A question about degeneracy in winning poker players

[darom03]

One final note:

I know that I may come out as someone who should be capable of answering my own questions, but that is not the case. As I were writing the stuff above, I suddenly realized that maybe I should seek some form of help. That maybe I should talk to some form of psychiatrist or therapist?

The problem is that where I am from, these guys costs a fortune and, and since I'm on the cheap side, I really don't want to fork out thousand of dollars for something that might not work. I haven't got much faith in psychiatrists or therapists.

[djshawk]

I dont think 'bankroll management' is in the vocabulary of a degen. You are fine!

[pokervintage]

[ QUOTE ]
I haven't got much faith in psychiatrists or therapists

[/ QUOTE ]

Although I don't believe that you need a psychiatrist I also believe that you are not being fair about their ability to help you. In the end you will probably find that you are indeed your own best therapist. Professional help means just that. Help in finding YOUR own way. That could be as simple as sitting with a trained social worker that is good at listening.

Most humans, I believe, experince self doubt at one time or another. Some for their entire life. Most never really know what it is that they want to do with their life and so they just continue on with what they are doing.

You chose Journalism a while back and you went to great lengths, a college education is not that easy, to accomplish that goal. In my opinion (just an opinion) it would be a waste not to see it through. Passion is a personal thing so I cannot tell you to love being a jounalist. But there is an old song that goes like this "If you can't be with the one you love then love the one you're with". I believe the same is true if you do not know what it is you really love.

Poker is a "brain dead" experience. That's right. If you learn to play poker well eventually it becomes close to a repetitive exercise with little if any room for creativity. Forget it for now and pursue your dream of being a journalist. Poker will always be there if you want to come back to it later.

pokervintage

[darom03]

[ QUOTE ]
Poker is a "brain dead" experience. That's right. If you learn to play poker well eventually it becomes close to a repetitive exercise with little if any room for creativity. Forget it for now and pursue your dream of being a journalist. Poker will always be there if you want to come back to it later.

[/ QUOTE ]

It is sage advice, but not very applicable I am afraid. I simply can't see my self laying down poker. Not when I can make money so effortless (I play exclusively sng's which is boringly mechanical but less governed by variance). Even though I don't enjoy poker as much as I used to, I still find it a game worth playing - especially since it provides for a better living as a student (who can't bother to finish his education)

I am currently in a process where I try to find motivation into calling my school counselor in order to register for my final exam. But I continue to delay it since I do not feel I am ready yet. It is a tough exam to pass, and one has to be really motivated as it is a long and tough ordeal.

I have convinced myself to contact him first thing next year. As a kind of new-year resolution.

[deluz35]

"Degeneracy" literally means a decline or reversion. In this context, it sounds like you are using poker as an escape from assuming greater responsibility in the world. Not that you are getting worse at poker, but you are using it as a way to avoid your personal evolution.

I am doing the same thing myself. I am 33 and I just quit my job to play poker full-time for a living. I need the money and can't stand "normal" jobs, but I'm not really much happier grinding poker for a living. It's just another job.

I encourage you to finish and motivate for the exam. Don't wait another month. Do it now. You can continue playing to the extent it doesn't interfere with your degree. No matter which path you choose, there will be pain and challenges. There is no avoiding that if you are going to evolve. I hope this helps.

[pokervintage]

[ QUOTE ]
have convinced myself to contact him first thing next year.

[/ QUOTE ]

Since this is the case this whole conversation may have been for not. Good luck.

pokervintage

[CoolWave]

you can be addicted but not a degenerate.