Off The Clock
Episode #1 • January 8, 2025
#off-the-clock

Off the Clock: The Joy of Game Night

Stacie Bacon
Stacie Bacon
January 8, 2025
2 min read

Welcome to the first post in my “Off the Clock” series! While most of my writing focuses on tech leadership and professional growth, there’s more to life than code and career planning. This series will explore the other sides of who I am—starting with one of my favorite ways to unwind and connect with others: game night.

There’s something magical about a good game night. Fresh into 2025, I gathered with friends around a table filled with board games, snacks, and laughter. No screens, no distractions—just pure, enjoyable competition and camaraderie.

Why Game Nights Matter

In our tech-driven world, it’s easy to forget the simple joy of face-to-face interaction. Game nights offer a perfect excuse to:

  • Unplug from our devices
  • Share genuine laughs and create memories
  • Exercise our minds in a relaxed setting
  • Strengthen bonds with friends and family

During our recent game night, I was reminded how these gatherings bring out different sides of people. The strategic thinker, the risk-taker, the peacemaker—all these personalities shine through in unique and often hilarious ways.

Family Game Night Plans

The success of our friend game night has inspired me to plan a family version before January ends. There’s something special about seeing multiple generations around a game board, sharing strategies and stories.

Gaming on Adulting Optional

Speaking of games, I recently had the pleasure of diving deep into this topic on my podcast, “Adulting Optional.” In our gaming episode, we explore both board games and video games, sharing our favorite experiences and discussing why gaming remains such a vital part of staying young at heart.

Listen to Episode 102 of the Adulting Optional podcast if you want to hear what we had to say on the podcast.

The Ripple Effect

A successful game night does more than just fill an evening—it creates anticipation for the next one. It strengthens relationships, builds traditions, and reminds us that sometimes the best entertainment doesn’t require a Wi-Fi connection.

Whether you’re planning your own game night or looking to revive an old tradition, remember: it’s not about winning (though that’s fun too!). It’s about creating moments of joy and connection in our busy lives.

What are your favorite games for game night? Share your recommendations in the comments below—I’m always looking to add to our collection!

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