 times a week or more. You have adult responsibilities outside of the game that take priority (as they should.)
Setting reasonable and attainable goals for your Warhammer hobby are crucial. Let’s look at some examples:
Hobby Goals
- Set goals to complete hobby projects within a reasonable time frame (e.g. I want to complete this squad of intercessors over the next two weeks)
- Schedule time to hobby when you can. Even if it’s only 30 minutes every other day. Get into a routine and a rhythm. (e.g. I’m going to set aside an hour on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays to hobby)
- Keep a hobby journal. Even if it’s just on your phone. Note down your projects, your time frame to complete, your paint recipes and plans (base coat first, block in colors, paint details, wash, highlight, etc) This is something you can do to plan your hobby sessions when you’re not at your hobby desk and can save you time.
Practice Goals
- Maximize your practice sessions by focusing in on key areas to improve (deployment, movement, resource management, target priority, etc)
- Practice outside the game.
- Listen to competitive 40K podcasts or YouTube videos on your work commute.
- Build and tune army lists during breaks when you can.
- Chat with other players in your area or on your team to discuss list strategies and concepts.
Plan Your Event Schedule
- Identify what events you want to attend over a period of time and schedule them. Maybe you can only travel to 2 GT sized events a year. Plan them out and schedule them ahead of time and avoid potential conflicts with the understanding that sometimes you have to be flexible.
- Hit local one day RTTs when you can. One day events are great for getting practice in and testing in a live tournament environment and often don’t require the same time or financial commitment as larger GT sized events. I try to aim for one RTT event per month at local events within a couple hours drive.
Set Event Goals
- Attend an event with a battle ready army (ties into your hobby goals and schedule)
- Set a reasonable goal for performance (e.g. Aim to finish 3-2 at the GT and compete for best in faction)
Final Thoughts
Trying to find the balance between real life responsibilities of work, family and fatherhood and your gaming life can be challenging. It comes down to prioritizing your free time and managing it efficiently by setting reasonable expectations and goals. Understand that sometimes life is going to throw you a curveball and that’s ok!
For me the opportunity to play in the World Championships was something I was definitely looking forward to, but as a parent the fulfillment of my kids’s happiness comes first. And seeing her light up after her first show is something that is more rewarding than personal glory in a Warhammer tournament. If you’re a father, then I am sure you can relate to that sentiment as well.
If you’re new to the game or want to improve quickly, then don’t forget to grab my FREE eBook: Forging Your Path to Victory: A Beginner’s Guide to Competitive 40K. A great starting point for those looking to jump into Competitive 40K. Subscribe and get your free copy!
Looking for more in-depth tips for juggling real life obligations and Warhammer? Want to cut your learning curve just a little bit faster? Check out my coaching options. From list reviews to personal one-on-one coaching, I can help you develop your tactics and game strategies for success. I’d love to help you level up your game!
See you on the tabletop.
