What is the point of the workbench jobs?

[WildDogsGaming]

So I spent what, $160 for all the workbench tools?

2 jobs in, it felt like I was barely making anything back, so on the job I just did, the smoke detector or whatever it was. I had to replace the batteries, the screen, and a couple other things. I know for certain I only replaced broken items, because I used the multimeter on each one first.

A total of $39 in cost to replace the items. When I completed the job, I received $50, and got 60 XP.

So, other than pure boredom, is there any reason to do these workbench jobs? The workbench tools were a heck of an investment, and I doubt if I ever restart, I will work on these items early game, maybe mid-end game. Not if it will be 10 jobs or so to make my investment back.

[Gorebane]

I reported the same issue back in May.

https://steamcommunity.com/app/1080020/discussions/0/3842178984960430767/

Unfortunately I was ignored. I'm not even sure the developers read these forums.

[MeerCaT]

Different people have different things they want to 'get out' of their leisure activities. For some the it's the accumulation of in-game numerical digits (score/experience/credits) that brings them satisfaction. Some strive for 'achievements' . Some enjoy story, adventure, problems, puzzles, visuals, action etc...

Not defending something that might be argued as being a defective/problematic feature or behaviour (and granted, an inability to gather the resources necessary to fully experience the game would be a fair criticism) but one mindset is to simply enjoy the experience the game offers (i.e. the 'work') without feeling pressured to lean too hard towards the 'numbers' side of it. (Are there actually many ridiculously wealthy electricians? Is 'retire rich' the purpose of the game/life?) Buy hey, different strokes for different folks.

It's probably a fair point to raise but I think there's still scope to milk fun out of the game despite issues and suggestions appearing to be lost into the void.

[Welsh_Hitman]

I immediately ran out of money at the beginning of the game in the workbench. I figured it was a great way to increase funds, but the game forces you to buy the crappy tools at the bench without even saying what they were, then you don't have any money to pay for the replacement parts. Genius Developer,

Do I have to immediately refund this game?

[WildDogsGaming]

Originally posted by Welsh_Hitman:

I immediately ran out of money at the beginning of the game in the workbench. I figured it was a great way to increase funds, but the game forces you to buy the crappy tools at the bench without even saying what they were, then you don't have any money to pay for the replacement parts. Genius Developer,

Do I have to immediately refund this game?

Also, some of the equipment ends up needing to be replaced over and over again. Good for maybe 3 jobs.

I think the rest of the game is fun enough. I would suggest go through all the jobs at houses first, then once you have a good amount of money saved up, start doing the work bench jobs. They can be fun to do, just not profitable.

[Welsh_Hitman]

it would be cool if the game implied that approach, but at the moment, I have to just restart completely just to play beyond the first hour.

[msb]

I love the workbench tasks, because they feel way closer to my reality... I deal with several of those gadgets in real life daily, and it's fun to see how they could possibly look like on the inside. Compared to the other jobs, that I enjoy but still know I'll never get anywhere close IRL, as I won't be installing new power outlets or whatnot. :D Anyway, love this game.

[PipPopPuddinPop]

ironically, the profit margin for the workbench jobs is one of the most realistic parts of the game. There isn't much money to be made by repairing consumer electronics like headphones and controllers.

[RadFarlander]

I went in thinking you'd be able to replace the various resistors, transistors, etc. on the circuit boards to save money. I know at least one project cost more to fix than I got paid. Oh well, at least it was fun.

[PipPopPuddinPop]

Originally posted by RadFarlander:

I went in thinking you'd be able to replace the various resistors, transistors, etc. on the circuit boards to save money. I know at least one project cost more to fix than I got paid. Oh well, at least it was fun.

You can switch out individual components if you have the soldering iron, but the iron can only be used a limited number of times. Also, nearly every component is labeled as a capacitor.