OK. I see a lot of good advice and encouragement from the members. I really wouldn't discredit anything anyone has mentioned. I have never deposited and I have never won big. My top wins have been like 'thirty some bucks' and most of my wins have been the result of freeroll or micro-micro buy in, so single to double digits. And I still don't have a bankroll, just a few bucks, some a few cents here and a buck or two there.
The point I'm trying to get at is, easily 75% of all the tourneys I've played ever, were freerolls. I believe anyone who submits themselves and their game to that array of skill levels (resulting from none to to an occasional pro level player skill wise) and then there is youth and arrogance and alcohol and yes, even ignorance. You'll run into capable quality players who are in the freeroll to vent bad beat frustrations and the likes of long losing streaks or just major damage to their bankroll. Anyway if I had an option, I would take a good long break from playing in them. The more of them you play, the more leaks you will develop from them, even some on a totally subconscious level. If you don't have a mentor or coach or partner or something to slap you and snap you out of it, they'll settle in, believe me.
The best, most skillful play with the best
odds of winning will lose way more often in a freeroll like that where lack of skill and experience and intelligence, plus the other things i mentioned, and topped off with the most dreaded element of all, no one has anything to lose if they don't win. I see all the excuses players use and the lack of sportsmanship that is exhibited, most often in the freeroll environment as disrespect for the game. So it's like the bad side of town that you should avoid if possible.
If you can deposit, those freerolls that you earn into by virtue there of are a more safe and respectable part of town and should be fine and not take to much away from your goal to improve your game. And you will find I'm sure most of the players most of the time will have a greater respect for the game that they have to buy into and their play will be predominantly more predictable and far less frustrating as you improve your game.
OK, that said, THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING! My entire career spans 2 1/2 - 3 years, so I'm still like 3/4 donk at least I'm sure.
Good luck