HELP, GO GO PRO OR NOT.... PLEASE READ AND GIVE SUGGESTIONS!
 

Here's the deal 2 + 2ers... I'm 27 years old and am a chiropractor. I recently figured out that the practice I'm in now is not a long term thing and have decided it's too poorly run to buy in. This leaves me with start my own, or go work for someone else, 50 hours a week, blaaah. I really don't have a lot of other obligations or strings, and have been a winning player for a couple years and after debts paid off, probably around 100k roll and I've also spent a lot of my winnings. I have some good tourney wins, including a wsop final table this past year for a 6 figure score. My ? is, what else do I need if I'm gonna do this full time. A bad month for me now is about $5k in the black with some months being much better.

Keep in mind that I'm not a 20 year old looking to drop out of school and try poker full time. I'm a 27 year old with a doctorate degree that I can fall back on by picking up a job about anywhere in the states, basically any time I prefer to do so. Is there any reason I shouldn't say GG 9-5 and take a shot at doing what I love (playin cards) for a while and see where it takes me. All opinions appreciated. Thanks,

Wake

Re: HELP, GO GO PRO OR NOT.... PLEASE READ AND GIVE SUGGESTIONS!
 

if you want to play poker then I don't see why you wouldn't.

Re: HELP, GO GO PRO OR NOT.... PLEASE READ AND GIVE SUGGESTIONS!
 

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if you want to play poker then I don't see why you wouldn't.

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exactly, not sure why u need our approval?

Re: HELP, GO GO PRO OR NOT.... PLEASE READ AND GIVE SUGGESTIONS!
 

I guess advice from pple who've done it, or are considering doing it but haven't for whatever reason would be helpful. Just wonder if I'm overlooking something. that's all.

Re: HELP, GO GO PRO OR NOT.... PLEASE READ AND GIVE SUGGESTIONS!
 

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probably around 100k roll

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I hear Party poker has blackjack now...

Re: HELP, GO GO PRO OR NOT.... PLEASE READ AND GIVE SUGGESTIONS!
 

Hang out in BBV for a week, see if you can handle those types of swings and then make your decision.

Re: HELP, GO GO PRO OR NOT.... PLEASE READ AND GIVE SUGGESTIONS!
 

100k roll........check

Doctorate degree just in case..........check

hmmmmmmmmmmmmm, anybody else want to be this guy?

Re: HELP, GO GO PRO OR NOT.... PLEASE READ AND GIVE SUGGESTIONS!
 

[ QUOTE ]
100k roll........check

Doctorate degree just in case..........check

hmmmmmmmmmmmmm, anybody else want to be this guy?

[/ QUOTE ]

And spend what 9 years going to college only to find out you'd rather play cards on a computer for a living. I'll pass.

To the OP: What's the question? You have a significant bankroll, make 5K+ a month already, and if you don't go pro you're still looking for a new job or starting your own practice anyways. If you think it's for you then give it a try.

Re: HELP, GO GO PRO OR NOT.... PLEASE READ AND GIVE SUGGESTIONS!
 

Do whatever will make you happy!

Re: HELP, GO GO PRO OR NOT.... PLEASE READ AND GIVE SUGGESTIONS!
 

there are lots of things to being a pro. imo you'll never reallly know if you can handle it until you try it. you have a skill to fall back on if things go south. you have 100K, which is a lot of $$$, but it is not enough if you are playing 100/200 and have a monthly nut of $10K.

Re: HELP, GO GO PRO OR NOT.... PLEASE READ AND GIVE SUGGESTIONS!
 

Go pro,
Move to Vegas give it a shot if that's what you like to do. As you said in your post you have your PHd to fall back on at worst case. Give it a shot and if you can't make it open your own office and have your own practice.
Regards,
Carl

Re: HELP, GO GO PRO OR NOT.... PLEASE READ AND GIVE SUGGESTIONS!
 

[ QUOTE ]
I guess advice from pple who've done it, or are considering doing it but haven't for whatever reason would be helpful. Just wonder if I'm overlooking something. that's all.

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ah that's something different than the OP suggests

Re: HELP, GO GO PRO OR NOT.... PLEASE READ AND GIVE SUGGESTIONS!
 

Be ready for a LOT more stress then you are prepared for.

When the game becomes a job it's a different game.

Re: HELP, GO GO PRO OR NOT.... PLEASE READ AND GIVE SUGGESTIONS!
 

I quit a good(6 figure) job 6 months ago to go pro. I love it. Less stress, more fun, more money, and less hours "working".

Are you happy making around $200k a year? If so, I would tell you to go pro.

If you want to become a multi-millionaire you will have to start your own business.

Re: HELP, GO GO PRO OR NOT.... PLEASE READ AND GIVE SUGGESTIONS!
 

The rule is 6 months of living expenses plus your BR. If you have that, I see no reason that you shouldn't make a go of it, if it's what you want to do.

However, I would suggest that you do some part-time or contract chiropractic work (~10 hours a week) in order to keep yourself in practice in case you do want to go back. I wouldn't guess most employers would like a rusty chiropractor who's been playing poker for the last five years and not practicing. Plus, you may be able to wander into health insurance or some other benefits as you go. The little bit of steady income wouldn't hurt you, either.

Re: HELP, GO GO PRO OR NOT.... PLEASE READ AND GIVE SUGGESTIONS!
 

Playing full time takes some getting used to. You'll want to have other activities in your life besides poker imo, having poker be the only thing in your life sucks when your losing

Re: HELP, GO GO PRO OR NOT.... PLEASE READ AND GIVE SUGGESTIONS!
 

DO IT

Re: HELP, GO GO PRO OR NOT.... PLEASE READ AND GIVE SUGGESTIONS!
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
100k roll........check

Doctorate degree just in case..........check

hmmmmmmmmmmmmm, anybody else want to be this guy?

[/ QUOTE ]

And spend what 9 years going to college only to find out you'd rather play cards on a computer for a living. I'll pass.

To the OP: What's the question? You have a significant bankroll, make 5K+ a month already, and if you don't go pro you're still looking for a new job or starting your own practice anyways. If you think it's for you then give it a try.

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You're a moron. We aren't even talking about the process of getting a doctorate and then deciding you might not use it.

He ALREADY HAS the degree, and now wants to play poker.

And Bremerton sucks man....i feel for ya

Re: HELP, GO GO PRO OR NOT.... PLEASE READ AND GIVE SUGGESTIONS!
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
100k roll........check

Doctorate degree just in case..........check

hmmmmmmmmmmmmm, anybody else want to be this guy?

[/ QUOTE ]

And spend what 9 years going to college only to find out you'd rather play cards on a computer for a living. I'll pass.

To the OP: What's the question? You have a significant bankroll, make 5K+ a month already, and if you don't go pro you're still looking for a new job or starting your own practice anyways. If you think it's for you then give it a try.

[/ QUOTE ]


You're a moron. We aren't even talking about the process of getting a doctorate and then deciding you might not use it.

He ALREADY HAS the degree, and now wants to play poker.

And Bremerton sucks man....i feel for ya

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What's with the hostility? I know the guy has a degree, that's quite clear from my post. I just said that I don't envy the guy's position. He spent years training for a career that obviously isn't making him very happy.

Re: HELP, GO GO PRO OR NOT.... PLEASE READ AND GIVE SUGGESTIONS!
 

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Do whatever will make you happy!

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Re: HELP, GO GO PRO OR NOT.... PLEASE READ AND GIVE SUGGESTIONS!
 

If youre going to play the majority of your games online you may want to wait and see how the bill to stop online gambling pans out. There is an ongoing thread in the poker legislation forum.

Re: HELP, GO GO PRO OR NOT.... PLEASE READ AND GIVE SUGGESTIONS!
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
100k roll........check

Doctorate degree just in case..........check

hmmmmmmmmmmmmm, anybody else want to be this guy?

[/ QUOTE ]

And spend what 9 years going to college only to find out you'd rather play cards on a computer for a living. I'll pass.

To the OP: What's the question? You have a significant bankroll, make 5K+ a month already, and if you don't go pro you're still looking for a new job or starting your own practice anyways. If you think it's for you then give it a try.

[/ QUOTE ]


You're a moron. We aren't even talking about the process of getting a doctorate and then deciding you might not use it.

He ALREADY HAS the degree, and now wants to play poker.

And Bremerton sucks man....i feel for ya

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What's with the hostility? I know the guy has a degree, that's quite clear from my post. I just said that I don't envy the guy's position. He spent years training for a career that obviously isn't making him very happy.

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Sorry man...just felt you were dishin me a bit of your own without really dishin it you know?

I just don't see how his situation could ever be looked at as a bad one.

Re: HELP, GO GO PRO OR NOT.... PLEASE READ AND GIVE SUGGESTIONS!
 

Okay, here are a few more serious thoughts on the online-pro thing...most of which I've shared before, but what the hey.
I do think the OP really doesn't have much reason NOT to give it a try though but here's some stuff to consider I guess.

The legality of online-poker in the U.S. could be an issue in the future.
But it sounds like if he wants to do it he can practically go back to his previous career on a moment's notice if necessary. And even if he can't get work again on a moment's notice I suspect that his $100k roll could 'tide him over' for perhaps a couple of days or more while he looks.


The other major issues I think that could be concerning to him, or any aspiring online-pro, is:
- quality of life
- sense of purpose
- burn-out


These are all kind of related to each other of course.

Many online-pros seem to get too involved in the game and shut-out other aspects of their lives. Particularly social situations that may have happened more naturally via the traditional work-place.
This can lead to some depression if you don't take steps to ensure a somewhat normal lifestyle.
This can also be tangentially related to physical-fitness. Sitting around all day and eating crap food is TOO easy when playing professionally online and one needs to take steps to avoid that kind of rut. Something like going to the gym regularly or swimming, whatever.
For me, I play on two rec-league soccer teams which also is somewhat social too of course.


regarding sense of purpose: I suspect this could be especially confusing for someone who has trained for so long to be in a certain profession only to completely ditch it. But for some it might not mke a difference at all.

I still do't really like the fact that I'm not exactly accomplishing much or actually 'working' per-se.
But I know I would have a similar lack of sense of purpose at a lot of other jobs.
Online-poker pays decently, has completely flexible hous and allows me to travel and move wherever I want. So I just put up with the general lack of sense-of-purpose that kind of nags on me by the knowledge that my professional 'career' is playing a silly card-game on a computer.


Burn-out is similar of course.
El Diablo observed in a different thread that for some people poker can simply be 'mind-numblingly boring'.
I agree.
I generally enjoy the game. But if I already a zillion dollars and didn't need poker to pay the bills than I certainly wouldn't be wasting much time on it as a hobby...that's for certain.

But, again, this is similar to lots of jobs that aren't exacly the peak of excitement.


There was a thread in the internet-forum a few weeks ago and a couple of 2 or 3 yr online-pros said they were going to give up full-time online-poker to take a lesser-paying job.
They were just that bored with online-poker and I guess they probably longed to get out of their own house a little bit more often.


also worth noting than when you have the kind of flexibility to work whenever you want...sometimes it becomes too easy to just blow it off when you don't feel like it or feel burnt-out.
Actually putting in the hours in the first place can become an obstacle for many.

This is probaly my biggest obstacle along with my general reluctance to put in the necessary hours to study and actually make myself a less crappy player.


It all goes to discipline and I think you have to have a lot of it to really succeed at this stuff.

I don't think I have a lot of it. But I've gotten a little lucky here and there and I also don't take unecessarily high shots outside of my bankroll.


Of course, another issue is the stress one can have from the variance involved. That's not as big an issue for me.
I can get a little stressed by some monster losses (relative to my bankroll of course) but I still feel more comfortable with that than I ever did with some of the stress involved in high-pressure, nasty-boss type 'traditional workplace' situations.
For me, online-poker is probably the least stressful job I've ever had.

But obviously the downswings and how you can handle them are something to consider.

Re: HELP, GO GO PRO OR NOT.... PLEASE READ AND GIVE SUGGESTIONS!
 

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There was a thread in the internet-forum a few weeks ago and a couple of 2 or 3 yr online-pros said they were going to give up full-time online-poker to take a lesser-paying job.
They were just that bored with online-poker and I guess they probably longed to get out of their own house a little bit more often.


[/ QUOTE ]

Can you link this? I am considering doing the same.

Re: HELP, GO GO PRO OR NOT.... PLEASE READ AND GIVE SUGGESTIONS!
 

Great post microbob, 'Ive been a mid stakes pro for about a year, and I totally agree with everything you said.

Sometimes I dont even leave the house for a week because I have no where to go and no one to see(recently moved out of washington state). It is depressing too sometimes, especially after playing a lot of hours and being down a bunch of money.

Then comes the comfort food, and video games, and more TV, all trying to fill the void of my depression of losing/feeling of no accomplishment.

I'm trying to change now though, eat better, excercise, get my schedule straight... good luck hehehe

hard way to make an easy living

Re: HELP, GO GO PRO OR NOT.... PLEASE READ AND GIVE SUGGESTIONS!
 

Hmmm....You know the risks by now. Areyou winning enough to double what you are making now? Do youhave money in the bank "not for poker" to live on when you are not making the "money"? Have you found a limitwhere you are winning good money and can manage both your job and the cards? If it were ME....I think I would take the skills you have and build a bankroll and use this bankroll to get into the tournies or cash games and give it a shot before I quit a good job/practice. I bet you can do both until you make the final table at a big event. GL 2U

Re: HELP, GO GO PRO OR NOT.... PLEASE READ AND GIVE SUGGESTIONS!
 

yeah, there's a reason why many people describe it as 'absolutely miserable.'

I should point-out that I'm NOT absolutely miserable doing it.
It's okay. And it's way better than many other jobs. I'm relatively content.

Some of the people who are absolutely miserable supposedly BECAUSE of online-poker are really mostly guilty of just failing to take care of themselves.

For most people, you HAVE to have some sort of social-life.
You HAVE to not shut yourself in for several days at a time.
You HAVE to eat decently and stay physically active.

Online-poker doesn't do these things to you.
You do these things to you.

You get the freedom and schedule-flexibility online-poker gives you.
And it's up to you to not let that lead into being completely lazy and unhealthy.

but it does become a problem for many people and I'm no exception.
For me, thinking these things through semi-analytically is one way to overcoming the pitfalls and problems that are somewhat common.

Re: HELP, GO GO PRO OR NOT.... PLEASE READ AND GIVE SUGGESTIONS!
 

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A bad month for me now is about $5k in the black with some months being much better.


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Do it if you want to do it. Just prepare yourself for that downswing that is worse than anything you could ever imagine. At some point a good month will be breaking even and a bad month will give you ulcers.

Re: HELP, GO GO PRO OR NOT.... PLEASE READ AND GIVE SUGGESTIONS!
 

What is the pay range for chiropractors?

Re: HELP, GO GO PRO OR NOT.... PLEASE READ AND GIVE SUGGESTIONS!
 

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[i have] probably around 100k

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+

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wsop final table this past year for a 6 figure score

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=??

even taking into acct taxes and :

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I've also spent a lot of my winnings

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thats a LOT of spending.

Barron

Re: HELP, GO GO PRO OR NOT.... PLEASE READ AND GIVE SUGGESTIONS!
 

you have a degree (see the other post were the kid wants to drop out to go pro), you have the money, your winning. Your decision. You are at an age were it sounds like you don't have a family to tie you down which is huge (like me with a wife and 3 kids and no money). So if you are truly being that successfull, and it is something that is a dream, I say go for it. Unfortunately, this site seems to be full of 18 to 22 year old kids that are used to living with mom and dad and not paying the bills. they have no concept of work ethic and sit around playing poker non-stop. If they are successfull, excellent, more power to them. But you need to have something to fall back on if the worse happens....that is not you.... The worse that happens is you go broke and go back to work as a Doc. Could be a lot worse. Good luck.

Re: HELP, GO GO PRO OR NOT.... PLEASE READ AND GIVE SUGGESTIONS!
 

I made the jump almost a year ago and I'm loving it. I'm 29 and I had a good job where I live (about 45-55 k canadian) as a Sale Representative for a consultant firm in Human Resources. I am making a lot more playing poker with a lot less hours and a lot more freedom.

I have good studies and a solid resume so I could find another job without much problem if I wanted to. Obviously If I play poker for the next 20 years it would be more difficult to turn back, but I would'nt really need to if I was succesfull enough at playing poker for doing it that long.

I'm single and profit from my freedom to travel a lot. I stayed in the Caribeans most of the winter, and a little time in Thailand after that. I'm going back to Thailand and some other asians countries this fall and some of the winter. After that I will probably go in Southern America. I travel with some friends who are also playing poker.

So, if you dont fall back to ''having a miserable life on the front of your computer all day'', and start doing things you like and using your freedom, a professional poker life can be great. For how long I dont know, but I'm enjoying it a lot right now.

Re: HELP, GO GO PRO OR NOT.... PLEASE READ AND GIVE SUGGESTIONS!
 

Did you just get some rental place in the Caribbean?
Where specifically did you go and how easy was it to get set up in a place there?

That just sounds freaking cool and I envy you.

My GF and I are going to do something similar, except staying mostly within the U.S. probably (at least for the first year or two).

Re: HELP, GO GO PRO OR NOT.... PLEASE READ AND GIVE SUGGESTIONS!
 

[ QUOTE ]
Did you just get some rental place in the Caribbean?
Where specifically did you go and how easy was it to get set up in a place there?

That just sounds freaking cool and I envy you.

My GF and I are going to do something similar, except staying mostly within the U.S. probably (at least for the first year or two).

[/ QUOTE ]

I rented a house near the sea in the Cabarete area in the Dominican Republic with two friends and some others visiting us from time to time. There are a lot of websites who promotes that kind of rental in a lot of central american countries. For a nice house with a big pool it cost between 1500-2500 $ a month where I was.

Re: HELP, GO GO PRO OR NOT.... PLEASE READ AND GIVE SUGGESTIONS!
 

I appreciate all the responses, keep em coming. I'll answer any ?s you ask so that you can get a feel for where I'm at, and I can get a better opinion/suggestion from you all. First of all, I called an accountant to figure out tax stuff for my 112k take in wsop. I then took that money that will be for taxes, and stuck it in a 6 month CD to maximize the money while I have it. As far as spending other earnings, some is in the house, and I also replaced the two old beater cars that we owned at the time. I was spending money, but now I have all I need and don't anticipate any more large purchases. Time to feed the monster(bankroll) and see how far I can go with it. I'll tighten up on spending, live month to month, enjoy some of it, and save and invest the rest. Starting out putting 15k in Mut. funds right off the bat and also putting the max per year in roth IRA's (4k a year total so 333 a month). Hows that for a plan?