Tell me why I can't go pro

[Tony Cheval]

Good luck, whichever way you decide to go. I'm still hoping to do that myself, been able to get by working part-time for some months now, but I'm just not consistant enough to really make the plunge.

[2Tone]

I’ve been away for a few days (Cabo!), so I’m late to this one.

For most, my automatic reaction on this is ‘don’t do it.’ Now lost in the archives was a great thread spawned by someone else considering it.

But in your case, many of the stock reasons don’t necessarily apply. Without actually knowing you, you seem experienced enough to handle the swings, able to consistently win over the long term, and generally seem to have your head on straight. Plus, you are playing limit, which will give more predictable results and better keep the extreme swings in check.

It could well be that you could make a living playing cards online. But I still am not sure it is a good idea.

Coaching has a plenty of very powerful intangible rewards – positive impact on the community, seeing the kids progress, the opportunity to work among colleagues with similar goals/values, etc.

It allows you to contribute to your retirement, budget reasonably since it is a fixed salary, (hopefully) offers insurance, and doesn’t attract attention from the IRS. It provides an off-site work environment, so you clearly know when you are at work and when you are at home. And it gives you plenty of time off to pursue other hobbies, like, say, crushing the 5/10 game four tables at a time.

What’s great about playing recreationally is that when you win, you can take the cash, and do whatever you want with it. If through bad luck, you lose, you can step away for as long as you need before re-entering the game. I’d hate to be in the midst of a nasty downswing, and have to play MORE to make up for it because I NEED the money, when what I really want to do is stop for a while.

Reading posts alone hardly qualifies me to offer any kind of real life advice. But I’d be cautious about this.

Whatever you decide, best of luck, and we look forward to hearing about how it goes.