If you were me..............

[Boltsfan1992]

Bob -

I voted teach but it's close. What prevents me from even considering it is the amount of money I need to have (which you do have) and the retirement/benefits. However, it does look like you reasoned all of that out already.

When I mentor college students who are considering entering teaching as a profession, I say, "If you can see yourself now in another occupation, don't be a teacher - you will not look at the benefits of teaching, you will look at how much x I could make or I don't want to put up with this junk from (state,district,parent,student) and not focus on the positives."

Before I found a new teaching position in another state, I took the leave of absence from my former school system. I can go back and my benefits (retirement) would stay. If that is your situation too, then I would attempt it.

FWIW

PB

[flair1239]

After reading the discussion and your further input. I am going to say it is close.

It sounds like you need/want a break from your job. You are not telling them to "get f#$@ed" and can go back.

It sounds like you can at least minimise any short term (short term being one year) oppurtunity costs. With your winnings

You are not putting anyone else at risk with your decision.

It sounds like you really want to do it.

So my answer now is this: It is not what I would do in your situation. But, there is really nothing I can find that is "stupid" about the idea of taking one year off to play poker and decide what direction you want the next few years of your life to go.

You may be giving up a little financially, but it sounds like emotionally/psychlogicaly you might need this. So it could be an even trade... utility wise.

You have convinced me for whatever that is worth.

[Rasputin]

Imagine the first day of school is tomorrow.

If this makes you want to vomit, run and hide, or kill something, take the year off.

Otherwise, teach and play and improve.

[Timer]

Online poker is a burnout waiting to happen. Especially when you're multi-tabling. It might seem like a breeze right now, but as soon as you hit the wall you'll wonder what the hell you're doing. Playing four tables online for two hours a day, at say 50 hands per hour, is the equivalent of playing 10 hours a day in a casino.

And another thing. Your numbers aren't linear. Nothing ever goes according to plan. Your figures say you'll make 76K a year, but I've got news for you--it very seldom works out that way. Things have a way of going bad in this business, and a nasty downturn can turn those numbers upside down.

But if you're hell bent on doing it, then do it. All I can tell you is if I had it to do over again I wouldn't even dream of playing poker. But you gotta do what you gotta do.

[PokerBob]

I've averaged about 30hr/week for the last 3 months, and still had a job as well, but I realize that burnout is an issue and I will have to FORCE myself to take time away so as to not go insane.

As far as what I'll earn, I just threw the 72K out there as an example. I realize that there can be fluctuations, and I may become a victim of one. I also could run good, too. Only time will tell.

[MrDannimal]

You say you're currently playing 30 hrs/wk while teaching? How long have you gone while keeping up that schedule? That is, how likely do you think it is that you'll be able to play 35 hrs/wk with your A game and without hating the decision down the road?

Can you enter the "sub" pool, so you'd have some teaching income (and possibly benefits) during the year, without screwing things up? Even if it was just a periodic breather from the poker grind, it might be nice.

One thing I haven't seen mentioned is this: If you take the year off, and seriously work on improving as you play, there's a ROI akin to whatever you might put into a retirement fund. Do the match exactly? Who knows. But if you play 400,000 hands in this year (300/hr, 35 hr/wk, 40 wks/yr), and work on improving, and increase your winrate at 5/10 6max AND increase your skill so that when you move to 10/20 your winrate is good AND decrease the time before you can move up, that all equates to better poker earn over time.

As an example, say that at the end of the year, you're at 10/20 and making 1.5 BB/100. If you stayed teaching, after a year you're still at 5/10 and .9BB/100. 200,000 hands at each (a conservative 1 year of play WHILE teaching, after you reaturn) is 60k vs. 18k. Which means you can easily make up the lost retirement benefits and then some, as your expected earn is higher going forward.

If I were in your shoes, I'd play. I'm not, and I probably won't be anytime soon, so consider that I'm envious and that colors my decision.

Honestly, I think this is one of those things you might look back on years from now and regret not doing if you don't take the year off to play. Maybe not, but still.

[SomethingClever]

[ QUOTE ]
I will make 52K + benefits next year as a teacher.

[/ QUOTE ]

That's pretty good for a teacher, innit?

If you're sure you can get your job back, take the year off and enjoy yourself. But then definitely get your job back.

[PokerBob]

I think you bring up some excellent points. I could/should improve and I intend to take a stab at 10/20 when I have 4K I can "burn" on an attempt. Hopefully I will run good initially (does this happen one moves up? ever?) and then be able to stay there. I have intentionally skewed my projections conservatively. IMO beating 5/10 for 0.9 over a year isn't a stretch.

As far as how long can I go without hating my decision, I really don't know. I have enjoyed the challenge that poker has presented, and I have had some success. It has been harder to convice myself NOT to play, than to play, but I have made myself take days off.

I could go broke and become destittue and wind up dancing on the street for nickles, but I have a decent amount of $$$ put away. The other side is that I could move up and do really well. I think with a little luck and some hard work on improving 100K is not out of the question.

[PokerBob]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I will make 52K + benefits next year as a teacher.

[/ QUOTE ]

That's pretty good for a teacher, innit?

If you're sure you can get your job back, take the year off and enjoy yourself. But then definitely get your job back.

[/ QUOTE ]

I am 100% sure.

[DocMartin]

I'm not you (wife and kids) but I am in teaching (college) and make about the same as you for the job and for poker playing 3/6 and 5/10.

I would never give up the teaching job. Its really not very demanding, the benefits are great, plenty of holidays, and plenty of time for playing poker. The list goes on and several posters have mentioned other benefits.

I havent gotten into 5/10 shorthanded yet but I think I would want to have a little more stability in the game than a speculative .9BB/100 winrate(not doubting your ability or dedication here). Perhaps you could take this sabbatical next year when your poker future is a little clearer?

And during that year off you should probably be doing something to change or further your career (more education/training etc.) along with playing poker if that is what you choose to do.