I'm in a slightly different spot than OP. I still play poker (not high stakes), but I'm looking to move on. I can 100% relate to the last paragraph of the OP, but I've been able to get over it. At least for now.

I'm mid twenties, no degree (dropped out after 1yr), no work experience, no connections, and below-avg people skills. I have a few hundred k saved.

I'm not interested in "finding my passion" or "contributing to society". I'm just looking for a reasonably high-paying job or career.

Areas of interest? I honestly dont have any. What I was studying before I dropped out? Nothing specific that I would be looking to go back to, just general first yr courses.

Whats crazy to me is after 3-4yrs of school just for a basic degree, I'd be almost 30. Some (many?) fields may require more years of school/training after that..

And I have no idea wtf to go into anyways. I'm really starting from scratch here. I'm just lost.. not sure what areas would make sense for me. I'm in Canada if thats relevant.

Any advice? Specific ideas, information, experiences, advice, etc.. I dont need cheerleader responses.

I feel stupid even posting this..

Well 30 is not that old in terms of studying. I've had plenty of classmates older than that.


Well with below average people skill I would look to math/tech/science fields and stay away from sales/humanitarian work (dont know exactly proper english word).

Overall just pick one and stick to it, most things become fun/interesting when your knowledge gets deeper in it. Few people know exactly what they want to work with. My mom is probably the only one I know that knew as a kid and actually ended up working as just that. But since the work has changed alot over the years the response today is that she wouldnt want it in its current state.


So even if you knew now what you wanted chances are you won like it further down road anyway.


And from my experience the field usually dont matter, the actual commitment to something that is so "long term" is what is bothering most.

I have read the whole post, and realize that depression is not something that is easily empathized with. So, getting medical help is great, and once you make some progress, read this again, and know I am not trying to be mean.

But. Think about what you are writing, and where you are in relation to many others. I know feelings are individual, and inward turning, but sometimes a little gratefulness goes a long way. You sound like you have ZERO empathy for others, yet. Maybe it is maturity, maybe it was so much poker, maybe, maybe, maybe. Grow up. (but only after you get over the depression)

Many folks play poker for years and have nothing to show for it. Some because they never won much, others because like Shane Schleger says of himself, he thought it would never end, and he wasted a lot of it.


so you played so much you burned out on it. Happens to many players. Some regroup, go back, others move on. Pick one. If you like the path, great, if not, pick the other one.

Your parents and your school will both be very happy to know how low you rated the quality of this education. If the parents paid for it, SHAME ON YOU. Maybe you should think about how spoiled you sound. An 'Okay , nothing fancy University that others would kill to have the opportunity to attend, and yet you managed a 'mediocre GPA'? wow, ask the psychologist about that one...


Six months of travel sounds like a great opportunity to get in touch with how others live. Yet all you found out is that you have no 'spark' ? Sounds to me like yet again, SPOILED! You spent 180 days looking around at new places and did not see others engaged in life? Did not see how others handled the stress of living? Did you not notice that most everyone else was working? Struggling maybe to survive and provide for others? Or did you spend your time at Starbucks wondering how hot the latte was ? I find it hard to believe that someone who set out to find a spark could not do so in 6 months...

well, try and see it from the other side. From their point of view, you have nothing in common with them. Most people form bonds based on common experiences. That is one reason why the super rich sometimes feel isolated. Their experiences and concerns rarely match the general society. You know what it is like to bluff more than a months salary into a pot. And maybe lose, and try it again the very next round. You have swings in a day that others have never, and WILL NEVER experience. Your relationship with money is far different than theirs. You see money as a tool. Others see the same $150,ooo after graduation, but it is their STUDENT LOAN, not their BANK BALANCE after four years. Some students look at a 3.4 as anything BUT MEDIOCRE.

Grow up.

This is really harsh sounding, and if you needing medical help, please ignore all of this until you get better. But once you do, read it again. And again.

My number one piece of advice is to find a charitable cause and volunteer. Go to a soup kitchen, stand in line serving others. Learn how bad it can be. Maybe you have the same mental health issues some of the folks going through the line have. But at least you have a safety net they lack. See the other side of fence.

Many in life go through seeing the 'grass is greener on the other side'. My advice is to look for brown grass. You seem to think you have it so bad. But step back and really look. A roof and warm bed, provided by parents that love and worry about you. Plenty of money to give you time to work through whatever issues you have presently. And time.

Being young, with money in the bank, and little financial pressure is a good spot. It is the definition of "Opportunity".

Sadly, too much choice can be debilitating for some. Sounds like this may be an issue with you.

In the meantime, volunteer! It will get you out int the general society. Folks who need help, on both sides of the equation will be happy you are there. And you can go from there.

my two cents.

which

poker is something you do on your own to make money. so find a replacement. you have a medium bankroll that can grow to a milllion in a decade with some hard work.

maybe real estate for a start. buy a cheap old house and fix it up and flip it.
maybe buy and sell cars or whatever you are interested in.

poker teaches you to be your own boss. you were successful so why get a crummy job and be a yes man for someone unless you are broke. anyone can do this.

+1 meditate and try to focus on what your grateful for, it will change your entire neurochemical makeup over time, it's been shown in science to be a natural anti depressent releasing serotonin, dopamine and nor epinephrine. If done regularly it will change your entire habitual perception. Don't take anti depressants, they are the devil's semen.

I successfully transitioned from poker into finance/trading and can tell you I had to heavily rely on networking and contacts to even have a chance. Most people recognize that there is a lot of crossover in skill-set, but it's still hard to convince people to take a risk and hire you rather than going with someone with a more traditional background.

Regardless of what field you choose to pursue make sure you learn a ton about it on your own and be ready to go above and beyond in your interviews to demonstrate the fact that you are not only knowledgeable but have a deep interest in the subject. Surprising them here will go a long way.

I would also say don't be discouraged if you have a hard time at first. Eventually you will come across somebody who gets it.

Would you mind sharing how this process went about for you? It would be interesting to hear.

Don't hold any regrets, don't blame poker for your toxic mindset, do start looking for the silver lining--you have $150K and no financial obligations other than feeding yourself, WP OP WP.