I had a talk with a friend of mine this past Friday night that got me thinking. Why do I play poker?

I started to ponder for a minute... and couldn't really think of a good answer. I just said, "because it's fun (most of the time) and it is a good way to earn a side income)."

He responded, "so you treat poker like a job? you are in college, do you really want a job?"

This, to me, was the best advice I have been given these last four years of college. I like making money, don't get me wrong... but there are plenty of other ways to make money that don't present the frustrations that poker does day in and day out. I believe the hardest part about playing poker for a living (or even a side living) are the ups and downs that every player, yes, EVERY PLAYER, goes through eventually.

I, personally, could never do this for a living. I can't stand getting my money in with the best of it and losing to that five outter on the river. Before you tell me, "Mike, for every time that person calls you with their 5 outter, you are going to win the other 90% of the time." Yes, friend, I know that. It's easy (ok not too easy, but easier) to take that 10% loss every now and then, but when you take that 10% loss 5 times in the span of a week... that's rough. Not just rough, that's demoralizing.

I'm glad I just play poker as a hobby and not as a full time job. There was a time where I wanted to play poker full time. All I could think about was poker. Poker poker poker. Still, that is mostly what I think about. I think I've realized, though, that making a living playing poker is a very tough gig. It is definitely not something that many people succeed at, although many attempt it.

I suppose I am lucky to have realized this BEFORE I attempted to make it as a professional player. I believe that if I continue with poker as a hobby, and develop my game, maybe in the future I could play poker as a living (once I make millions and have the time/money to properly invest in my poker career :)