Thinking
It’s just about been a year since I first moved to LV. With my lease at Panorama coming up, I’ve decided to go month to month with intention of moving back to Ohio once I’ve got my moving plans figured out – which I should by the end of March. As much fun as it’s been living in Las Vegas, it just isn’t for me. There might be a time in my life when I decide to buy a place in Vegas, but I don’t think renting year round is necessary. This isn’t a quitting poker post. I’ll still come out for all the big events, but I really don’t need to be playing all of the marginal prelim’s filled with competent/solid locals. I’ve also noticed I play much better after traveling, treat it much more business like.
After playing poker the last few years I’ve realized how much free time I have. I really should put it to good use. Although I’m not sure what I’d study at this very moment, the thought of going to school no longer leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I mean, I never did goto college. Poker just kind of “happened” to me. I was just a kid on crutches, graduated HS, and started having six figure scores. Maybe it’s time I really challenge myself and become an intellectual. I just don’t have the same passion for poker as I once did. I never thought playing poker was reaching my full potential as a human. It’s been a great resource and has left with me a lot of great travels/experiences. However it will not consume my entire life.
Last time I posted I had mentioned handling my audit and how I thought the IRS owed me some money. Well guess what? They canceled my audit case. El oh el, leave me alone IRS, kthx!
My life ramble is over. Maybe I’ll start updating more often.
Shrug. Later,
- Adam
on March 1st, 2010 at 8:16 am
“Ijust don’t have the same passion for poker as I once did. I never thought playing poker was reaching my full potential as a human”
Probably the smartest thing you’ve said in a long time.
on March 7th, 2010 at 7:45 pm
Hi Adam,
We don’t know each other. I discovered your blog 16 months ago and I liked your story. Like you, I was born in South Korea and I was adopted. I am 27 year old and I live in France. I use to read you blog posts and I think this last one is particularly smart.
In my small way, I followed the same path.
Two years ago, I got a PhD in psychology. During my last year as a student, I discovered poker and I found it marvelous. I wanted to learn a lot and become a “semi-pro”. My interest in poker was growing as my interest in psychology was decreasing. So I played a lot, and I lost and I won money (that’s poker, isn’t it?
). But last year, after an intense session, I realized that poker was definitely not my game. I realized that I was not going to reach my full potential as a human by playing poker. Now I primarily do what I do best and I play poker from time to time just for fun.
You are a very smart and courageous person. I wish you all the best.
Vincent
on March 9th, 2010 at 11:52 am
this post made me smile a whole bunch
on March 9th, 2010 at 11:56 am
Adam Junglen and Vincent (in France),
I do not know either of you and will probably never will but I am Korean blood like you and play under “TenaflyHood” on Stars. I am 23 years old.
6 months ago, I started working at a law firm in New York specializing in product liability/tort/litigation, in which we have 2 highly respected Korean partners. I’m their how should I say %&*@#”. I don’t mind it though. He’s like 65 and I’m 23.
I’ve never had a feeling of home anywhere because I moved to Korea, New York, and Beijing alot. But Poker gives me a feeling of security and control. How about you? Online poker is where I feel I am unbound by any social, racial restrictions, where I can go to war any time of the day I want, and release adrenalin/develop something good in me using the brain and the mind.
I always think there’s more out there for me in life and that poker gives me the tools to get that but since sometime I’ve gotten mixed feelings of poker taking something away from me vs. adding some +EV into me. I don’t think I can quit yet though. I haven’t found something that I want to commit my soul to. I just wish poker doesn’t get in the way of me finding that. I wonder how you, Adam and Vincent, feel about this…
on March 14th, 2010 at 10:30 pm
Yoon,
It’s all an elaborate balancing act. Finding balance with poker and a “normal life” is difficult, especially if you’re playing full time.
on March 16th, 2010 at 9:34 am
Sounds great your living the dream why would you want to move away from Vegas?.I,m going next November and hope i make it there.If i make it i won,t be leaving that,s for sure.
on March 16th, 2010 at 9:44 am
Yoon,
I think that it all depends on your long term goals. When you feel that you can accomplish great things, poker appears like a small thing. For instance, in my case, I feel like that doing science is more important than playing poker. I also like sports and I feel like trying to get a black belt in martial arts is more important than playing poker. Poker is a smart game, but there are many things besides. Knowing that I am doing my best as human being gives me a feeling of security and control.
No moral lesson here. Just do what you want to do. This is the way we learn about life.
Vincent
on March 16th, 2010 at 6:08 pm
Hey Adam, haven’t posted in a while due to life reasons but I’m glad you are taking positive steps forward in your life.
Moving home to Ohio = Big world series for you. I feel it.
on March 16th, 2010 at 9:46 pm
I think so too Mike. Gonna play half the amount of events I played last year and bring my best game.