This past Friday, I decided to work from home as I occasionally do. I got a phone call from the office manager where I work, and he did not sound like he had good news. He had to give me the unfortunate news that I was being laid off from my job. A whole stream of emotions hit me. I was happy, scared, excited, and everything in between.

For those who don’t know, I was planning on leaving my job in April to play poker full-time. So while this may be a blessing in disguise it still threw me off guard. Part of me feels like I failed. I was at this job for over 4 years, but did I not do enough to make them need me? Could I have done more? I honestly believe that I had not put 100% into this job because it was not my passion. My passion is poker. I know that is hard for some people to understand, but I truly love this game. I love the competition aspect. I love trying to solve problems. But most of all I love that I can be my own boss and do what I want, when I want.

Going forward is NOT going to be easy. My plan for quitting my job and playing poker full-time in April was financially thought out down to every penny I would need. Being laid off earlier than the April target date has made me have to rethink and replan everything going forward.

Bankroll

I am all set here. Luckily, I had a really good 2016 as far as poker goes and money is not a huge issues. I am certainly not swimming in the benjamins, but I do have an adequate amount to live (frugally) and play the stakes I need to.

Since November, I have gotten two offers for staking. I am still unsure if this is something I want to proceed with. I do think it would be good for my development because I would get coaching along with the backing. But giving up %50 equity in all of my tournaments seems somewhat crazy right now. Going out and paying for individual coaching seems like my plan. This could change, but as of now I will be playing on my own dime.

For those who don’t know, I have been streaming poker on Twitch since early 2016. I want to give a big shoutout to our Twitch family at twitch.tv/chrisp200. If you haven’t already checked it out, YOU SHOULD! Now that I will have more time, I will be creating a lot more content on Twitch and Youtube. Follow the YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/user/CHRISP200

Intertops Poker Sponsorship

In November of 2016, I signed on as the second player to be sponsored to Intertops Poker. Along with my good friend and fellow poker player Tim O’Keefe (aka 2fit2fold), we are going to continue to try to grow the site. For those that may not be aware, Intertops as a company, has been taking bets for over 30 years, and they have been taking online bets since 1996. They have one of the best reputations in the business. While the poker site may not have as much traffic as we would like, the traffic they do have is filled with a lot of recreational players. I think Intertops Poker is good for newer players who aren’t looking for huge tournaments. This is a place you can slowly build a bankroll without risking too much.

Going Forward

With all of this said, I am now in a place where I control my own destiny. I can ruin this opportunity by not giving it 110%. Or I can succeed and prove to everyone and more importantly myself, that I can survive playing the game that I love.

My main focuses over the next year is working out, consistently studying poker, and saving money by preparing inexpensive healthy meals. I will be moving out to Las Vegas in May for three months. After that, I will either stay in Vegas if I enjoy it or go elsewhere (possibly outside of the county).

I am ready for this challenge. 2017 is going to be a crazy year. I could fall flat on my face, or I could finally have the huge success I have been waiting for. Hopefully, you guys are ready to come along for the ride with me!

Thanks for all of the support! I look forward to this adventure.

Giddy Up

Chris Perkins

Blog: http://killthevariance.com/blog/chris-perkins-i-lost-my-job-and-im-not-even-that-mad-about-it.html

P.S. After I was laid off on Friday, I made a deep run in the 35K. Unfortunately, I took 10th place when 1st place was more than $6,700 (see screenshot). Yesterday, I went on to final table the 50K with $14,000 for 1st. I ended up taking 8th in this tournament (see screenshot). The good news in all of this is that I am getting deep, playing smart poker, and the scores will come!