Guys it's just a thought I've been thinking about, hoping too open up a decent debate here;

I play poker recreationally, have fun with it, maybe 5-6 years ago I was attempting too make money from it, but I just couldn't do it, but that's how it is for some.

The question is, do you think you have to be 18-22 too kick off a pro poker career?

I'm 26 now, living with my missus, have a baby on the way, and the thought just crossed my mind that the 'dream' is over, unless I was lucky enough too win a Sunday Milly.

There's bills and more important things too spend money on, and more important than the money is time. Finding time is so difficult when you have a busy job and things.

Or am I looking at this completely wrong?

No

You have to be profitable, not young.

Assuming you can play profitably age is not the biggest factor (and pretty insignificant if you are still in your twenties).

Circumstances are a huge part of it however. Where you live, when you can play, how you can play (online, live) what those around you are willing to put up with...the list goes on and on. There are those who are determined enough to put all other considerations secondary (like moving countries for example) but that sort of isolation/career priority is not for everyone. Plenty of people on this planet don't make their employment the most important thing they do, whatever that happens to be.

Its a personal thing...we are all different and (most of us) have the power of choice.

tl/dr You can be a great poker player, but sometimes circumstance will get in the way.

Yeah makes sense, I came across a saying last night that I thought linked too this,

'Someone busier than you is running right now'

It's a working out quote but it applies. Maybe just boils down too how bad you want it.

Age doesn't matter, it's the money you make that matters

OP is 26 and past his prime, I guess there is no hope for FOG's like me.

<insert sad face emoji here>

I agree with the assessment that age doesn't matter too much, but it's way more likely that you are in a good position to start a professional poker career when you are younger and life hasn't happened yet.

It's just so much easier to start out and move through stakes when you live with your parents, have no expenses and don't have to mind too much if you win and lose huge amounts of money within minutes. OTOH, unless you have significant life savings, having a baby on the way might be the worst time possible to start to play professionally. That's a time you really don't want to have to worry about money.