Most people enjoy playing poker as a recreational pursuit, but some have a knack for it that has them fantasizing about turning their hobby into a profession. While a career as a pro poker player can be lucrative, it also comes with its fair share of downsides.
One major drawback is the lack of a stable income, especially when starting out. This is due to the fact that poker is a zero-sum game, meaning that every dollar you win is money that someone else lost. Moreover, poker is highly variable, meaning that you can have a great month one year and struggle mightily the next. This can create a lot of stress and pressure to perform. If you’re dating a poker player, you need to ensure that they have other aspects of their life that bring them happiness and balance.
In addition to financial uncertainty, being a poker player can be extremely lonely. This is because you spend a lot of time by yourself, both at the table and away from it. Moreover, when you do find some company, it’s likely to be other poker players. This can be tough if you’re used to the camaraderie of coworkers, and it can leave you feeling like you don’t have anyone to turn to when things go sour.
Despite this, there are many upsides to being a poker player. For example, you get to travel the world for tournaments in some of the most beautiful places in the world. You can also choose to study your game away from the tables and work on improving your play.
Another perk is that you are your own boss. You can make your own hours, and you can travel on a whim to a tournament series in New York or spend the day playing Fortnite on your laptop. This is a life most people would dream of, but before you jump into the pro poker lifestyle it’s important to make sure that you have enough money to live off of and to provide for your old age.
This means making a plan to have multiple sources of income, whether it’s a full-time job, side hustle, supportive partner, or investing outside of poker. It’s important to position yourself for success no matter what happens with poker, and this will help you cope better with the ups and downs that are sure to come. Ultimately, the key to being a successful pro poker lover is to love the game and be prepared for its ups and downs. If you can master this, you’ll be able to ride the wave and have an amazing poker career. Good luck!