Is it truly possible to make poker your main profession, or is it better as a side income or hobby?

[Milaroy]

Lately, I keep wondering, can poker really become a genuine career rather than just a pastime? On one hand, many people talk about the freedom, the ability to manage their own time, the potential for big earnings, and personal growth. On the other hand, I often hear about constant stress, financial instability, and the psychological pressure that comes with unpredictable outcomes.
It seems that success in poker requires strong math skills, iron discipline, solid bankroll management, and a willingness to keep learning and adapting. Still, it’s very different from a regular job with a fixed salary and social benefits.
What do you think, is it realistic to build a stable career playing poker, or is it better to see it as a side income or a hobby? Maybe someone has personal experience or knows people who’ve tried?

 

[Lemon]

Not a fucking chance. Keep it as a recreational hobby / side-hustle. It's an utterly miserable life grinding cash tables or hoping to fluke a big MTT and there's no glamour in it whatsoever. It's a waste of a life.

 

[L&L-Jan]

Depends, what are you playing? Cash, Tournaments, what type of poker?

its possible though, but good bankroll and lots of dedication and discipline.

 

[andysbetting1187]

Not a fucking chance. Keep it as a recreational hobby / side-hustle. It's an utterly miserable life grinding cash tables or hoping to fluke a big MTT and there's no glamour in it whatsoever. It's a waste of a life.

Agree Lemon - people think its a glamarous lifestyle (and it can be for the top 0.05%) but when you are constantly on the road/staying in hotels away from family etc. it will eventually take its toll. Great when you are winning, but when you bust out early in a tournament thats cost a couple of K to enter, or lost a chunk on a cash table, going back to that hotel room on your own is a long old walk (plus have to dodge the roulette and blackjack tables)

I would say 100% keep it as a hobby - if you make a few quid, treat yourself. If you lose, still have work to fall back on

Ive known a couple of people try to go pro at somepoint - all ended up broke. Also very difficult if you have a family life/explaining to the mrs the swings etc.