My advice would be keep your cost of living down as low as you can while you can! If your still living at home then do that for as long as they will put up with you until you can afford to buy your own house outright, as you have no official income then you won't be able to get a mortgage or loan.
i was seriously into poker in 2001, got a 5 year sponsorship deal in 2004 & didn't quit work until late 2005, in short i was reluctant to make the jump & wasn't sure how i'd cope without the safety net of a regular wage. if you'd asked me 4 years ago i'd say i was 100% certain that i'd play poker til i was ready to put my feet up & retire....more recently i've come to understand that life is long & that perhaps trying to sustain a poker career for 25 years might not be the best choice for me. i can empathise with your decision though & although i've no idea how long you have left at uni i would urge you to do your best to finish it...it's possible to do both, what's the hurry? Posted by yoyo
Thanks for the post Julian i understand i am not giving myself a plan b if things dont work out. This is my last year at uni. Basically the main problem i have had between uni and poker is i cant find a balance between the 2. For example il know i have an exam coming up or a bit of coursework and il say to myself but i want to play that tournament tonight il do it tomorrow. The next day arrivesi say ok il start it after 20clock or something 20clock comes and all i want to do is play poker and cant stop myself lol. Some poker players have told me before that i have got a different mindset that most other poker players as basically i never stop thinking about the game at all!
but one question when u shipped the ukops was that before or after the stable ? did u keep 100% of winning or did u have to share. but all the best Posted by D_Legend
I kept 100% the winnings as i was playing for myself then!
Goodluck with it. My advice would be keep your cost of living down as low as you can while you can! If your still living at home then do that for as long as they will put up with you until you can afford to buy your own house outright, as you have no official income then you won't be able to get a mortgage or loan. Posted by FlashFlush
Yes i live at home with my dad so my living costs are extremely low.
I agree with the having a plan B bit. Its always nice to have it and you dont know what lie ahead in the future for online poker. We might get 10 years down the line and it gets outlawed or something. Then what? You'll prob end up down maccyds flipping burgers for a living? I earn a nice living on the side of my day job playing live cash poker after hours. Its crazy hours (I work from 8-3 and play poker from 5-10) and even though on average I make the same amount as I do in my job, I still would never dream of quitting my job to do it. Why? I guess its fear of failing or not making enough or swings and knowing that if I wanted to go back into work, I'd never be able to adequately explain career gaps and get in at the same level. Also I wouldnt like the pressure of knowing I have to make on average X per month from essentially gambling. I dont doubt for one second that you are good enough to mak a load of money playing poker. Youve proven it already but I think its nice to have the security of a back up plan especially in uncertain times. GL Posted by mj8bs
Cheers mate yes i think that is a very good way to go as you have the security of your job if things dont work out well for you in the night sessions. However i just dont have that mindset in me and i would like to focus fully on 1 thing.
You are in the last year of Uni? Snap quit poker, ban yourself until after your final exams, and finish what you started. DO NOT WASTE THE TIME YOU HAVE INVESTED IN YOUR DEGREE. This is from someone who deeply, deeply regrets not finishing my degree originally, so don't take my words lightly.
Poker will be here next year; finding £30k to pay for tuition fees and dedicating a lot time and effort when you are older into a degree in five years time is very, very hard, and I should **** well know, I'm doing it.
I have gone through this thread thoroughly and agree with the vast majority of the forum posters on the subject. In this current situation, after uni, it is very difficult to obtain the perfect job in relation to your university course.
As you are, I am currently studying at university. As much as I love to play poker, I don't think its a sustainable career opportunity. It's all good and well when you take down a tournament for a four figure score, but how often will this happen? Poker is a game that you never know will happen, you could go busto a few years down the line. Then what would you do? I think it's pretty ridiculous not to have a back up plan.
I know many students who both play poker, who fit both into their schedules. One is a very respected player on this forum and I'm sure he wouldn't mind to mention his name, David Watkin, to most of you Wacko90. He could well depend on Poker as a future career, but credit to him for sticking to his degree, which I believe him to be in his third and final year.
To me, it sounds like you have your priorities wrong, and really does sound like your addicted to poker.
My advice to you, stick to your degree and play poker on the side for the financial benefit instead of playing solely for your income, I'm sure university has cost you a lot of money and it would be a huge mistake in my opinion to drop out.
i never post but seeing this thread i just want to say sumat.
Listen to coxy, lolraise & yoyo. all great players with a vast amount of experience who have made a shed load of money over the years. Yet they are all telling you to stick with uni and get a plan b.
I remember when i started playing poker, i loved everything about the game, was immersed 24/7 just like you.
But now, only a few years down the line i really struggle to even turn the comp on. I would never of imagined feeling like this, and im sure numerous players like me are exactly the same.
You have had some excellent advise in this thread, i would seriously reconsider quitting uni, i 100% know for a fact in a couple of years you will look back and regret it MASSIVELY if you do, even tho right now in your head it feels the best thing to do.
This is not a brag, but i made (sometimes even now) serious monies playing poker, but the best decision i ever made was keeping my career going at the same time.
I look back and remember taking a year out and not wanting to go back but i cant tell you how happy i am that i did.
Poker isnt going anywhere, a year is f* *k all. Just get it done, then play poker.
i never post but seeing this thread i just want to say sumat. Listen to coxy, lolraise & yoyo. all great players with a vast amount of experience who have made a shed load of money over the years. Yet they are all telling you to stick with uni and get a plan b. I remember when i started playing poker, i loved everything about the game, was immersed 24/7 just like you. But now, only a few years down the line i really struggle to even turn the comp on. I would never of imagined feeling like this, and im sure numerous players like me are exactly the same. You have had some excellent advise in this thread, i would seriously reconsider quitting uni, i 100% know for a fact in a couple of years you will look back and regret it MASSIVELY if you do, even tho right now in your head it feels the best thing to do. This is not a brag, but i made (sometimes even now) serious monies playing poker, but the best decision i ever made was keeping my career going at the same time. I look back and remember taking a year out and not wanting to go back but i cant tell you how happy i am that i did. Poker isnt going anywhere, a year is f* *k all. Just get it done, then play poker. Good Luck Posted by dantb10
Nailed on.
Well said, that man. You should post more often, unless you're talking about that 2/4p Omaha session you did...
well im 25 in a shi*ty job, im thinking of going back to uni, left school never really put much thought into it and regret it now, feel kinda old to be going to uni...but i am seriously thinking about it... i would like a degree in biomedical science but at this age now quitting work will be hard..
I would never kid myself, with my state of mind i reckon i could never be a full time poker pro, plus i got a lot to learn, so my only option is education if i am to be frank with myself.
Take the quality advice above onboard bearly but make it YOUR decision no one elses, because your the one thts gonna have to live with it.
You are in the last year of Uni? Snap quit poker, ban yourself until after your final exams, and finish what you started. DO NOT WASTE THE TIME YOU HAVE INVESTED IN YOUR DEGREE. This is from someone who deeply, deeply regrets not finishing my degree originally, so don't take my words lightly. Poker will be here next year; finding £30k to pay for tuition fees and dedicating a lot time and effort when you are older into a degree in five years time is very, very hard, and I should **** well know, I'm doing it. Posted by CoxyLboro
Thanks coxy appreciate the advise from someone who has gone back to uni. I only wish it was that easy for me to bring myself to quit just like that lol.
i never post but seeing this thread i just want to say sumat. Listen to coxy, lolraise & yoyo. all great players with a vast amount of experience who have made a shed load of money over the years. Yet they are all telling you to stick with uni and get a plan b. I remember when i started playing poker, i loved everything about the game, was immersed 24/7 just like you. But now, only a few years down the line i really struggle to even turn the comp on. I would never of imagined feeling like this, and im sure numerous players like me are exactly the same. You have had some excellent advise in this thread, i would seriously reconsider quitting uni, i 100% know for a fact in a couple of years you will look back and regret it MASSIVELY if you do, even tho right now in your head it feels the best thing to do. This is not a brag, but i made (sometimes even now) serious monies playing poker, but the best decision i ever made was keeping my career going at the same time. I look back and remember taking a year out and not wanting to go back but i cant tell you how happy i am that i did. Poker isnt going anywhere, a year is f* *k all. Just get it done, then play poker. Good Luck Posted by dantb10
Thanks mate appreciate that advise is good listening to people who have made it in the game.
Theres a lot of really good advice from young pros/good part time players right through to Julian, who although he apologises for putting his dad cap on is 100% on the button.
You're a good player there is no doubt, but you need options. People like simuk and runitsrann are into trading. Other players have either gone back to uni ala coxy or completed their degrees. If you have intelligence and basic common sense you will easily get a good job. If you dont want to work for someone else then there are loads of opportunites to do something self employed eg poker coaching, setting up a poker events company or something totally non poker related.
Just saying that you want poker to be your life is a bit naive in my opinion, its probably one of the most boring jobs going. When you have learnt 99% there is to learn about the game then what?
I dropped out of Uni in my 3rd year and don't regret the decision for a second, and still don't (Not for poker tho).
That said, I would suggest IF you are going to do it then defer your 3rd year of Uni until the next academic year (sept'13?) - don't say to them you can't balance poker/uni life - explain to them that you need to work full time for X reason.......... and plan to go back and finish off the remaining modules (either full time or part time). Then go back part time... sometimes its not about doing the degree cos you want to work in the exact field but a case of doing to say you can.
Your very lucky you have the support of your father, not many would let this be a decision imo. Also FWIW the below threads will generally give you a greater sense of what some of the posts in here have already said.
Probably best if I don't comment much, you have had some wonderful advice from some guys who have been there & done it, but when I was your age, I never liked taking advice, so I know the score. It must be said, your game, even at this early stage, seems to have bags of potential.
TBH you've made you decision and GL with it. Don't change your mind if it is what you want to do. There's no point in going through with finishing your degree if you don't enjoy it and a degree is not the be all and end all.
I would advice you not to eat, sleep and play poker though once you have quit uni. When your away from the tables you should be putting your spare time to use. Have you got a hobby that you may want to take more seriously? This could be something like writing, music if you play an instrument, set up a small buisness etc. Just be proactive! These are just a few examples of things you could be doing now that may give you something to use in the future. Take Ryan Spittles for example, he's got into TV through poker and is gaining tonnes of experience that he may be able to use if he decides poker is no longer for him.
Also like others have said save your money, live as cheaply as possible and stay at home as long as you can.
Comments
good luck
Listen to coxy, lolraise & yoyo. all great players with a vast amount of experience who have made a shed load of money over the years. Yet they are all telling you to stick with uni and get a plan b.
I remember when i started playing poker, i loved everything about the game, was immersed 24/7 just like you.
But now, only a few years down the line i really struggle to even turn the comp on. I would never of imagined feeling like this, and im sure numerous players like me are exactly the same.
You have had some excellent advise in this thread, i would seriously reconsider quitting uni, i 100% know for a fact in a couple of years you will look back and regret it MASSIVELY if you do, even tho right now in your head it feels the best thing to do.
This is not a brag, but i made (sometimes even now) serious monies playing poker, but the best decision i ever made was keeping my career going at the same time.
I look back and remember taking a year out and not wanting to go back but i cant tell you how happy i am that i did.
Poker isnt going anywhere, a year is f* *k all. Just get it done, then play poker.
Good Luck
Nailed on.
I would never kid myself, with my state of mind i reckon i could never be a full time poker pro, plus i got a lot to learn, so my only option is education if i am to be frank with myself.
Take the quality advice above onboard bearly but make it YOUR decision no one elses, because your the one thts gonna have to live with it.
Theres a lot of really good advice from young pros/good part time players right through to Julian, who although he apologises for putting his dad cap on is 100% on the button.
You're a good player there is no doubt, but you need options. People like simuk and runitsrann are into trading. Other players have either gone back to uni ala coxy or completed their degrees. If you have intelligence and basic common sense you will easily get a good job. If you dont want to work for someone else then there are loads of opportunites to do something self employed eg poker coaching, setting up a poker events company or something totally non poker related.
Just saying that you want poker to be your life is a bit naive in my opinion, its probably one of the most boring jobs going. When you have learnt 99% there is to learn about the game then what?
Hi Conor,
Probably best if I don't comment much, you have had some wonderful advice from some guys who have been there & done it, but when I was your age, I never liked taking advice, so I know the score. It must be said, your game, even at this early stage, seems to have bags of potential.
PS.......