[DougL]

Sven,

Can you drop out without destroying your GPA? This might seem like a small concern, but you can really make it hard to change you mind in the future if you dig a deep hole grade-wise.

You’re asking for random advice, so here goes. If you are putting zero in to college, you’re going to get zero out. The whole learning thing only works based on what you put in to it. If you are smart enough, you can fake your way through and get a nice diploma. The real-life value of that piece of paper is somewhere between zero and something. If you go to school and get an education, you end up with something truly valuable.

Based on what you said, you may not be ready for college. There’s no sin in that. You might be better off admitting it before you get 3 semesters of 0.00 GPA that will drag down any future plans. I know several people who wished that they had taken a year off before they started school. From that point of view, I have no issue with a poker playing holiday.

A lot of people took issue with your statements about being a professional poker player as an alternative. You mentioned having near-zero expenses and an outside income for new buy-ins, so you have very little chance of being truly broke. The thing is that with a $4k bankroll and only playing $6-$12, you also have little chance of making a substantial living. Maybe after a year of playing you’ll have a 6-figure roll and know that you can beat big games consistently. Most people here say that this isn’t the likely scenario.

If you need some time to get your head around the meaning of higher education, go for it. Work some lousy jobs, travel the lower 48 playing in home games, learn the life of a poker pro, or anything else you want. Not many people turn this hobby in to a living, but you might be one of the lucky few. Manage the discipline to leave college in good shape, so that you can return if you want. For someone who is planning on managing a large bankroll, this shouldn’t be a huge step.

Good luck.

Doug