CARDRUNNERS

What's Your Edge

citizenwind's Poker Blog

January 29, 2010

So as some of you may know, I spend a lot of time as a traveling performer. In fact, as I write this, I'm at Logan international, waiting for my 7am to O'hare. Poetry's been kind to me, and in February I'll be looking at a 14k worth of shows. And that makes me wonder: if I can make 10-13k a month doing sporadic shows through poetry, how hard should I be focusing on poker? Then again, if I played near full-time, I'd probably average about the same, between 10-15k a month. If I focused really hard on that, I could probably start clearing 15-20k a month. So why on earth would I do poetry?

Both of these bring me a lot of satisfaction, both financially and socially, so it's hard for me to decide on a concentration. What do I want? Cars? Money? Women? Arguably, both fields will lead to all of that. Fame? Well, both again. Spiritual satisfaction? Catharsis? Well, poetry wins both hands down. So the question is, will the estimated monthly value I lose from poetry ($2-10k a month) be worth the intangible, but necessary value?

Hmm.

Entry Tags:

Jan 29, 10 06:10:23

You are incredibly lucky to have have had the breaks which have allowed you be able to make a living from poetry at such a young age. I'm not contesting your talent, bit of a fan tbh, but there are so many great artists and poets who barely made a living from thier work.
To think of being a poet and as losing $x a month is a bit crazy considering you are able to do both and still make a very good income.
I would just ride the poetry wave, thanks to the internet you can play poker on the road and in down time, where as poetry is something that may be hard to maintain sucess and shows in if you spend less time on it.
good luck in your decicion and hioe the tour is going well, noticed on myspace you have a lot of dates at the minute.

GuitarmanUK

Jan 29, 10 09:00:43

I had a similar decision to make with my design and art work. The decision was made a lot easier because I didn't make 10k a month with design, not even close. To me a creative occupation is a lot more satisfying than poker ever could be. The fact you make good money with it makes it a no brainer in my opinion.

Diving fully into poetry might prove to be the most fulfilling thing you ever do.

Stake Monster

Jan 29, 10 09:06:46

Why not have your cake and eat it to, diversity bring better inner harmony as well as satisfaction. DO BOTH.

AAATONYKK

Jan 29, 10 09:24:15

Easy choice imo. Poetry!

Needbankroll

Jan 29, 10 10:47:49

You probably have a really good chance to be viewed as the worlds best poet. If you dive into that, I'm sure you'll find crazy amounts of compensation and inner fulfillment. If you do decide to go with poetry, I have a feeling you'll get the itch to play poker again and will eventually keep coming back. Life is about more than just money. Would you rather make 200k and be happy, or 235k and be angry?

Not sure if you're religious or whatever, but whenever I'm faced with a tough decision, I pray. Within a week my answer is pretty clear. GL.

paymy22ition

Jan 29, 10 13:49:53

poetry = no variance.

nittany31

Jan 29, 10 14:14:18

GuitarmanUK: oh my god, for sure i've run super hot in both life and in poetry competitions, and i can without say there a lot of more deserving artists. in many ways, that makes me want to follow poetry more, because it'd be disrespect to other artists who would die for the chance to tour.

Stake Monster: do you do anything specifically to stay creative on the side? do you still do design work?

Jesse: Yeah for sure, poker is something I will never be among the top 5-10 in the world. But with poetry, the ring is right in my face and heavy and shiny. I have to think about this.

citizenwind

Jan 30, 10 05:25:32

yawn

Iain