I'm sure this is a question thats been asked before...

[mactheknife]

One last thought. If reading a few posts changes your thoughts on whether you can or can't, then you can't. I would guess those that have done it felt at the beginning, "I'm doing it and I don't care what ANYBODY says". For the vast majority of us the 'serious hobby' in the right choice. Luckily, there are also those out there that won't be denied.

Not just the posts, I've done other research as well, and I'm not afraid to say I'm just to late for this train.

The real surprise out of all the research I've done is just the poor sponsorship support of even some of the greats. A lot of these guys still pay tremendous amounts of money on travel expenses, or per say.

 

[Delusional]

it all depends on how much you love what you are doing. Yea you can work a job like i do. Make a decent Buck. Are you really happy? If playing Pool gives you that fulfillment then i would say pursue your Dream. Isn't that what Life should be about. Why is the Dollar our measure of success. Kind of shallow if you ask me.

 

[JAM]

it all depends on how much you love what you are doing. Yea you can work a job like i do. Make a decent Buck. Are you really happy? If playing Pool gives you that fulfillment then i would say pursue your Dream. Isn't that what Life should be about. Why is the Dollar our measure of success. Kind of shallow if you ask me.

I totally empathize with your stance and do understand this logic.

It all boils down to a person's priorities in life. Me personally, I really, really, really do enjoy having a roof over my head. I actually do value the security of having a home, a beloved dog, and a daughter who is able to go for her master's due to me helping her out from time to time.

I couldn't do any of this if I lived the pool lifestyle. I have a huge nut each month to cover, and then there's the taxes, insurance (home, car, medical), and other things I consider a priority in my life.

That said, if I didn't care about having a roof over my head next week and could sleep comfortably in a flower pot in front of a Las Vegas Casino if I didn't have money for a hotel, then I'd be fine with living the lifestyle of a pool player who plays pool for a living professionally.

The thing is, you can't win all the tournaments, and the money sucks in pool. There's too much overhead. The only ones making money in pool are industry members, those who the industry members sponsor, those who travel the world thanks to pool organizational entities paying their way, and some -- not all -- tournament promoters.

Again, pool players are scrambling for the leftover crumbs and are dancing monkeys for all those in attendance at pool tournaments. They have no medical benefits. There is no pool player union. And most don't have family responsibilities. If they do have family responsibilities, they have a spouse or a fat stakehorse who pays their way.

It all comes down to priorities in life. The best time I ever had in pool was playing on the leagues as a recreational or social shooter, if you will. The regional tours offer nice opportunities to those weekend warriors who like to compete against stronger players, and it allows them to keep their day jobs.

Some pool players would rather soar and look at heights beyond our gaze when it comes to playing pool. There's nothing wrong with that, but they may be destined to a future strife with hardships, medically, financially, and socially.

 

[brandoncook26]

And I didn't even get into the occupational hazards of the tournament trail.

Some well-known pool players today can't even lift their cue without popping a prescription pill. These prescription pills are often provided to them through unconventional means, to include "friends" providing the pills to them. A pill can bring in as much as $10 a pop at some pool events. Why? Because many pool players can't function without them, sad to say, and their addiction is so great that they need gobble up more pills than what is the customary prescribed dosage.

And it's not just limited to pills. Substance abuse is a definite occupational hazard in pool.

Some pool players can't wait to attend pool events away from their spouses, so that they can take full advantage of the amenities on site at various pool events. Prostitutes are able to make a hefty profit at pool tournaments, and some pool players never leave their hotel rooms while taking advantage of this amenity. Instead of concentrating on the competition at the field of green, these players elect to remain in their rooms and concentrate on other matters. It takes a strong marriage to survive a pool lifestyle.

Eating fast food is quite popular with some pool players. Number one, it's all they can afford, or number two, it's the only thing available at midnight after a full day of competition. There is not much nutritional value on the average pool player's diet.

It is true there are drugs and working girls around, but you can't blame that on pool. The fact that players are strung out or paying prostitutes is on them, not because they are at a pool tournament. These same people would find some other thing to blame their habits on if they didn't play pool. I play pool, go to professional tournaments, know many guys that do the things you are talking about, but I don't do any of those things myself. All of that is a personal choice, not a result of a lifestyle.

 

[JAM]

It is true there are drugs and working girls around, but you can't blame that on pool. The fact that players are strung out or paying prostitutes is on them, not because they are at a pool tournament. These same people would find some other thing to blame their habits on if they didn't play pool. I play pool, go to professional tournaments, know many guys that do the things you are talking about, but I don't do any of those things myself. All of that is a personal choice, not a result of a lifestyle.

You know, I get that. This ain't my first rodeo, and I've been to a lot of functions, conferences, symposia, forums, et cetera, both professionally and socially, to include pool.

The only place I have ever witnessed so much blatant substance abuse and call girls is at pool tournaments. I will even go so far as to say at some high-priority pool happenings, which shall remain unnamed, some of the super star players we all know and love remain in their hotel rooms for one reason only. Though they should be practicing, preparing for the big tournament, they're staying in their hotel rooms, away from the public eye. And I'll just leave it at that.

Sure, substance abuse is a huge problem in the United States. It's also a huge problem in the pool community, and you'd have to have blinders on if you can't recognize it. Anybody who attends pool tournaments on a regular basis sees the same thing.

 

[brandoncook26]

You know, I get that. This ain't my first rodeo, and I've been to a lot of functions, conferences, symposia, forums, et cetera, both professionally and socially, to include pool.

The only place I have ever witnessed so much blatant substance abuse and call girls is at pool tournaments. I will even go so far as to say at some high-priority pool happenings, which shall remain unnamed, some of the super star players we all know and love remain in their hotel rooms for one reason only. Though they should be practicing, preparing for the big tournament, they're staying in their hotel rooms, away from the public eye. And I'll just leave it at that.

Sure, substance abuse is a huge problem in the United States. It's also a huge problem in the pool community, and you'd have to have blinders on if you can't recognize it. Anybody who attends pool tournaments on a regular basis sees the same thing.

I know you have been around pool. I'm sure you have been to many more pool related events than I have. My point is it isn't the fault of pool.

The people that want to live a life on the road, away from their families, just may be prone to these vices regardless of the professional choice they make. Perhaps, the idea of the "pool hustling lifestyle" is what attracted these people who have tendencies toward drugs and prostitutes.

On another note, how the hell do you respond so fast? Do you get a text message or something when someone quotes you? Is that a service AZ offers for the truly dedicated that I am not aware of?

 

[Cashman]

It all boils down to a person's priorities in life. Me personally, I really, really, really do enjoy having a roof over my head. I actually do value the security of having a home, a beloved dog, and a daughter who is able to go for her master's due to me helping her out from time to time.

Ain't that the rub. It`s funny how our priorities and dreams change as we age. When I was young all I thought about was playing snooker and guitar. Pretty good at both, maybe(big maybe) even could have eked out an existence with them. My parents forced me to go to tech school or move out of the house.(Thanks Mom)

But life is all about trade offs, and with three mouths to feed the time for following dreams is over. Now my dreams are different. Hopefully be financially secure enough that I don`t have to leave the family for weeks at a time for work anymore. But my biggest dream in life now, is that my kids get educated enough that they have an opportunity to do better than me. Maybe 15 years from now I`ll buy a pool hall and start playing seriously again.

I don`t begrudge anyone who chooses a career in pool, I actually wish they all made huge money. But honestly, I don`t think I would trade my life for any of theirs.

 

[JAM]

I know you have been around pool. I'm sure you have been to many more pool related events than I have. My point is it isn't the fault of pool.

The people that want to live a life on the road, away from their families, just may be prone to these vices regardless of the professional choice they make. Perhaps, the idea of the "pool hustling lifestyle" is what attracted these people who have tendencies toward drugs and prostitutes.

On another note, how the hell do you respond so fast? Do you get a text message or something when someone quotes you? Is that a service AZ offers for the truly dedicated that I am not aware of?

LOL! I'm just fast when it comes to some things, I guess -- much to my detriment sometimes.

I agree that not everybody would be a substance abuser or engage in illicit activities at pool events, but my point is why subject yourself to that environment. Not all pool happenings have this kind of atmosphere, but, man, some of the ones I've been to, well, let's just say that upon return, I kick my heels three times and say to myself, "There's no place like home. There's no place like home. There's no place like home." :smiling-heart:

Just as an aside, I don't use this product, but for those who are not blessed with keyboarding skills, here's a text expander program that works on the Internet. You can try it for 30 days for free. You can create your own dictionary.

For example, every time you want to write "aiming system," you can create a shorthand or brief form of -aas. Each time you type a-a-s, it would spit out "aiming system."

Check out Instant Text for free: Instant Text 7 Pro.

Soon you can have 20,000 posts on AzBilliards before you know it. :grin-angelic:

 

[King T]

What does being a Pro mean?

So playing a Pro's speed means what? I think the first post was a question about playing at a Pro level...., so what is that level and how close can a working guy get to it.....,

Without the drugs and hoe's? Real close, the 8 and the last 2..., the 7?

 

[JAM]

So playing a Pro's speed means what? I think the first post was a question about playing at a Pro level...., so what is that level and how close can a working guy get to it.....,

Without the drugs and hoe's? Real close, the 8 and the last 2..., the 7?

Maybe I misinterpreted the OP's inquiry, but I thought he was asking about the possibility or future of playing pool professionally as a father and family man.

 

[Woof Biscuit]

So playing a Pro's speed means what? I think the first post was a question about playing at a Pro level...., so what is that level and how close can a working guy get to it.....,

Without the drugs and hoe's? Real close, the 8 and the last 2..., the 7?

I know a couple of working stiffs around here that can give an "average" pro fits with that spot. They are not going to beat the very top echelon, but the other guys....watch out! :thumbup:

 

[brandoncook26]

LOL! I'm just fast when it comes to some things, I guess -- much to my detriment sometimes.

I agree that not everybody would be a substance abuser or engage in illicit activities at pool events, but my point is why subject yourself to that environment. Not all pool happenings have this kind of atmosphere, but, man, some of the ones I've been to, well, let's just say that upon return, I kick my heels three times and say to myself, "There's no place like home. There's no place like home. There's no place like home." :smiling-heart:

Just as an aside, I don't use this product, but for those who are not blessed with keyboarding skills, here's a text expander program that works on the Internet. You can try it for 30 days for free. You can create your own dictionary.

For example, every time you want to write "aiming system," you can create a shorthand or brief form of -aas. Each time you type a-a-s, it would spit out "aiming system."

Check out Instant Text for free: Instant Text 7 Pro.

Soon you can have 20,000 posts on AzBilliards before you know it. :grin-angelic:

I can type about 75 WPM on a qwerty keyboard. I am by no means near the best, but do alright. I typically do much better when the words are from my own thoughts. I am slower in dictation or retyping something.

 

[King T]

Now thats funny! I wont enter any typing contest, I cant spell!

Hey Woof Biscuit, you hit it on the head..., I know a lot of local guys that will play any pro who wants to give a little weight..., so if you got your game to that level is that a Pro?

The top pro's spot the less then elite Pro's all the time, but they are all still called Pro's, so who rates the speed and decides who is and who is not a Pro?

 

[mactheknife]

I do not measure success on the dollar by no means. Success to me is being happy and providing as much as I can for my family. (and maybe an occasional pool trophy or decent payout )

 

[Koop]

I do not measure success on the dollar by no means. Success to me is being happy and providing as much as I can for my family. (and maybe an occasional pool trophy or decent payout )

I would keep the job with the benefits and try to play regional events that you don't have too travel far to. This way, if you're good enough, you can supplement your income with some nice tournament payouts. I know guys around here that work full time and are almost guaranteed to cash local events. I'm not one of them so I am slightly jealous of the ones that do

 

[pfduser]

And I didn't even get into the occupational hazards of the tournament trail.

Some well-known pool players today can't even lift their cue without popping a prescription pill. These prescription pills are often provided to them through unconventional means, to include "friends" providing the pills to them. A pill can bring in as much as $10 a pop at some pool events. Why? Because many pool players can't function without them, sad to say, and their addiction is so great that they need gobble up more pills than what is the customary prescribed dosage.

And it's not just limited to pills. Substance abuse is a definite occupational hazard in pool.

Some pool players can't wait to attend pool events away from their spouses, so that they can take full advantage of the amenities on site at various pool events. Prostitutes are able to make a hefty profit at pool tournaments, and some pool players never leave their hotel rooms while taking advantage of this amenity. Instead of concentrating on the competition at the field of green, these players elect to remain in their rooms and concentrate on other matters. It takes a strong marriage to survive a pool lifestyle.

Eating fast food is quite popular with some pool players. Number one, it's all they can afford, or number two, it's the only thing available at midnight after a full day of competition. There is not much nutritional value on the average pool player's diet.

I can sympathise with these players. I struggled with a dependency on pain medications for years. I stopped wanting to do anything, including shooting pool. It was a sick feeling knowing I had to "get fixed" to do the one thing I enjoyed the most. I know players that won't get out of bed without a pill.
My heart goes out to these players because I've been there and know how they feel.

 

[The Renfro]

I would keep the job with the benefits and try to play regional events that you don't have too travel far to. This way, if you're good enough, you can supplement your income with some nice tournament payouts. I know guys around here that work full time and are almost guaranteed to cash local events. I'm not one of them so I am slightly jealous of the ones that do

That would be great and explains why most of the pros are located in specific areas....

If you are in Florida or NY there are events going on every weekend...

If you are stuck in some podunk like Knoxville TN you get zero regional sized events a year that are within 2 hours so overnight is a have to.......

 

[jalapus logan]

I can type about 75 WPM on a qwerty keyboard. I am by no means near the best, but do alright. I typically do much better when the words are from my own thoughts. I am slower in dictation or retyping something.

I'll spot you the Q and the jkl;, but you have to bet $1000...

 

[donny mills]

So playing a Pro's speed means what? I think the first post was a question about playing at a Pro level...., so what is that level and how close can a working guy get to it.....,

Without the drugs and hoe's? Real close, the 8 and the last 2..., the 7?

You can be a working guy that doesn't do drugs and become a pro for sure. I work, never done drugs and I'm a pro. Don't let anyone say you can't.

 

[johnqbs]

And I didn't even get into the occupational hazards of the tournament trail.

Some well-known pool players today can't even lift their cue without popping a prescription pill. These prescription pills are often provided to them through unconventional means, to include "friends" providing the pills to them. A pill can bring in as much as $10 a pop at some pool events. Why? Because many pool players can't function without them, sad to say, and their addiction is so great that they need gobble up more pills than what is the customary prescribed dosage.

And it's not just limited to pills. Substance abuse is a definite occupational hazard in pool.

Some pool players can't wait to attend pool events away from their spouses, so that they can take full advantage of the amenities on site at various pool events. Prostitutes are able to make a hefty profit at pool tournaments, and some pool players never leave their hotel rooms while taking advantage of this amenity. Instead of concentrating on the competition at the field of green, these players elect to remain in their rooms and concentrate on other matters. It takes a strong marriage to survive a pool lifestyle.

Eating fast food is quite popular with some pool players. Number one, it's all they can afford, or number two, it's the only thing available at midnight after a full day of competition. There is not much nutritional value on the average pool player's diet.

That sounds like a very glamourous life style. I want to start tomorrow.LOL For real you'er right on target.
Take care, john