I Quit My Day Job

[TheGame1020]

It sounds like this guy really hates his life. I mean it seems like every month there is a new article about how being a pro sucks. I know it is a BIG step, I know it is not for everyone. Does someone really need to write an article every month telling me this?

It almost seems like they regret their choice to go pro, they slam poker and make their lives seem miserable. Well, guess what then quit. Quit! And that is the same advice I'd give to anyone else. If you go pro and don't like it, then [censored] quit. Just like anything quit and go back to your old job.

December 2+2 Magazine
"Playing poker for a living"

Playing poker for a living is a big step. It can be a hard life but some people like it and are successful at it. Make sure you have a backup plan if you try it and if you aren't successful/hate it then you can go back to your old job no harm done.

[img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

[miami32]

I don't hate my life. The point of this article was to be a response to Dr. Schoonmaker's earlier articles. Alot of people here are considering making the jump, I just wanted to give them the point of view of someone who has. I by no means am telling people to not make the jump, I'm just trying to tell you what it is really like. It's a grind.

[Peter666]

I think doing anything for 8 hours a day 5 or 6 days a week is a grind. But if you have the brain for poker, surely it is a much easier grind than other jobs. And I'm sure after making a significant amount of money, it becomes even easier because you will be financially secure.

All the dreariness and depressing talk has nothing to do with poker, but about being unsatisfied with life. I think many of you guys who are single feel unloved.

So go find Jesus or a girlfriend or something and stop trying to make us want to kill ourselves.

[TheGame1020]

Correct. "The grind" is part of everything. There is no job even being a movie star that is all fun and games. There is a grind to everything, some grinds are worse than others. Poker is less of a grind in my opinion to the other jobs out there.

[miami32]

You say that but in all those other jobs you can't lose 3,000 in a day. That's what makes it much harder. If playing poker for a living was so easy everyone would be doing it. I'm just trying to provide insight to what it's like. It may sound depressing but everything I wrote was truth. Go to a cardroom anywhere in the world and it's not exactly a happy place. Just look at the regular people around.

Poker has many positive aspects, don't get me wrong. But I just want people to see it's alot harder then people think.

[Peter666]

"Poker has many positive aspects, don't get me wrong. But I just want people to see it's alot harder then people think."

That's fair. A reality check is good. But you don't really lose $3000 dollars a day as you mentioned if you are a good player and understand variance. You'll make it back. I invest on the stock market so I am use to big variance. In fact I like it! Variance makes me money, and it does for poker players too. If the fish didn't win, we would not have their business. It's all about knowledge and having a positive attitude.

Seriously, go on a holiday. And instead of somewhere nice, go to someplace poor and out of the way where you can see people who have real problems like limited food and shelter. You'll come back a new man and appreciate what you have.

Look at Ray Zee. He seems to be a down to earth and happy guy communing with nature and vegetables and what not. Be like Zee.

[PieInTheSky]

What you wrote was only true for you. My First 9 months as a full-time pro has not been anything but fulfilling. You should probably look to balance your life a little better. Myself, i take weekends off and spend it with my friends and girlfriend. If all you do is play poker than poker is your life not your job. Start treating it like a job and your life will improve.

Good luck, PITS

[12AX7]

Hi Miami32,
Well, I for one appreciate that you are giving non-polyana view of the whole thing.

However, I still say (and this is critical) *if it actually works for you* it still beats a "regular" job.

But it does have to work.

[eastbay]

[ QUOTE ]
I don't hate my life. The point of this article was to be a response to Dr. Schoonmaker's earlier articles. Alot of people here are considering making the jump, I just wanted to give them the point of view of someone who has. I by no means am telling people to not make the jump, I'm just trying to tell you what it is really like. It's a grind.

[/ QUOTE ]

A lot of your described troubles are self-imposed, and have nothing to do with poker and everything to do with your personal failings.

You have a gym membership and don't go? What's that got to do with poker? Absolutely nothing. You're just lazy. Why are you writing about your laziness and lack of discipline in a poker magazine?

I don't doubt that online poker for a living has its downsides. But you can't blame all the things you mention in your article on the poker. Many of them have nothing to do with poker.

eastbay

Working 15-20 hours a week and making more alot more money than i need doesn't sound too bad to me. Most of the disadvantages of poker are the same disadvantages that come along with other jobs anyways.