A Note to "WannaBe" Pros

[Unoriginalname]

Note: this isn't aimed at anyone in specific. Just writing my general thoughts on this topic.

Regardless of whether someone wants to go pro or get a real job, I still wouldn't trade my college experience for anything (I graduated in 2004, I'm one year out). The things I learned, both in the classroom and out, the people I met and lifelong friends I made, the parties, etc. It seriously was the best damn 4 years of my life. If you have absolutely no interest and motivation to work toward a degree right now, I don't think it's awful to take a year or two off from college if you can make a lot of money while the poker boom is still around. I would highly recommend you still participate in some sort part-time job or volunteer organization though, even if it's only a few hours a week. You always want to continue to keep your social network alive. One good reason is if you ever want to change from being a poker pro, you're going to need good references and letters of recommendation. Pretty much everything you apply to in life demands these.

You can go back to college at any age, but if you wait too long, you won't be able to experience the true social aspect of college. If you're starting to get into your late 20s, you're just not going to fit in with the younger college students. Maybe you're not interested in the social aspect of college. That's fine then, to each his own.

[runner4life7]

while I am still in college and plan to finish while doing as little as possible, I find it depressing that everyone says those were the best years of my life...What am I going to do for the next 60-70 years? I'm sorry but I really just hate hearing that phrase. You can still have as good of time when you are 40, I am sure of it.

[Indiana]

Americans have too much fun in college in general, but I must admit that I miss the old college days myself. Basically, the rest of your life after school is just one long blur of 9-5 living....with an occasionally good poker game thrown in

Indy

[Indiana]

One thing I forgot to mention when I said poker is "hard." Its not that hard in poker to make a living, but its kinda hard to make a super-living. Realistically, anyone who studies hard and commits to the game will make 30K/yr or whatever you need to survive these days. Its a different ? if someone can make over 250K/yr or not. That's where I aim myself but its hard part time to accomplish it.

Indy

[pineapple888]

[ QUOTE ]
while I am still in college and plan to finish while doing as little as possible, I find it depressing that everyone says those were the best years of my life...What am I going to do for the next 60-70 years? I'm sorry but I really just hate hearing that phrase. You can still have as good of time when you are 40, I am sure of it.

[/ QUOTE ]

Actually, there have been studies on just this topic.

When old folks are asked to talk about their memories, they usually talk about things that happened before they were 25.

But they were happiest after 25.

The conclusion: college is (or should be) the most *memorable* four years of your life. It will help you become the happy person you will be later.

[runner4life7]

i like this reply, thanks

[Indiana]

Just don't buy a bunch of [censored] when you get outta college with your first job and you will be ok. Tying yourself down with material obligations will make you miserable in the long run and keep you from being flexible and happy like you were in college.

Indy

This is my first post here, I've been lurking awhile, but this really got my interest.

I'm 33, got a civil engineering degree and have been working full time for seven years. Yes, that's an 8 year graduation plan. I had too much fn fun. I switched majors 6 times and easily had enough credits upon graduation for a P.h.D. Too bad they were spread all over the place.

My first job paid $30k in 1999. I'm now in the mid six figures. I do what I went to school for. I build bridges & roads. Everything I thought I wanted. I've got money, I'm married (no kids) and live in SoCal. What could be better? Then why am I miserable. Everyone is proud of me. Everyone is impressed with what I do. I have a lot of respect and a bit of prestige. So, why am I miserable?

The past seven years are a blur. I've accomplished a ton, but at what expense. Hardly a vacation, and no change in sight. Daily grind is out the door at 6am, home at 6pm. No life. Weekends are a blur. The only saving grace I have is I haven't loaded myself down w/ kids, mortgage, car payments and debt like the rest of society. Why? Cause then i'd really be phucked and have this career tied around my neck.

What's the point? My best time was college...BY FAR. School itself sucked, but the social interaction, learning experiences are PRICELESS. It doesn't matter if you're not going to get a degree and use it. JUST GET IT. It's so much easier at that age than later. Life is a long road. Don't be trying to catch up. You won't regret having that degree.

If I had it to do all over again? I'd get my degree, and if I was in a position of talent or had any poker skill, I'd give it a shot and do what you love, I'd go for it. Who cares if what you do is socially acceptable if you're gonna wake up one day at 65 and not remember your life cause you did what everyone said you should

[ QUOTE ]
What's the point? My best time was college...BY FAR. School itself sucked, but the social interaction, learning experiences are PRICELESS. It doesn't matter if you're not going to get a degree and use it. JUST GET IT.

[/ QUOTE ]
So, you had a great social life and learned a bit about life. Absolutely nothing says the only place you can do that is in college.

You say you're smart not to have piled up debt, but most college grads finish school with lots of debt -- debt they likely wouldn't have were it not for school.

[TheNoodleMan]

One freaking loss and you change your avitar? For shame!