Bad November and Going Pro Thoughts
Tuesday, November 23, 2010 at 2:16PM It's Tuesday November 23rd and I might not log another hand for November. I've already played 170 hours this month between online and live, so the volume has been good. However it's been a very bad month profit wise. Online and live for November seemed to hit a brick wall at the same time.
What I'm Making vs Corporate
Since I went pro I've constantly been comparing what I made playing poker per month to what I would have made if I stayed in corporate. I haven't been obsessively comparing this way, but it's something I keep in mind. For the month of October I made more than double what I would have at my old job. This month I made about HALF of what I would have. Even if I didn't make a dime in November I still would have earned the same amount for October/November combined.
However, the dollar amount compared is just one of many factors. Besides, poker results are going to naturally fluctuate on a month to month basis. I'd need 6 months for an honest "What I'm making now vs then". It's not all about money though. There are a good amount of advantages to my current path even if I have months where I make less than I would have in corporate for a given month:
1) My expenses are less.
Pretty much all I do is play poker. I don't blow money partying once or twice a week. I've been taking my roommate out for dinner once a week, I mean that's about it. Also, my gas expenses have gone down at least $250 per month. Also, I don't pay $130 monthly for parking anymore. The casino now gives me free parking. I also get comped about $300 per month that can go towards free food. So the money I save on gas, food, and parking (about $680 per month) could actually be used to pay my entire rent monthly.
2) I feel more in control of my spending.
Even if I have a very down month I can slash my spending and get by only using a few hundred dollars for a given month. It's a golden rule for whatever you decide to do in life: simply spend less then you make and you're fine.
3) I have freedom
The most freedom I've had since college.
4) I can work hard to give myself a raise.
The sooner I get to 2-5 permanently, the more money I'll be making. I can also continue to work hard to add more tables and improve online.
5) New town, awesome experience, and great change of pace.
I feel like I'm doing something most people don't get to experience and it's fun.
Done for November
This weekend went below average live again. Less than $400 in profit. 1-2 has really brutal below average stretches and I'm in one of them right now. I still need about +$1700 in profit before I hit my goals and mix in 2-5 games. Hopefully by January I can clear $1700 more at 1-2, but I really don't have complete control of that. If I run like November, no way. If I run like September or October yes it should happen.
Thanksgiving is Thursday, so I'm going to leave town tonight. I can either drive 3 hours tonight, or 8 if I leave tomorrow. The choice is mine! So I'll be taking a break and spending time with friends/family at least until Saturday. After that I might go to NY a few days. I'm most likely not playing any online while I'm home. I have my computer set up in NJ, and don't want to lug around 2 monitors and 2 machines for 3 days. Besides, this time should be spent with family and friends.
So I should resume the grind sometime next week. I'm thankful I have the freedom to take an awesome break. I'm very happy I planned this out where I don't feel "stuck" or overly stressed even know November royally sucked. I have enough money saved to absorb bad months for a long time if need be. Once I get back it's grind-time until Christmas break. Take care everyone!
Reader Comments (1)
Great post, Bags. I like the fact that you seem really stable and mindful of all the different trade offs - mostly positive - even though you have not run as well as one would hope. You have been disciplined with your bankroll and are in no jeopardy with bills, etc. Going pro has gone well for you so far and so long as you stick to your plan, you should have few worries. Enjoy your holidays with your family and good luck when you return to grinding.