Poker is a game that attracts people of all ages but it is especially appealing to the younger generation. With that said, what is the biggest decision that these young players face? Oddly enough the answer doesn’t lie on the felt. It’s a choice of whether to pursue poker or continue their higher education.Every week I see multiple forum posts on PocketFives from people asking if they should drop out of school and focus on poker (or similar posts like this). Pursuing poker full time is a decision many of us have to make. I discovered poker my freshman year in college. Like many people, I watched Moneymaker win the WSOP Main event and was immediately hooked. I started learning the game, loving the game, and making money playing the game. I started to have thoughts about playing poker for a living. Why should I continue to go to school? I can make more money playing poker than I could with a “normal” job! Fortunately enough for me, my parents wanted me to get my degree. They understood the security of a diploma and the importance of the college adventure. I told them that I would finish college before I pursued poker.
Let’s face it. The percentage of people that actually enjoy going to school, doing homework, listening to professors and writing papers is the same percentage you have to river a two outer. There’s a catch to college though. College isn’t about studying all week for your midterms, or staying up all night to finish a paper due the next morning. College is about the social experience that can’t ever be replaced at a later age. It is a melting pot of young adults who are ready to transition from living under their parents’ roof, to being independent members of society. Most of the people who are lucky enough to attend college are of the same age group. They are fresh out of high school and will be surrounded by their peers for the next four years at their educational institution. I am trying to emphasize the fact that college is probably most enjoyable at a young age. You have fewer responsibilities and will be around people that are in the same situation as you are. Think about it. Would you rather attend college when you are twenty years old or forty years old? I’m sure you can have fun at either age but if you’re forty years old I’m sure the majority of people around you will be half your age. That might make the social aspect a little difficult.
My father would always tell me that college would be the best time of my life and that I need to enjoy it while I can. Actually lots of people told me this throughout my college career and I took that statement for granted. I didn’t believe it. I couldn’t wait to finish college and get out of there. I felt like I was running through hoops. Professors weren’t interesting, classes were pointless, school work was a waste of time. College was holding me back from starting my life and doing all the things I dreamed of doing. Little did I know how wrong I was. My father was right. Now that I am a year removed from college life I can see what everyone was talking about. Some people attend college and gain knowledge and understanding about their future career. To me college was more of a life and social experience. I was able to meet people, engage in social activities, and interact with my peers in many ways (nightlife, intramural sports, events, etc.) Now that I’m finished with college, I miss it.
The biggest thing about poker and college is balancing out the two. It is completely possible to play poker and also be a full time student, you just have to be smart about it. School needs to be the priority in the relationship. When I was in college I was able to complete my school work as well as make time for poker and a social life. You have to enjoy life while you can. The college experience will not always be available for you to take advantage of. Poker will always be there. It isn’t going to go anywhere.
The poker life has its positives and negatives which isn’t always identified unless you have gone through it. It’s always a good idea to have something to fall back on and I can guarantee the college experience is worth it. College isn’t for everyone, but if you are in the fence about how to pursue your life, college might be the answer. Earlier in the article I said “Fortunately enough for me, my parents wanted me to get my degree. “ I said fortunately because they both went to college and know the positive impact it has. They also know the security a diploma and education gives someone in their life. Take it from someone who was in your position before. “College will be the best time of your life.”
* Tristan Cre8ive Wade is a high stakes online tournament specialist and a PocketFives.com blogger. Read all P5s Blogs from Cre8ive by clicking here.
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