Is it possible to enjoy the game in the long term when it becomes a job?
Aleksandr1991
Visionary
Platinum Level
There is an expression: Do what you love - love what you do!!!!!
Aleksandr1991
Visionary
Platinum Level
In principle, it is possible to enjoy poker in the global trend even when he gets to work, but this requires discipline, professional skills and the ability to adapt to difficulties. Fun can be preserved through freedom of choice, the ability to use and develop intellectual skills, as well as enjoy the process and achievements in games.
absolutista2021
Rock Star
Silver Level
great! thanks!!!!when you love , what you do--no motivation going away...... im playing poker 15 years and im married 33 years
wow! big phrase! thank you very much!
wow yes, the enjoy of up the levels! thank you very much for you answer, the more beautifoul of poker is play good poker!
Aleksandr1991
Visionary
Platinum Level
Well noted!!!!
R.Melnyk77
Visionary
Platinum Level
If you love the game and it becomes your main source of income, then what could be better? You will earn money doing what you love. Or if you don't love the game enough, then what's the point of turning it into a job?
pentazepam
Legend
Loyaler
For me: Yes and No.
As long as the games were easy and you could earn some pretty good money playing full-time, it was fun most of the time.
When you had to play almost a full working day just to earn around 1000 dollars a month, it was no longer fun to spend so much time for so little money, so I quit playing online to earn money.
As long as the games were easy and you could earn some pretty good money playing full-time, it was fun most of the time.
When you had to play almost a full working day just to earn around 1000 dollars a month, it was no longer fun to spend so much time for so little money, so I quit playing online to earn money.
dreamer13
Legend
Loyaler
It is optimal to play 1-1.5 hours a day. Otherwise, as it happens with any addiction, tolerance to the pleasure of the game arises, and the longer you play, the more difficult it becomes to achieve it. If you play 1-1.5 hours, you will be able, firstly, to normally penetrate and immerse yourself in the game, because you will not have time to get tired in the moment, and secondly, you will not be ashamed of the fact that you spend all your time playing games.For fans of grinding and quick results: whether to replace life with games is your personal business, here I am talking about the pleasure of the game, and not about progress and results.
istbno
Rock Star
Platinum Level
Yes, it’s possible to enjoy poker long-term even when it becomes a job, but it requires the right mindset and balance. Many professionals start with pure passion, but over years of grinding, the pressure of variance, constant decision-making, and financial swings can turn the game into a stressful routine. Motivation often fades if poker becomes only about paying bills, especially when long downswings test patience and confidence. The players who sustain joy are usually those who treat poker as both work and a craft—constantly studying, finding new challenges, mixing formats, and setting goals beyond just money. Taking breaks, keeping other hobbies, and maintaining social or family life also protect against burnout. Like any profession built from a passion, the risk is real, but if you evolve with the game and avoid monotony, poker can stay both rewarding and enjoyable for decades.
Academico
Rock Star
Bronze Level
Yes, it’s possible, but it requires a shift in mindset. When poker becomes a job, the pressure to perform and earn consistently can change how you experience the game. To enjoy it long-term, you need to treat it like a business—managing bankroll, tracking results, and studying regularly—while also remembering why you loved it in the first place. Balancing discipline with enjoyment, taking breaks, and celebrating small wins can help maintain passion. Many professional players find that the challenge and growth keep the game exciting, even when it’s their career, but it’s crucial to avoid burnout by keeping perspective and not letting results define your happiness.
anasslaaleg
Rock Star
Platinum Level
That’s a really good question and one that a lot of pros wrestle with.
When poker (or any game) shifts from being a hobby to being your main source of income, your relationship with it changes:
The fun factor drops if it’s only about money. When every session feels like “rent or food depends on this,” variance can feel punishing.
The grind sets in. Long hours, repetitive situations, and the pressure to always play your A-game can turn passion into routine.
Tilt isn’t just about bad beats anymore. It can come from financial stress, fatigue, or comparing yourself to others.
That said, it is possible to keep enjoying it long term, but it usually requires:
Balance : having other activities, friends, or hobbies so poker isn’t your entire identity.
Perspective remembering why you started, and treating it as a craft, not just a paycheck.
Growth mindset finding joy in studying, improving, and solving puzzles rather than only in results.
Financial safety net when your living expenses aren’t 100% tied to short-term swings, the stress reduces, and you can enjoy the game again.
Some pros say the key is to separate “playing for a living” and “playing for love of the game” sometimes they even set aside fun sessions where they don’t care about EV, just to enjoy the game like they did at the start.
When poker (or any game) shifts from being a hobby to being your main source of income, your relationship with it changes:
The fun factor drops if it’s only about money. When every session feels like “rent or food depends on this,” variance can feel punishing.
The grind sets in. Long hours, repetitive situations, and the pressure to always play your A-game can turn passion into routine.
Tilt isn’t just about bad beats anymore. It can come from financial stress, fatigue, or comparing yourself to others.
That said, it is possible to keep enjoying it long term, but it usually requires:
Balance : having other activities, friends, or hobbies so poker isn’t your entire identity.
Perspective remembering why you started, and treating it as a craft, not just a paycheck.
Growth mindset finding joy in studying, improving, and solving puzzles rather than only in results.
Financial safety net when your living expenses aren’t 100% tied to short-term swings, the stress reduces, and you can enjoy the game again.
Some pros say the key is to separate “playing for a living” and “playing for love of the game” sometimes they even set aside fun sessions where they don’t care about EV, just to enjoy the game like they did at the start.
R.Holynskyi
Visionary
Platinum Level
I think it will all depend on your results. If you are a player who is constantly learning, developing and improving your skills, then it is obvious that your earnings from the game will also tend to grow. And it is this growth in income that is likely to be the motivation that will allow you to continue on your path. Everyone wants to earn well, and the more money you earn, the greater your motivation should be, which is quite logical.