Making More From Playing Than Working? Decisions...

[Jeffage]

This is the first year I'm in this situation, but it appears I may make more playing in my spare time than my entire annual salary. So why am I still working? Well, I like my job and the people I work with, but maybe the real reason I'm still working is to keep up appearances for my family. I'm 25 and I think it would crush my parents if I just quit my job to play. But at the same time, sometimes I feel I am COSTING myself money by going to work.

Job Pros: Stability, Parental/Societal Respect, Benefits, Place to Go (Social, etc)

Job Cons: I could (I think) make more just playing, possibly significantly more...I could enjoy life more (possibly, I'm not sure) with lots of freedom

But would my family, who paid like 100k for me to go to college forgive me? Should they? If I decided I didn't like poker after a few years, how hard would it be to go back? Is working only to keep up appearances stupid (repeat, as far as jobs go, I have a good one with competitive pay for my age).


One more note: my job has very good benefits, vacation, hours, etc...

Thanks,
Jeff

[JohnnyHumongous]

You should look at the thread I made called "Take a great job or play poker?" in 'General'. It was a monster.

Here's a link: http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/sh...14&fpart=1

[deacsoft]

DO NOT QUIT YOUR JOB!!!!!!

[Bodhi]

...and that goes double because you get vacation time and benefits. Do you really want to wake up in the morning and be obliged to play poker?

[Moozh]

Without going into too much detail.

Playing poker while having a real job is fun. Any extra money you win is a bonus. If you go on a losing streak, no big deal as it's only your bankroll in question.

Playing poker as a job isn't nearly as fun. Any money you win is no longer 'extra', it's all the money you get. Going on a cold streak not only hurts your bankroll, it hurts your finances.

From experiencing both sides, I've found that poker makes an awesome hobby and a really difficult job.

[Derek in NYC]

Before you decide one way or another, find the book "Poker Faces" by David Hayano. It is an old academic sociology book that chronicles the lives of "professional" poker players in Gardena California. Outstanding book, and although it is about B&M players, I suspect that internet pros face a lot of similar issues (e.g., long term upward mobility barriers, etc.) The book is out of print but available periodically on ebay or Alibris. I paid about $80 for my copy. I think it should be required reading for any young kid thinking about trying a run at a pro career.

[Prelude008]

Jeff,

COngrats on your poker success! "lucrative hobby". Just curious what limit/game do you play and how long have you been playing? Best of luck to you!

p.s. What was your major?

[lehighguy]

Based on you post your job is enjoyable, low hours, good pay. This seems a much easier choice then others have. If you actually didn't like your job it would be another story. But if you do like your job I don't see why you want to quit.

[Jeffage]

Yes, this is a good point. I LOVE poker now, but maybe if I had to do it all the time and there was alot of pressure, I would hate it. I actually really love live poker, but I have a 4 hour drive to the nearest casino (but still get to go every 3 weeks). So my primary pay is online. Maybe if I moved close to Atlantic City and got a job around there, I'd be happier.

Jeff

[Jeffage]

I play online like everyday...typically play 25-50, 30-60 or sometimes 50-100 (I still play 15-30 also). I started playing seriously about 4 years ago, but I've been playing to some extent (nickle, dime, etc) for like 10 years.

Jeff