JOBOPOLY - Outcomes and Observations

The game's debut was, in many ways, a mirror to the real world. Some students navigated the labyrinth of freelance work with ease, while others found themselves ensnared in the complexities of balancing personal needs with professional demands. The PHYSIOLOGICAL and PSYCHOLOGICAL rows, representing immediate needs, often overshadowed the pursuit of illustrative work. It was a poignant reminder of how personal challenges can eclipse professional aspirations.

But amidst the chaos, there were moments of brilliance. A faction of our students showcased entrepreneurial flair, prioritizing stability over immediate gains. They took on part-time jobs, hoarded resources, and laid a foundation before diving headfirst into the unpredictable world of freelancing. Their strategy was reminiscent of an episode I watched from Undercover Billionaire. The protagonist, starting from scratch, emphasized the importance of not being in "SURVIVAL MODE" when building a business. It's about laying the groundwork, ensuring you have a safety net, and then taking calculated risks. And seeing this strategy play out in JOBOPOLY? Absolutely fascinating.

Feedback and Forward

Of course, not everything went as smoothly as I'd hoped. Some students were overwhelmed, some misinterpreted the rules, and some were just plain confused. But every hiccup, every tear, every moment of frustration was a learning opportunity. For them and for me.

I was always on hand to clarify, to guide, and to re-explain. And while I believe the core mechanics of JOBOPOLY are sound, it's evident that a more comprehensive introduction is needed. Perhaps a tutorial round, where students can get their bearings without the pressures of expenses, might be the way forward.

By the game's end, whether they had a mountain of 'BENJACKS', a handful of completed illustration jobs, or just a deeper understanding of invoicing, every student walked away with something. And that, in itself, is a victory.

JOBOPOLY: The Illustrator's Hustle

So here are the rules for JOBOPOLY - a game aimed at contextualising the BENJACKS, but also to simulate the additional life role of an illustrator. Surviving a year as an illustrator isn't just about drawing. It's about managing time, finances, and the unpredictable nature of freelance work. JOBOPOLY aims to encapsulate this experience.

RULES

Objective: Survive and thrive as an illustrator over the course of a year, balancing work, reputation, and personal needs.

Setup:

Components: Maslow Charts, JOB cards, CHANCE cards, money tokens (BENJACKS), reputation tokens.

Each player starts with the money they've earned from prior commissions in IL403 or ß1000, whichever is greater.

Players can decide to live together and share resources, just like in real life.

Turn Structure:

1. Complete the month’s Maslow Chart: Evaluate your PHYSIOLOGICAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL, and PRODUCTIVITY needs.
2. Spend money at the SHOP: Purchase essentials like food, pay rent and buy appliances and furniture.
3. Calculate your TIME: Determine the amount of time you have available for work based on your Maslow Chart.
4. Draw job & chance cards: For every JOB card drawn, players must also draw a CHANCE card.
5. Amend time based on CHANCE events: Some events might give you extra time, while others might take it away.
6. Determine which JOBS you can/will do: Ensure you meet the reputation requirements.
7. Deduct TIME and complete JOBS: Allocate your available time to the jobs you've chosen.
8. Allocate remaining time: Spend any leftover time on portfolio work, part-time work, etc.

Illustration Work:

To undertake illustration work, players must draw a JOB card.

You may only undertake a JOB if you have the required REPUTATION. Every player has a reputation score.

Every job has a DEADLINE, fee, reputation reward, and time required.

To complete the work, tick off the boxes on the job card. Convert your available PRODUCTIVITY days from your Maslow Chart into work days.

Using Your Maslow Chart:

Start by ticking off your PHYSIOLOGICAL points.

Move to PSYCHOLOGICAL points once you have at least 5 PHYSIOLOGICAL points.

PRODUCTIVITY points become available after securing 10 PHYSIOLOGICAL and 5 PSYCHOLOGICAL points.

The total number of ticks represents your available TIME for the month.

CHANCE CARDS:

CHANCE cards MUST be played.

These cards can impact your ability to work or might provide bonuses.

The SHOP

A marketplace where players purchase items to fulfill their physiological and psychological needs, enhancing their overall well-being and productivity.

Items, ranging from essentials like food to productivity tools, directly impact a player's ability to manage their time, tackle jobs, and navigate unexpected CHANCE events.

End of the Game:

The game concludes after 12 rounds (representing 12 months).

The winner is determined by a combination of total money earned, reputation gained, and successful job completions.

Glossary:

Maslow Chart: A tool to track your physiological, psychological, and productivity needs.

JOB Card: Represents potential illustration work with specific requirements and rewards.

CHANCE Card: Random events that can either benefit or hinder your progress.

BENJACKS: The currency used in the game.