Future Poker Plans

Nouchebag

Nouchebag

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Hey guys! Its been a while since i have posted. Kinda got away from poker for a little while to do a little more reading. So i got some big questions for you all. I am in a dilemma. Ill start off with a little basic info and then ill give you my situation and then please give lots of honest feedback.
So im 20 years old and I live in iowa, (legal age for poker is 21). I have been playing poker “seriously” for about 4 years now. Tried a little online but mostly cash games. I have a 2 year degree from a community college. I am now making 50-60k a year. Very good money for my age I know. I am getting married in 2 years and my “wife” has a job offer for 50K a year with opportunities for 100k a year in the next 5 years. I will keep making 50-60k a year as long as I keep traveling for my job. The problem is my wifes job is in a big city and my job is not within driving distance. So I guess what I am getting at is that she has a better opportunity to make more money so I have to go where she can get a job.
I am looking for something to do in the city, and guess what…I LOVE POKER!!! <3 Ha Ha. I want to get a part time job and then start playing poker semi-pro and then hopefully upgrade to pro someday. I have read a lot of articles on this and I just want some “live” advice.
I play no limit poker and I feel comfortable playing at most anywhere from $1/$2 to $2/$4 blinds. I like tourneys as well. Less than $500 buy in. I consider my self and “ok” player. I have a natural ability to get reads off people as in weak or strong hands. I don’t know all the terms, im slow on calculating my odds, and I don’t have a lot of support in my dreams, (at least one bracelet in my life). I understand all the concepts of poker very well. I don’t have any data and I will have a bank roll of 50k in 2-3 years. I have no debt so its all going into saving…except for what I blow on toys!
My question to all of you is what should I do if I want to pursue my poker dreams? Is it possible to reach my poker dreams? Do you recommend pursuing my goals? If so anyone want to do a little coaching? I mean real coaching. I am willing to pay a little for some real advice or coaching. If you have any interest in coaching someone post ur email or some way to contact you and I will!!
I didn’t proof read this at all so it might not make any sense. Sorry

Thanks everyone
 
fletchdad

fletchdad

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It makes sense, at least I think I understand what you are asking. You may not like some things I am going to say, and I am not trying to intrude, but you asked.

Here is what you may not like: You are 20. IDK how old your wife is, but I am assuming around the same. IMO, you DO NOT give up your career here so she can pursue hers. If you have 50-60 K a year, DO NOT give this job up, for a woman, for poker. Period.

Now, here is my reasoning. I am 52 and have been around the world - literally - a few times. I am married (together 17 years) with children so I know about commitment and running a relationship. I have had MANY relationships, and 3 - not including my wife - were over 3 years, and all were blissful and gonna last forever. You need to establish your life, and your wife needs to establish hers. If you give up your job, can you get it back in 2-3-4-5 years, in case your present relationship does not work out? I am not trying to be mean, but at 20, you have a lot to yet experience, and blissful 4-ever things have a nasty habit of changing , especially at your age. My dad told me stuff like this and I was "WTF does he know?" (It turned out, he knew a lot). You and your wife will almost certainly go through changes that happen to most people not yet 30. (just a ball park age, for some it is more or less)What I am saying is, you need to count on yourself to get you and your wife through, not her. SO IMO do not give up your career. You need to find a way to make it work that you and your wife both have your own lives separate as well as together. Travel.

Now, poker: Say you give up your job, she works, you play, and you have a bad run and lose that 50K (reality here, it can happen) Then what? She will just fork up another 20-30-40+k? For how long? AND poker mans travel, probably a lot more than with your job. The job gives you financial security (NEVER underestimate how good this is to have) AND gives you your BR for poker.

Just my 2 cents, whatever you do GL. I am not trying to be mean or negative, just trying to shed some perspective.

Give it time, discuss it with your wife. And I wish you the best.
 
E

Ernster86

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Fletchdad is spot on.

You quit your job and go through a bad downswing just watch how fast your wife will be out the door.

Keep your job for now.
 
fletchdad

fletchdad

Jammin................
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I just want to add that money influences relationship. DO NOT make the mistake of thinking this is not true. I have seen it and experienced it. It is a reality. You can only live for so long on love. Young people often think (and not so young) that the love will pull us through. Believe me, the daily life will intervene. You can work things out, but they will need to be worked out if money becomes an issue. Just consider that. I have seen happy couples fall on hard time and buckle under the pressure. It doesent have to go bad, but you have to be STRONG together to weather the hard time. And this strength is not a given, but must be achieved over years of being together. And I have seen resentment when one partner does all the work and earning.

Like I said, it doesent have to be that way, but it often is.
 
D

Drivembig

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I agree with fletch.....I don't know what you do career wise, but if its something that you could do in another city then secure a job where your wife secures a job and hit the casinos on your off time. Enter some sats, sitngos, cash games and see what you can do with that bankroll. Just don't give up your career. In todays times, marriage is tough. It takes a lot of effort and time to make it work. Get the wife onboard and make it fun for her. If you don't have her support, then the stress levels would be huge and that would make the marriage and poker stressfull. Thats just my opinion.
 
fletchdad

fletchdad

Jammin................
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BTW, sorry if I am sounding a bit preachy. This is how I think at the ripe young age of 52. I certainly saw things different at 20. You have to make your own way, as you will, and I am just trying to pass on some lessons I have learned as well as passing on things I have seen and experienced.

Some people meet, fall in love, and never have a foul word between them. Sadly, this happens mainly in movies and books, but every once in a while, 2 people meet on the same page and stay there.

May that be your fate!!
 
Nouchebag

Nouchebag

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Thank you very much. I will definitely take that into consideration. Im glad i asked because I had not thought about a lot of what you mentioned!
 
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