I always wanted to become a developer. In primary school, I made my first games with GameMaker. They weren't much, but it got me hooked. Since then, I kept on building things. That's why I deliberately chose to study Computer Science, but after my bachelor's degree, I wanted to get started right away. I learned so much more on the job than at school.
A recruiter once said, "You should talk to Teal Partners. They do things differently, and that would suit you." She was right. I enjoy direct contact with clients. That cliché of a developer who prefers to just code specifications in their own corner? That's not me. I like to think along. It's simply more efficient when I can talk to the client directly.
Now I am working on a digital recruitment platform for Actief Interim in Germany. Previously, I built interim software for SD Worx Staffing & Career Solutions. The focus on interim is a coincidence, but it's nice to specialize as a developer. You learn in depth and keep making things that get better and better. I feel like my work makes a difference for the people who use our software. That motivates me.
In addition to my work at Teal Partners, I still make games. I love creating worlds where players can find their own path. My most popular game, Outpost, has been downloaded almost 100,000 times. Not that I got rich from it—I put it online for free. But what truly makes me happy is the community that forms around it: people challenging each other, sharing tips, and exchanging strategies.
It's great that at Teal Partners we can organize our work however we want. No one is looking over your shoulder. That allows me to combine my passions—my work at Teal and developing games. If, for example, I need to go to Kortrijk during work hours to meet an artist, that's not a problem at all. Having that freedom is really nice.
Jens Bijtebier has been working at Teal Partners for 3 years. Discover his games on Steam.
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