Poker and Life in the UK: 2012

[Vi-Zer0Skill]

This blog will be very similar to my last effort, http://www.flopturnriver.com/pokerfo...ml#post2011448.

A brief overview: I recently graduated from college and am currently living in London with my girlfriend of fourteen months. I plan on staying in the UK for the next six months. While here, I will be living off the funds I brought with me as well as any income I can generate from playing online poker. I plan on grinding 50nl and occasionally playing small stakes SNGs when cash games become boring.

Since 2007, I have earned approximately 17k playing poker. This is my most conservative estimate and takes into consideration the money I’ve invested in poker software, coaching, etc. My hope is that I can return to the US around Christmas with at least as much money as I had when I left. Fortunately, I am spared the expense of rent; this keeps my monthly expenses at around £750 (i.e. I need to make at least this much per month). I am fortunate enough to have over three months of living expenses outside my poker bankroll. This isn’t ideal, but it’s good enough for me to feel comfortable. There should also be opportunities for me to make cash on the side doing house projects, which provides me with additional financial reassurance.

I have other goals besides poker:
-get an internship with Forum for the Future, a NPO that focuses on sustainability policy
-keep in touch with my professional contacts in northern Minnesota in the likely event I need a job when I return to the US
-go to the gym 4 times a week

After experiencing several years of boom and bust cycles with poker, I now know that balance is my key to success. Balance in life is essential to maintaining a positive attitude and winning mindset towards poker. This will make it relatively easy to put in the hours necessary to pay my expenses. Behind balance: conservative bankroll management, followed by good diet and exercise. Balance in my current environment mostly means making time to do things with my partner. I’ve made promises to play tennis and salsa dance that I am eager to keep.

Balance, balance, balance.

I hope to have a poker related update for you guys soon!

Smooth Jazz / Four80East - Survival - The Album 07 - YouTube