Quote:
Originally Posted by PipChip
The problem is that when the poker "career" is done, you still have to go and get these 'first few jobs' ... most people look down upon poker. Try telling someone in an interview that you 'gamble' daily... most people wont be receptive of this since they have no understanding of the hard work and mental strain that goes into poker
I am an amateur poker player and even played semi-professionally/professionally for a number of years when the games were a lot softer. I understand 100% what it takes to be a professional poker player, and admit I wouldn't have been able to do it for the last 4 years probably.
That being said, it would take a lot (and probably be impossible) for me to hire someone who took a few years off after college to play poker and was just trying to come back into the work force.
In my mind there would be just too much of a risk such a person still played recreationally and their job performance would suffer due to some of the baggage that goes along with the gambling lifestyle that I understand very well (ie no appreciation for hourly wage, staying up too late chasing losses, mood swings based on how bankroll is doing, losing interest in work and possibly deciding to quit if doing very well at the tables, etc.)
If anything, I think it actually would work in the poker players favor the general public is not very aware of the average poker players lifestyle, because although they may underestimate the skill/discipline involved, they probably also do not understand all the baggage someone who was/is immersed in such a lifestyle carries around.