Multi-Arcade Project Motivation Tips

[mgkastra]

I am currently 5-6 projects deep and have some maintenance to do on a few of my machines, and I am kinda getting burnt out.

Anyone been in a similar place and know how to fight through it? Any strategies for tackling multiple projects or doing an array of repairs?

 

[joeycuda]

The last 20yrs for me.

 

[GreaseBall]

I am currently 5-6 projects deep and have some maintenance to do on a few of my machines, and I am kinda getting burnt out.

Anyone been in a similar place and know how to fight through it? Any strategies for tackling multiple projects or doing an array of repairs?

1) It's a hobby. Don't get stressed out as if you HAVE to get them fixed. Just deal with them as you can.

2) Pick which one means most to you and focus solely on that one.

3) Make a list of the issues on each game and prioritize the easy fixes you can do on your own and whittle away at the list.

4) Don't let these games consume you otherwise you'll not want to even play them when you finally do get them fixed.

 

[mgkastra]

1) It's a hobby. Don't get stressed out as if you HAVE to get them fixed. Just deal with them as you can.

2) Pick which one means most to you and focus solely on that one.

3) Make a list of the issues on each game and prioritize the easy fixes you can do on your own and whittle away at the list.

4) Don't let these games consume you otherwise you'll not want to even play them when you finally do get them fixed.

I am definitely in it as a hobby, but it does start feeling like a part time job or task, especially when I have a room dedicated to it. I have been doing your (1) tip for a while now, but I feel like it's been too long.

I'll go for the list method and chip away at it. Thanks!

 

[GreaseBall]

I am definitely in it as a hobby, but it does start feeling like a part time job or task, especially when I have a room dedicated to it. I have been doing your (1) tip for a while now, but I feel like it's been too long.

I'll go for the list method and chip away at it. Thanks!

If it feels like a job that's bad news. When I start to feel a burden like that I step away from them completely for a couple months. Recharge the batteries then re-attack it.

 

[mgkastra]

If it feels like a job that's bad news. When I start to feel a burden like that I step away from them completely for a couple months. Recharge the batteries then re-attack it.

I have smart plugs for each game, so I can turn them on individually. In July, I went to SFGE and brought 5 games, but I haven't hooked them all up again, so my arcade hasn't been 100% since July, which I think it part of my burn out.

 

[GreaseBall]

I have smart plugs for each game, so I can turn them on individually. In July, I went to SFGE and brought 5 games, but I haven't hooked them all up again, so my arcade hasn't been 100% since July, which I think it part of my burn out.

Totally normal feeling, I get that. I still have a couple games/projects that aren't completed quite yet. Maybe focus on making the space more fun to be in? Decoration/etc, then it'll be more enjoyable to be around in it and you can get some motivation to fix things.

I think starting with easy stuff first or just focusing on the one game and going to town would be beneficial. When I had several projects I was such a scatter brain, ordering parts for four different things, then forgetting what I was going to do/misplaced parts and such.

 

[mgkastra]

Totally normal feeling, I get that. I still have a couple games/projects that aren't completed quite yet. Maybe focus on making the space more fun to be in? Decoration/etc, then it'll be more enjoyable to be around in it and you can get some motivation to fix things.

I think starting with easy stuff first or just focusing on the one game and going to town would be beneficial. When I had several projects I was such a scatter brain, ordering parts for four different things, then forgetting what I was going to do/misplaced parts and such.

I am around 25 machines, and I am getting to the point of losing parts that I have ordered :X Also opening up a box and thinking "What the hell is this for?" haha. The most annoying thing I have encountered is not able to find nuts/bolts or marquee holders.

 

[GreaseBall]

I am around 25 machines, and I am getting to the point of losing parts that I have ordered :X Also opening up a box and thinking "What the hell is this for?" haha. The most annoying thing I have encountered is not able to find nuts/bolts or marquee holders.

Yeah I'm horrible with organization. The problem with a lot of this stuff is they are such outsized pieces (bezels/plexi/marquee holders). There's really no good place to put them. I try labeling stuff as I order it anymore.

 

[XXI21]

kinda getting burnt out.

 

[Ghostlyguy]

You can prioritize. Decide if there is any projects or complete projects that you want to sell.

Label everything that comes in.

Keep a word document or excel file of everything you have purchased and sold.

Taking breaks from your hobby can help. (or at least the restoration portion) I stopped doing anything arcade related since 2016 and picked back up again in 2019.

 

[TheYeti]

Label everything that comes in.

Keep a word document or excel file of everything you have purchased and sold.

THIS ^


All 13 games I own are in various project states and these 2 tips make things much easier.

I can't tell you how many times I have bought something and thanked myself that I labled it the moment it came in.

 

[PAC-MAN]

For me, being organised is key as others have mentioned (excel spread sheets etc really work)

I have 4 projects parked up in my Garage. (3 x Defenders and a Galaxian)

I decided to get some pallets, attached castors to each pallet and put a cab on each so I can quickly/easily move the machines around without the need for sack trucks etc.

I also now work on one project at a time until it's finished instead of doing multiple.

I've just started Galaxian, it's up on trestles, the base/front are removed and it's a real treat to have everything clear, have working space without tripping over Arcade stuff and going mental wandering why the eff I'm in such a mess!!

The only other tip which I've found works is don't rush any of it, take your time and enjoy working on the stuff. Take loads of pics so if you do take time out you know exactly what you've done when you go back.

Good luck!

 

[pawsouth]

Been there.

Step away for awhile and enjoy the ones that are working.
Just work on the one what you really want to.
Don't buy more right now.
Reduce the projects by selling or trading for something that's working.