If you thought you were really good at poker would you pursue it as a career?

[Elizabeth26]

I know some people do alot of research and read books about poker. Also, some people spend alot of time entering tournaments and playing games. Are there any serious players that want to pursue a career in playing professional poker?

[RaisinBran]

I've been considering it and I'm doing it as a summer job right now.

[r8rpwr]

I haven't considered it for myself, but I think it's an intriguing idea for someone with the skills and confidence to try to make it as a career. I've read several articles on career players and I think their advancement is quite interesting to follow.

[CardChick]

I read an article recently in Relevant magazine about a professional player. I forget his name now. DH was a big fan of his and pointed the article out to me. I think DH wanted to be more like that guy! It surely would be more fun than the current job.

[DUA82]

I wouldnt become a professional. I like this game as side money. I go through alot of ups and downs and if i were to do it for a living, id probably kill myself, lol

[Fictive]

Originally Posted by DUA82 I wouldnt become a professional. I like this game as side money.

Same here. I love the game and do play quite a bit, but in the end of the day it's just a hobby that I have been lucky enough in to make some extra money nearly monthly. At least it pays my bills and I get to put some of it aside for a rainy day. That's all I need from the game.

[mollila]

I started playing poker full time for a living in 2004, and quit my part time job and stopped my MSc studies 2/3 of the way. The decision was not easy, but I am happy I made it.

Flexibility in working hours cannot be beat, but stress levels can be high from time to time.

Currently I work here at rakeback Ltd office every day, and only play poker in evenings and weekends. But poker is still my main source of income, so I consider myself a professional player. I mainly play the 25/50 and 50/100 fixed limit games at Ongame network, with username maollila.

[r8rpwr]

The stress is probably what would keep me from pursuing this full time, though I do agree there are a lot of benefits.

[CardChick]

Originally Posted by r8rpwr The stress is probably what would keep me from pursuing this full time, though I do agree there are a lot of benefits.

I agree, in general I don't do well at anything approaching entrepreneurship. Working for the man isn't fun at times, but I know when the paycheck comes and how much.

[sub-zero]

I have often been tempted by this. I would probably consider it at some point, but I would want to increase my skills to an acceptable level first. Assuming I though I was as good as some of the players out there who I see, I might consider a change of career. However, that is a ways away for me, I think.