When Should You Go Pro or Play Poker Full Time?

[playerr_one]

I'm no where near being good but to gather up thoughts and views on this subject, I would like to know when you think a player can go pro and/or play poker full time and actually quit their job. Hindsite, the obvious answer is when you have a consistent winning record, but let's say you start off with $50 and ran it to $5,000 and consistently make profit thereafter. Considering the swings there might be days you'll lose $200 but days you'll win $500. Knowing that the average person makes between $1,500 - $2,500 per month, you can win this amount even just playing $0.50/$1.00 - $1.00/$2.00 tables in a matter of weeks to a month if you play a lot....At what point do you say I can do this full time?

[frob23]

I would say that you could consider it full time when you have 3-6 months of expenses (rent, food, utilities, insurance, etc.) worth of cash saved up in a different and completely untouchable account compared to your poker bankroll. And you have a bankroll large enough to play at the level where you are turning a profit and afford to have a bad month without seriously hampering your bankroll to the point where you need to drop several levels or touch the savings you have for expenses.

When you have that sort of money behind you... and you show a consistent and solid profit... then you can try and go pro and quit your job.

[irishpkr]

I was actually considering going fulltime this summer. I'm a university student, and living with parents over the summer. I've got no real money issues to think of, so I was gonna give it a shot

[st_ever]

Well first off you would need at least 6 months of living expenses saved. This is vital. Even the top players can have a streak of losing months an the last thing you want to do is to have to withdraw some of your bankroll to pay bills.

2nd you have to prove that you can win month after month. This would usually happen while sving you living expenses. But if you run 50$ into 5k then you have to take that 5k and consistently win with it. I personally have run up a good bankroll very quickly and then only to lose it just as fast.

There are plenty others but i imagine the above two along with a very good bankroll management skills the you would be good enough!!

EDIT: Sorry i see frob said exactly the same thing!! I should prolly red the posts BEFORE posting!!

[liladypokerpro]

Good luck Ice I'll be rooting for you!