[basementproject]

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The IQ of those dropping out of college to pursue a band, work in a tyre shop, or chill is low.

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This is completely unfounded. I went through the gifted program from grade 5-12. The school board analyzes kids in grade 4 with respect to IQ and intelligence, and the program is composed of the top 2% of the test takers. 3 of my buds from this program dropped out of college to pursue bands. One plays in a cover band every tuesday and thursday night, one plays in a death metal group that barely gigs, and the other is actually doing pretty well touring North America with his rock band. My point is, these are smart dudes, and they're doing what they do. Doesn't make them any less 'gifted' than they really are. Which leads quite nicely into your next point...

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The brain is still developing resulting in children being reckless and short-sighted with their decisions.

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Agreed. But kids who have the talent still should not pass up the opportunity. The real problem is the big-earners spending all their money on hookers and blow, or Grillz, or whatever they buy with their cash. This money could be invested in a house, rental property, fixed income investments or stocks. The real problem isn't that these kids drop school to make the money, it's what they do with it once they get it.

We shouldn't prevent kids with talent from exercising it, especially when they can profit from it. Instead, maybe we should provide a bit of guidance and give them financial/career advice.

A main problem here is probably the school system in itself- kids are taught that they go through school, get jobs, and die. Therefore, the college kid who makes cash playing poker's mindset is- 'hey, I've got a job right here, in online poker! I can skip college.' And that's as far as the thought train goes. No thought about what will happen after poker dries up, or anything long-term, because they've got their cash cow and that's that.

Kids need to realize that there are more career options than just doctor and accountant- tons of people make a bit of cash while young, and start up a business, or invest. A lot of them never have to get a job other than the one they created for themselves with their initial investment. If poker winnings are used wisely, the whole circle of ruin can be totally avoided.