[tagtastic]

My significant other (live-in GF) doesn't really like my poker playing. Honestly she'd prefer that I work at McDonald's for minimum wage than play at home (I suppose if I was making huge money that would change.. like >$100k/yr).

I've done quite well, and currently it's my only source of income. I graduated from college a year ago and have been reluctant to find a job (not to mention the job market for my major around my location is pretty bad right now). It pays the bills plus alot more.

My friends seem supportive of my success, although only one of my closest friends really understands the way it works (the game & financially) - some simply dismiss as "gambling". My parents are somewhat supportive.. They'd prefer me to have a real career type job - but I believe my Dad thinks its pretty cool as he often brags to his buddies about my success.

Seriously, what young guy in America wouldn't want to have a stay-at-home, set your own hours, fairly high wage job that involved playing a game online? Not many that I know. However, I don't view poker as a game really - in the way that I don't particularly enjoy it like a game (unless I'm hitting some great cards of course [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]). As many of you know, poker at any serious level for money that's important to you can be very stressful - and of course there are no guarantees any given day, or week that you'll turn a profit or break even (but, the odds always prevail in the long run).

My GF and I have been through this conversation a few times before, but it's not going to change her overall opinion. She'd rather I work a "real" job that she could tell her friends, co-workers and relatives without hesitation (although one of her friends thinks it's really cool). Such is the life of a poker player.