Should I Become a Professional Poker Player?

Let’s say hypothetically you’re sick and tired of your day job, you love to play poker, and you’ve been making decent side money from it. It’s only a matter of time before the following question forms in your mind: Should I become a professional poker player? This video is the answer to your question. From my eight years of professional poker experience, I lay out the good, the bad and the ugly of exactly what this job entails. By the end of the video, you’ll know all the factors to consider when making this important decision.

Watch Video Below: Should I Become a Professional Poker Player?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBySeN4k5Gk

Below is a brief summary of the video:

The Good Parts of Being a Poker Pro

• Being a professional poker player has several benefits, including being one's own boss, having immense flexibility and freedom, and being able to set one's own hours, which allows for designing a poker playing schedule around when one is at their best

• Professional poker players have the ability to give themselves promotions when they are ready for a promotion, allowing for more freedom over their own advancement and potential upside, without having to wait for someone to grant them permission

• There is no fixed ceiling on how much a professional poker player can earn, as they can work on their game, move up in stakes, and find the right opportunities to increase their earnings, unlike in a standard nine-to-five job with a fixed salary

• Professional poker players cannot be fired in the same way as those in a nine-to-five job, and they have job security as long as they are doing well and enjoying the game

• Playing poker for a living can be a fun and intellectually stimulating experience, keeping the mind engaged and providing a competitive outlet for those who enjoy strategy games like chess

• Poker can push players to make positive lifestyle choices, such as exercise, meditation, and healthy eating, which can have wide-ranging benefits for the rest of their life

• The game of poker provides a competitive outlet and opportunities for personal growth, including learning to navigate one's own thoughts and emotions, and dealing with adversity and challenging emotions, which can translate to benefits in other areas of life

  
  

The Downsides of Being a Poker Pro

• Being a professional poker player can be challenging due to the role of variance, which can lead to long periods of losing money or not making money, even if a player is doing everything right, and this can be a taxing experience for winning players, who may face stretches of six months or more without profits

• The lack of a traditional work environment and colleagues can be a drawback for some players, as they will not have the same level of support and social interaction that they would in an office job, making it a very competitive and isolating experience

• While poker can be a social game, especially in live settings, players are not part of a team and are competing against each other, which can be challenging for those who prefer a collaborative work environment

• Moving up in stakes can be a way for players to give themselves promotions, with standard jumps including from 1/2 to 2/5 and from 2/5 to 5/10, but once players reach the mid-stakes level, there can be barriers to moving up, including the need to be accepted into private games and the many other complications involved in doing so such as paying higher rake, dealing with other forms of degeneracy, and risking being robbed or cheated in these private games

• Playing higher stakes poker can be complicated and involves taking risks, navigating obscure paths, and possibly getting a backer, which can be challenging and does not have an unlimited ceiling

• Being a professional poker player requires a sense of responsibility and accountability, as everything falls on the individual, and it can be tough for those who prefer to have teammates or others to pick up the slack

• The poker ecosystem can be distracting, with a noisy and chaotic casino environment, drama between players, and private games, making it essential to have a strong level of focus and determination to stay on track

• Poker can provide freedom and flexibility, especially in low-stakes games, but this freedom is limited as the stakes rise, and games may not be available around the clock, requiring players to adapt to unusual schedules

• Playing professional poker has drawbacks, such as not creating a tangible product, potentially feeling like trading time for money, and lacking benefits like health insurance and a 401k, making it better suited as a second form of income

  
  

Making the Right Decision for You

• Most people are happiest when poker remains a secondary source of income, as it provides a cushion during unfavorable periods and allows for variety, with even professional poker players benefiting from having other sources of income

• Playing professional poker works better when expenses are low and life responsibilities are minimal, which is why many people in their 20s or those who are retired tend to try this path

• To become a professional poker player, it is essential to first gather data on your playing abilities while keeping your day job, aiming to beat a level like 2-5 no limit holdem with a significant sample size of at least 1,000 hours

• It is crucial not to pursue a career in poker solely for the money, as there are less stressful ways to earn a living, and instead, you should have a genuine love for the game, enjoying aspects like solving puzzles, strategy, and mental stimulation

• Emotional resilience is a vital trait for long-term success in poker, as the game can be challenging even for strong winning players, and it is essential to have a passion for the game to persevere through tough times

• Ultimately, a career in professional poker is not suitable for everyone, but for those who are a good fit, it can be extremely rewarding, offering a unique and engaging lifestyle

  
  

Book a Free Consultation

• Individuals who are undecided about pursuing a career as a professional poker player are invited to book a free consultation to discuss their unique situation and the variables they are considering

• The consultation provides an opportunity for individuals to bounce ideas off Coach Joel and receive guidance, similar to the support that Joel received when considering this career path. You can book your free consultation here. 6