Have you accepted the fact that you are a pool player for life?

[DeadPoked]

Like the thread title indicated... Have you accepted this fact that you will play pool for the rest of you life? Are you perfectly content that you are pool player and will be for life?

I am 25 years old and I have been playing pool seriously for around 6 years. Sometimes I wonder if it would be best if I gave up playing pool seriously and concentrate on other things in life. I am not sure if 25 years from now, the idea I'll still be playing pool competitively, is a positive one.

I'd like to hear some stories from the more "seasoned" crowd on what they think of their lives having pool be such a major factor in it. Do you ever wish you had take a different path in life? Concentrated more on other things?

I'd also like to hear from anyone that have had similar thoughts as I've had.

Edit: I didn't exactly mean earning a living at pool. I am talking about the entire pool playing life style; Tournaments, Gambling, Leagues, etc.

But stories of those who are making some kind of living off of pool are most welcome.

 

[Roy Steffensen]

Hehe, I have been thinking the same just recently...

I am 27 years old, have been working as chief secretary in a political youth party, elected in the city counsil, worked in the stock exchange business, and also owned a poolhall for about 2 years.

The 2 years I owned a poolhall I spent almost 24h a day at the poolhall, either working or playing. I have been travelling all around Scandinavia, Europe and also Philippines just to play pool, and compete.

I decided to go out of the poolhall business, cause it was so far away from the life I had lived the previous years. Not that I was not satisfied with being involved with only pool, but I felt like I was not normal

So I sold out of the poolhall business, got myself a "9 to 5" job again, and now I make ok with money.

But all I can think of is pool. I am not satisfied with a 9 to 5 job, it's just not me.... I have met so many cool people during tournaments, and I consider them more friends than my real friends. Cause these people they will listen if you just have to talk about that 9-ball you dogged yesterday, and they understand that it is important for you to talk about it so you can move on.

I can't imagine going on a holiday if there is not a tournament nearby. Almost every decision I have to make I always think: How will this affect my poolplay and my chances to play pool?

I am a poolplayer for life, I just can't quit. For example, right now the Eurotour Paris Open is organized, and all I can do is to watch all the updates. And I am so angry on myself for not having the oppurtunity to be there...

In fact, I think I need help

 

[sunnyday]

Yes, I had a vision along ago. I see myself walking around the table with a stick in one hand and supporting myself with the other on the rail, with long locks of gray...haha.

 

[trendkill]

I'm almost 29 years old...I teach, and play for a living right now. I've been having the same thoughts as you guys lately...but I may have found a solution for myself. Finding a part time job that will allow me the time to play pool, tournaments, etc. Once I feel that I can do well on a pro tour, give it a shot...if it works out, great...if not, at least I can say I tried.

I'd like to hear some other stories also...

 

[Johnnyt]

Pool was a big part of my life, but not all my life. I almost always had a job, am married for over 40 years and have 4 kids raised, and a nice house and car. I hustled pool mostly in bars for almost 50 years and made money. Not $1000 sets, but $10 to $20 a game...it adds up. To me pool was a part time job and paid for my partying. And boy did I love to party.

We all agree on here that only a very small percentage of pro pool players make anything close a year what they/you can make on a job. My feeling is if you have a lot natural talent and are cashing good in tournaments with first and second teir pro's in them now, then hang in there for awhile longer a see if you can make the top teir and/or pool gets a real tour with real money purses.

If your not cashing after six years of trying your best, I say get a real job and save pool for a hobby and to make a few extra bucks on the weekends. Johnnyt

 

[mjantti]

I'm 30 and I've been playing for 17 years. I don't have the desire to play every day, but I sure get the desire to play if I quit for a couple of weeks or so. The difference is that although I realize that I am a pool player for life, I don't want to get into the heavy practice routine anymore. I'm not a gambler but I always enjoy a good tournament atmosphere and it's nice to see old friends in tournaments I don't get to see anywhere else. And no, I definitely would not want to shoot pool for living...

 

[easy-e]

Like the thread title indicated... Have you accepted this fact that you will play pool for the rest of you life? Are you perfectly content that you are pool player and will be for life?

I am 25 years old and I have been playing pool seriously for around 6 years. Sometimes I wonder if it would be best if I gave up playing pool seriously and concentrate on other things in life. I am not sure if 25 years from now, the idea I'll still be playing pool competitively, is a positive one.

I'd like to hear some stories from the more "seasoned" crowd on what they think of their lives having pool being such a major factor in it. Do you ever wish you had take a different path in life? Concentrated more on other things?

I'd also like to hear from anyone that have had similar thoughts as I've had.

Giving up on the Reno trip is the first step...............

 

[DeadPoked]

Giving up on the Reno trip is the first step...............

Save the guilt trip for someone else, buddy. How about you contribute to the discussion?

Goodluck in Reno! And damnit man, watch out for Kim Davenport.

 

[SPINDOKTOR]

I dont play for a living, Id like too, But I dont....I will never quit, but im not sure i could devote all my time and livelyhood playing....If I could keep my head above water long enough, take care of my kids, Id turn pro today...I just cant jump and go wherever, I have priorites...

SPINDOKTOR

 

[easy-e]

Save the guilt trip for someone else, buddy. How about you contribute to the discussion?

Goodluck in Reno! And damnit man, watch out for Kim Davenport.

I will watch out for him, thanks for the heads up

As far as contributing to the discussion.......why would I give up pool? I love it!!! Even though I may never run a rack (unless it is as easy as the on Jude posted a thread about) I still love to play.

 

[poolhall maven]

Hi Deadpoked!
I can't imagine not playing pool. I have many hobbies, but pool is the one (I am most good at) (bad english) and I always come back to. Even with a 28 year marriage and raising children I always manage to find my way back to my second love. I'll quit when I'm blind or my back won't let me bend over.

 

[satman]

My views on this

Like the thread title indicated... Have you accepted this fact that you will play pool for the rest of you life? Are you perfectly content that you are pool player and will be for life?


I'd like to hear some stories from the more "seasoned" crowd on what they think of their lives having pool being such a major factor in it. Do you ever wish you had take a different path in life? Concentrated more on other things?

I'd also like to hear from anyone that have had similar thoughts as I've had.

I started playing for money in the pool rooms at around 18. But always had some type of job. When I turned 20, I was working for an Upholstery shop{had been since about 15} and got started playing music on the weekends. I found I could make as much playing music on Fri and Sat. night, as working all week. For the next 9 years, I played music and pool for a living. Played all the small tourneys I could. Had all day long to go hang in the pool halls. If I had a weekend tourney, I had a friend who had played drums with my band in the past, who would cover the weekend for me. When I wasn't playing music with anyone, I found tourneys to go to and always found cheap action. At the time, If I was making $50 to $100 a night, I was making a living.
I got a job with a satellite company in 1987, working with my little brother. Still playing music off and on, but always playing pool.
Got married in 1990 and opened my first pool room in 1991, still keeping my satellite job, and still playing tournaments when I could. Opened a 2nd room in 1992, and by 1993, had to close both places due to the stress on my marriage. We had our first child in 1994 and another in 1997. Split up and got divorced in 2004. I'm still playing pool. I play leagues 3 days a week. Run my own satellite business. Go to DCC and Vegas to play as my vacations for the year.
In 1986, the first woman I lived with, made me mad one night, arguing that I should quit pool and playing music, to get a 40 hour a week job. {I would have been making less than half of what I was making} I took my case and cues and thru them out the door into the yard, and asked "are you happy now?" Then I went and got my cues, told her to get out, this cue will be here a long time after you're gone.
So, to answer your question, YEA, I'll be playing for the rest of my life. Would I do it all over again, and still play so much pool. YEA, I would. Its all about the people you meet, get to compete against, learning about personalities, cheaters, and the biggest bonus of all, Having a hobby, that you can actually turn a profit at if you're any good at all. I have friends all over the country that I would have never met. Some I trust enough to split a room with at a tournament, and some I don't. The game can be brutal, but to me, it's the best way to spend my spare time.

 

[jay helfert]

Some good replies on here! I personally think you can be a pool player for life and never earn a dime at it, or ever bet a nickel on a game. Pool is a beautiful game, one of the best ones man has ever invented. I've found it to be a great form of mental discipline, healthy exercise with all the walking, bending and stretching (a bit of Yoga), and the lessons I've learned in the poolroom have been invaluable throughout my life.

I don't think Deadpoked's question was necessarily about making a living at pool. It was more about remaining in love with and being dedicated to the sport. I see nothing wrong with that. Pool can have a place in your life, and not be your whole life. I was once addicted to pool, when every waking moment was about the "next game". That was an unhealthy period in my life and I had to quit cold turkey for a few years and come back to pool with a new perspective.

Since then, I have maintained a nice balance in my life and kept pool as a big part of it. At my core, I know I am a pool player. It is something I excelled at in my life and I'm proud of that fact. I may not play as good as I used to, or as often, but I remain a POOL PLAYER!

 

[ironman]

Pool was a big part of my life, but not all my life. I almost always had a job, am married for over 40 years and have 4 kids raised, and a nice house and car. I hustled pool mostly in bars for almost 50 years and made money. Not $1000 sets, but $10 to $20 a game...it adds up. To me pool was a part time job and paid for my partying. And boy did I love to party.

We all agree on here that only a very small percentage of pro pool players make anything close a year what they/you can make on a job. My feeling is if you have a lot natural talent and are cashing good in tournaments with first and second teir pro's in them now, then hang in there for awhile longer a see if you can make the top teir and/or pool gets a real tour with real money purses.

If your not cashing after six years of trying your best, I say get a real job and save pool for a hobby and to make a few extra bucks on the weekends. Johnnyt

Good advice and working is a lot easier.

 

[DeadPoked]

Good advice and working is a lot easier.

I'd love to hear your thoughts Ironman. From reading your post here on AZ, it's easy to see you've led a life rich in pool.

Thanks to everyone that has shared your stories. We are getting some great posts.

 

[satman]

Jay, you're still an addict. LOL

Some good replies on here! I personally think you can be a pool player for life and never earn a dime at it, or ever bet a nickel on a game. Pool is a beautiful game, one of the best ones man has ever invented. I've found it to be a great form of mental discipline, healthy exercise with all the walking, bending and stretching (a bit of Yoga), and the lessons I've learned in the poolroom have been invaluable throughout my life.

I don't think Deadpoked's question was necessarily about making a living at pool. It was more about remaining in love with and being dedicated to the sport. I see nothing wrong with that. Pool can have a place in your life, and not be your whole life. I was once addicted to pool, when every waking moment was about the "next game". That was an unhealthy period in my life and I had to quit cold turkey for a few years and come back to pool with a new perspective.

Since then, I have maintained a nice balance in my life and kept pool as a big part of it. At my core, I know I am a pool player. It is something I excelled at in my life and I'm proud of that fact. I may not play as good as I used to, or as often, but I remain a POOL PLAYER!

If you were talking about my post, talking about making money at pool. You're right. You never even need to play a tourney to be a POOL PLAYER. I have always been willing to just play, and not bet anything at all. And although, I'm addicted to pool, it's not as bad as in the 80's. I can't imagine going a long period without hitting any balls. I had the flu a couple of weeks ago, and had to miss league one night. Went about 6 days, without hitting a ball. And it sucked.
I have always considered myself fortunate to be able to have the time to play this game. And like you said, the lessons you learn about life, by being around the diverse group of people associated with this sport, is priceless.
Even though I'm only a shortstop, I've gotten to play against some of the best players in this sport, and it don't get much better than that. Just try getting a chance to play against the best from other sports, and see how far you get. I was hitting balls warming up fior tourney one time, and Keith Mcready walks up and asks to hit some with me. This was when Keith was still playing at a very high level,{not that he still don't} Think you could get a warmup with Tiger Woods, or Michael Jordan.
And like they say in AA, once an addict, always an addict. And Jay, you're still an addict. Your love for this sport is extremely visible.

 

[satman]

And for you young people, you should always have some other source of income, preferably some type of job, unless you play like Shane or Corey. Just my opinion.

 

[acedotcom]

Not for life, just as long as keep getting better. If I stop improving, I'll dust off my clubs and go play golf with all the other hacks.

 

[TXsouthpaw]

Yes!

I think I've come to accept being a pool player for life. I just recently proposed (valentines day) and I told her I hope she knows what shes getting into. I'm already trying to coordinate the honeymoon with either bca nationals or derby city. I don't think ill ever make tons of money playing pool but I don't think I have to just to be happy. Ive been living and breathing pool for the past 4 years, and instead of slowing down I seem to be getting in deeper. In fact right now as I'm on my laptop ive got some wpba 9 ball that i tivo'd on the tv and both of freddy b's books on the end table next to me and I'm chatting on a billiards forum. I dont think I can ever completely give up something I love so much. So the only choice is to embrace it fully and run with it.

 

[hemicudas]

Yes. I didn't hit a ball between 1983 and 1993 but passing that Jim's Rack & Cue in Shorewood, IL on the way home every night eventually got to me. I walked in and a week later I was on Jim's APA team. Playing about 3 balls below what I did in 1983 but accepting it and getting on with my pool life.