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!