Dealing with Negative Stereotypes associated with being a professional poker player

[JDMcNugent7]

dont tell ppl till u really know them.
prob best decision i couldve done - also never say how much $.
my gf still has pretty much no clue she just knows i dont need a job.

[Wes]

Once you figure it out, tell me.

[Invigilator]

As a teacher, I know there are always people who crap all over a certain profession. Pro-Poker players are bound to get this more than pretty much any other legitimate job. (read that carefully, I am NOT saying it isn't a legitimate job).

The problem is, that is not likely to ever change. Surrounding yourself with those who are supportive of your life is always a good idea. Others, kick to the curb. When you invariably are put off by people who look at you side-ways, return to the good people.

[Fildy]

"but how much did you lose?"

[Talking Poker]

Exactly.

Seriously, it's just easier to lie. Depends on who the person is, of course, but if it's like your parents friends or something, just come up with a cover story and stick to it. You're a manager at an Italian Restaurant. Piece of cake.

[melioris]

internet consultant = online poker professional.

consultant specializing in risk assessment = live poker professional.

saying you are a consultant guarantees no questions about your job.

[melioris]

or, open a college biochemistry textbook to a random page, memorize the third paragraph and tell folks you are a research technician at Albert Einstein Med School. We asked what you work on, start reciting your memorized paragraph. You will never make it past the second sentence with anyone listening or caring.

[Talking Poker]

If you'd play online more, you could get away with telling people you "work on the internet" without even lying.

I dunno. It's definitely weird. Most people just don't understand, since they think poker = gambling = you can't make money = you are a degenerate loser.

Then there are the people who think it's cool and say stuff like, "Oh cool. My uncle is a professional craps player" or some shit like that.

*sigh*

"He won $40,000 playing slots once." Ugh, just shoot me now.

[Robbie Robb]

FYP

[PShabi]

Fuck 'em????

[Kurn]

Now, this would work for me, since I don't give a rat's ass what people think. In fact, at my friend's daughter's wedding earlier this month, that's exactly how he introduced me to people - as a poker pro.

However, you need a really strong self image to have this kind of attitutde. Not everybody does.

[Zybomb]

I agree with a lot of the responses (fuck em) but In some situations its not the most practical... like for example u meet a girl and first speak to her parents -- u cant really have the fuck em attitude lol

[Zybomb]

Easier for someone your age (in college) harder for someone like me who when meeting new ppl one of the first questions is what do u do??