[TS Clark]

I thought I would weigh in quickly on this interesting thread.

As a person who owns their own business and who employs people, I'd have some serious reservations about employing anyone with the kind of gap in work history that playing cards for a living would create (and I say this as a person who is an avid player). My issue would not only be because of the work history void, but also because I would have some real questions about whether a person who did this for a living would have authority and discipline issues that can cause problems in a "normal" work environment. So, for those of you who are considering playing for living at less than a high level, be aware of the potential issues your poker sabbatical might create for future employment situations.

The other issue for you to think about is that while many of you are young and don't have much in the way of life expenses, that will not likely always be the case. Many (if not most) of you will want to get married down the road. Many of you might want to have a family someday. Women who find low-stakes poker players a catch are probably few and far between. And, as the father of three, I can tell you that having a family is a pricy affair (wives and children can often be fussy about things like adequate shelter and health insurance).

I'd encourage anyone to live their dreams, but everyone should definitely employ some common-sense and exercise long-term thinking when making these sorts of decisions. Obviously, the truly talented can make a good living for themselves playing cards. But for the vast majority of players (even good ones), I think some definite consideration needs to be given to weighing the pros against the potential cons (both short- and long-term).

Good luck all.