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Hello everyone! My name is Ivan Glazyrin and I am a low limit coach at Poker University. I am often approached by newcomers, as well as players with negative results.
Together with the students, we discuss the issues that usually bother players:
- “If I keep winning, will I be able to earn more than my current job?”
- “Maybe this is my chance to change my life and achieve financial independence?”
- “Working for myself, managing my time and not depending on bosses or office rules is what I want. Is it possible?"
- “Can playing poker really give me the opportunity to travel and work from anywhere in the world?”
Also, beginners often have fears:
- “What if I don't manage to consistently win and make a living playing poker?”
- “What if I lose all my bankroll savings?”
- “Even the best players go through long periods of failure. Will I be able to cope with such situations morally and financially?”
- How will my relatives and friends react to my choice of profession? Will they support me or will they think I'm making a mistake?”
- “What if I let myself and my loved ones down, failing to live up to their and my own expectations?”
- “How long will I be able to maintain a high level of interest in playing poker?”
To help people find answers to these questions, I decided not only to make a list of tips, but also to contact colleagues who already work remotely, as well as to show them how to overcome typical fears and start earning remotely. To do this, I prepared a survey, the items of which I filled out myself. I believe that this will be the best opportunity to show the attitude of many people to the profession, talk about our passion and share our love for poker. If you like this approach, like it and leave comments! It depends only on your reaction whether we invite Alexey Exan13 Lebedev to take a survey to listen to his story about the poker path and thoughts about the life of a poker professional. Well, or just forget about this experiment. So here are my answers.
1. General experience
How long have you been working remotely?
Since 2018.
Why did you decide to switch to remote work?
I worked for a long time in the banking sector, I am an economist by education (specialty "Finance and Credit"). In fact, we were taught to deceive customers and impose unprofitable services on them, and for failure to comply with the plan, we were threatened with dismissal. All this quickly became unacceptable to me. The salary was low, and I worked as a manager in a microfinance company.
We had visits to borrowers, and I saw how people with financial problems live. These problems led to the fact that of the clients who were in my "portfolio", two people died during the year. The last straw was that I began to drink before work, and once I slept, which is not at all like me, because I consider myself a responsible person. Being alone with myself, I decided that this could no longer continue, that I should have a different life.
Do you have any experience in hiring?
Yes, since 2012, I have worked in various banks and tried many different professions since the age of 13, starting with a janitor at school.
What main task or thought could you highlight in your decision to become the person you are currently working for?
I wanted to be free and flexible in planning my time.
2. Flexibility and freedom
How has working remotely affected your schedule and work-life balance?
I never liked a fixed schedule, so I chose to work with a more flexible schedule. This allowed me to focus more on my interests and devote more time to personal needs.
Do you think you have more freedom in organizing your time compared to office work? How is this expressed?
Yes, I do. I can shift working hours, work at night or at a convenient time. I can also easily organize mini-vacations for family trips or just spend whole days doing my favorite things.
3. Earnings and stability
Can you compare your income before and after moving to remote work? Has it become more stable?
My income increased 5-10 times. At the same time, income instability persists, as there may be less demand for my services in some months. However, I learned how to manage finances better and created an airbag.
What can you say about the stability of income when playing online poker as the main source of income?
For me, poker is more like an investment tool than a job. The risks here are high, but with the right approach and the use of experienced mentors, you can minimize losses and make a profit.
4. Organization of the workplace
How do you organize your workplace at home? What tools and equipment do you consider necessary?
I need a computer with two monitors and stable components. Be sure to have a comfortable chair and a stable Internet connection. I also purchased a laptop for traveling and outdoors. Previously, a calling-station phone was enough to work remotely. I also want to run social networks, there is also my own list for convenience.
5. Skills and Discipline
What skills are important when working remotely?
It is important to be sociable and be able to communicate effectively with colleagues and customers. In poker, I learned a lot through communication with other like-minded people.
In addition, high self-discipline and motivation are needed.
What methods do you use to maintain discipline and motivation?
I usually audit the work done twice a year: on New Year's Day and before or after my birthday (I have it in the summer). This helps to keep the direction towards the goals. As for my motivation, it is consistently high, as I am satisfied with what I do.
How do you deal with distractions?
I live alone and rarely get distracted. Few things can distract me from my work.
I often meet with friends, but I do not consider it a distraction. It's a question of priorities, so everything is in balance.
6. Social aspects
How has remote work impacted your communication and professional connections?
I try to actively participate in conferences and forums to maintain and develop professional ties.
Do you feel isolated due to the lack of live communication with colleagues?
No, I have a lot of remote business connections. I love listening to others and learning about their lives to shatter the myth of isolation. Empty talk just went away. I remember that in order to keep my spirit alive at my last job, I made small dolls from photos of my bosses, which we then burned. I thought it was funny at the time, but now I realize it was just a prank. Communication with colleagues should be of a purely operational nature.
7. Efficiency and productivity
How much has your productivity increased or decreased while working remotely?
Productivity has increased significantly, as can be seen from income.
What helps you stay productive at home?
What I do is part of me, and without it, I will feel inferior.
I think that the phrase "Find a job that you will love, and then you will not have to work a single day in your life" well reflects my current state.
8. Online poker as a job
How do you feel about the idea of making a living playing online poker?
Poker should be considered as an investment activity. To do this, you need to prepare: create an airbag, plan limits and time for the game, as well as take into account the risks.
What skills and qualities are needed to successfully play poker at a professional level?
Ability to minimize emotions, cold calculation and willingness to take risks.
Do you know anyone who has successfully handled this professionally? If so, what aspects of their work do you find positive or challenging?
I like Fedor Holtz, he was also born on the same day as me. I think this guy knows his business well. I like that he creates a community of like-minded people, which is an example for me. The second player I like is Daniel Negreanu. I believe that it is difficult to be in the media space often, but Negreanu copes with this perfectly.
9. Risks and challenges
What risks and challenges do you see when moving to a remote job, especially if the earnings will depend on playing online poker?
Do not lose motivation at the beginning of the journey when playing at low limits. Maintain faith in yourself and your strength. To be rational in the choice of tournaments. Take a chance and put everything on the same bet? - Not our option! It is better to prepare and make poker a complement to the best version of yourself.
What precautions or risk management strategies would you recommend?
Use the help of a mentor, start with small amounts and perceive poker as entertainment. From this point, look at how much we spend on entertainment and say to ourselves: “Isn't that too much?” If the answer is "a lot" or it interferes with the achievement of other goals, you need to reconsider your attitude to the game.
10. Tips and tricks
What advice would you give to a person who is considering moving to a remote job in order to make money from online poker?
Make a plan for training and games, prepare financially and learn the necessary tools. It is important not to get upset with failures and keep a diary or blog to track progress.
How would you advise to prepare for such a transition in order to minimize risks and maximize the chances of success?
Start by reaching out to someone who is already doing something you want to dedicate your life or part of it to. Make a plan based on the answers above.
11. Conclusion
Your answers to these questions can provide a lot of useful information about how ready you are for a professional career in poker. There can be many reasons for switching to this path, ranging from the desire for financial independence to the desire to manage your time. However, it is also important to take into account the fears that inevitably accompany any change. The stability of winnings, the risk of losing a bankroll and support from the immediate environment are all significant factors that need to be consciously assessed.
Do not forget that every successful poker player was once a beginner and faced the same questions and doubts. The main thing is the desire to learn and improve their skills.
If you are confident in your abilities and willing to invest time and effort in development, poker can become not only a stable source of income, but also an exciting way of life. Dare, and maybe one day you will be able to say that it was poker that helped you achieve your goals and gain the very freedom you dreamed of. In conclusion, I would like to wish you success on your way. Remember that every step you take brings you closer to your dream. And don't forget: the support and advice of experienced players can greatly facilitate your path to success! Your opinion is very valuable to me. Please write a couple of lines in the comments, how do you like this article format. Do you want to continue the series of surveys?
