Hey everyone this is Kevin from Atomic Liquors! Good to finally meet up Andrew! I'm about a 9 on a scale of 1-10 work happiness. I also played poker nearly full time until my career as a geologist took off. I've worked in oil and gas and mining, but 10 years ago I was able to get in on the ground floor of the solar and wind development boom here in the desert. I started my little environmental services company, and haven't looked back. The only reason I'm not a 10 scale is because being a business owner (also, like being a poker professional) comes with it's 1 scale moments. Losing bids on work, having to fire employees, and not getting paid in a timely manner by clients are all big coolers. Congrats on your success, thanks for not making me look like a huge dork on vlog 48 (yes, I was a little toasted), and cheers everyone.
I'm at a 3. Truckin for 19 years and hate the fact that I never finished a degree which is why I went back to school and am taking a chance on an engineering degree despite my old ass (42).
Joaquin, I think it takes great courage to make a change like you are doing and I applaud you for taking that huge step. Believe in yourself and what you are doing...it's inspiring!
Man Joaquin your my hero . I spent 20 years wearing a brown uniform and driving a brown truck for my living. The money was good but it was soul crushing. I'm now thinking about finishing that degree I gave up on. It's brings me hope that your attempting the same thing. It's inspiring to see someone aspiring for something fulfilling.
I say go for it man! I don't wanna look back and regret not trying. I'd rather try and fail. I can deal with that. But I'm not giving up till they give me that degree or lock me out of class lol. Best wishes to you.
God, this is hard. Some days it's a 10/10, so let's go with that. I'm currently enlisted in the Marine Corps, I've been in about 5 1/2 years right now. I guess in this case it's not only a "proffesion". Being in the military, in any branch, is being part of an institution. It's more than just the "let's go do our job (which could be the stuff you see on TV or filling out paperwork in an administrative shop). There is certainly a sense of all the things you see on the posters about honor, courage, and commitment. I suppose that you could feel that in any profession, but those sort of things are the core values that are vibrated throughout the military. I say a 10 because I personally have been able to experience incredible opportunities and have met influential people I wouldn't have otherwise. Sure, it gets hard being away or doing the hard things you may have to do, but it comes with the territory. This is certainly a profession that will influence the way I go about my life for the rest of my life, which is maybe more than could be said for other proffesions. Congrats again on the 50k, your hard work and dedication to making a great final product is why you're the Rosa Parks of poker vlogs.
Hello Andrew, 6/10. My name is David and I reside in NYC. I'm 31 now, but was the unfortunate precipitant of a botched spinal surgery when I was 19. At the time I as in college with dreams of becoming a psychologist (with no interest in poker.) One could say I was born into a "favorable" situation in comparison to most in this world (middle-class caring family), and after this occurred, I was left essentially confined to laying in bed on a heating pad or sitting in a computer chair on one. While having another surgery was an option, it was known to me that it wasn't going to help "that much," nor did I have much trust for doctors after the first go. Seeing I was young and have a baby face, many pain management doctors wouldn't even look at my medical records and branded me a drug seeker and doctor shopper. Long story short, after dealing with the heating pad/bed situation for several months, I got sick of it and sought my own medication on the street. This led me down a bad path as one can imagine, however, after recovering from addiction and finally getting on proper pain management, poker was one of the hobbies that helped me turn my life around. While I couldn't afford to do much but play 1/2 recreationally, the elements of psychology, strategy and the general lifestyle of the grind really attracted me. Add in the fact that it gives people, especially those with disabilities, the freedom to do both something they enjoy, as well as make a living and it seemed life a dream job. However, I'm not rich, nor am I naive, and being a 31 year old high school drop out with an associates degree in liberal arts that has a spotty resume is not a good backup plan if poker weren't to work out, even if I were to get a decent bankroll going. While after my finishing my associates degree I've transferred to NYU to finish my bachelors degree, I find myself very unhappy with the academic grind and as I'm about to receive my BA this December, I'm undecided as to whether I want to continue to grad school to get my MA in counseling, or go for a smaller certification in addition counseling that will enable me to begin earning a steady paycheck so that I can attempt to pursue a career in poker. I've been playing for over 5 years recreationally, having some good runs but never a real bankroll to work with, or the time to build one. I used to be angry at the world for a long time before I found poker (and various other things in life,) but I eventually realized that this attitude gets you nowhere, and that I was just dealt a bad hand of card in life; and as many of us know, it is not always the cards you are dealt, but how you play them! I know that eventually one of these days I'll pursue this dream of mine and one day poker will give me the freedom, both in my life and my career, that I've sought all my life. I've just got to push through the pain, as Antonio would say, to get there. Thank you and many others within the poker community for providing great inspiring content like this for all us, despite our stories of fortune or misfortune! Best, Dave from New York
Thanks for sharing your story David, and cheers for your newfound positive outlook on life, which is much easier said than done for a lot of people. Hope you end up on the path that makes you most happy, whether it's poker or counseling or otherwise.
@@davidcapeeko7376 fellow psych/poker nerd here. Glad to hear you went back for your degree. It was surreal for me to read your story because of some of the similarities to my own; also 31 and finishing my b.a hons this year, hoping it gives me the freedom to pursue poker, as weird as that sounds to most people but I take it you get it. Doing it so late because I dropped out of HS at 16 to play poker full time. Dad was pro since the early 90s and taught me to play at 12. At 14 or 15ish I opened a stars account in mom's name and grinded 3$ rebuy satellites to the 220$, would sell them to dad for about 190 and was making a few hundred a week. By 16 I dropped out of HS to pursue full time. Was grinding stars, live cash (only limit Holden existed live really) underground and even cashed in the first ever Canadian WPT event at 17 or 18 (needed to be 19 but I used a friend's ID). Did that until my world came crashing down, family went through hell with addictions issues after kid brother was killed in a car accident. Lost my other brother and dad to the drugs a couple years later. I went into psych hoping I could save them, now I'm finishing so I can help other people so it's not in vain. The plan is to play poker full time and run affordable counseling on the side; medical health care is free here in Canada, but counselling isn't. My brother, my father and many others die every day on a waiting list for affordable mental health care. Hoping you got into a grad program since, best wishes.
Congrats on "5 Stacks of High Society!!!!!!!" I'm an Independent Contractor, and Install Flatscreen TVs and Assemble/Install IKEA Kitchens. Have been doing this for 10 yrs. and absolutely love it after working "For the Man" in Food Manufacturing for 18 yrs. 12-16 hour days 5-6 days a week! I would have to say it's a 10 just having my own schedule and meeting different people 😎 Again, been watching from the beginning, Congrats n Cheers!!!😎
6 - Poker dealerI love dealing tournaments at Commerce, top notch staff and players tend to be pretty calm considering it's L.A. But....... I have also dealt live cash at different SoCal Casinos and I have to say I hate it. Players are terrible and have no respect for other human beings. Dealing pretty much saved me though, I was a down and out disabled veteran fresh out of Afghanistan, 21 years old no clue what to do in the world and poker saved me. Quit my dish washing job in Palm Springs 3 years ago and took out a small loan to become a dealer. Gotta say, future looks favorable.
I own a small restaurant, Riverside Subs and Pizza. I'd say I'm at about a 6 right now. I enjoy my business and the people who work for me and of course my customers. However, I've owned the business now for a little over 12 years and for the last couple years I feel like I've plateaued and things have become a bit stale. I will say that I have much flexibility on a day to day basis and my business is at a point where it runs itself, thanks to having a great staff. On the other hand, while my sales continue to increase year over year, I feel like I could...and should be doing more. I currently have an opportunity to move my location to a larger venue (to the property next door) which would allow me to potentially grow my business and expand into alcohol sales as well as buy into a convenience store business. It's a very complex deal however and frankly fear has held me back. I don't doubt my abilities but the deal would require becoming partners and with the current offer, giving up a percentage of my business for a percentage of the other guys business. I realize that to be rewarded in business one must assume some risk, however the risk to reward ratio of the current offer isn't very favorable. Again, very complex deal and there's much more in the details which I see no reason to get into, but thanks Andrew for not only your poker knowledge but also for your outlook on life. Like you said, starting is the biggest hurdle. Cheers.
Business partners suck. There is no such thing as a complete contract, so no matter how tightly you have your lawyer draw up a business agreement, there is always room for interpretation.
Pretty interesting situation Elisha. I won't attempt to give advice about the deal having no knowledge about either side's business. Have you considered opening a second location on your own elsewhere, such as a bigger town? I don't know when I'll be in Williamsport but you have 4.8 stars on Google and 5 stars on Yelp, so as long as the place is running itself with great staff, it seems like you could focus your efforts on taking the model and menu to a new spot.
Andrew, Huge fan of yours I'd say I am about a Solid 7. I am a Businessman, Started by quitting a job when I was 20 and never looked back. I had my reasons and a been lucky to be supported by a great employee base and people in general around me. Thank you for a wonderful perspective!
10- I'm a professional tattoo artist and I own my own studio.. I've been seriously thinking about daily vloging my life as an artist and giving everyone the inside look at a full time artist and all the crazy shit I see and do day in and out..
4/10. I'm a Sr. Business Analyst. I'm tired of doing this type of work, grinding numbers, feeling unfulfilled. The reason I stay is I make good money and I don't know what else to do. I have a family to take care of and at my age it's too risky to make a career change. I'm good at what I do but I lack the motivation I used to have when I started. I stayed with the same company for almost 25 years and worked in several departments. But because of my strength in analysis I keep being used in that type role. Until the kids are grown up and through college I can't risk losing the income. So I play poker on the weekends for fun and the challenge. If I could figure out what excites me, where I can do it without a huge impact to my earnings, I would change. But I have a bigger responsibility to my wife and kids. So for now I do what I do best. And I cheer on people like you chasing their dreams in hopes you reach them. Love the vlogs!
Congrats on 50k! That's like a stadium worth of people. 3 out of 10 on the career. Business manager / web developer for small company. Used to actually play cards full time back in the early 2000's before a couple major life changes (married, house, kids), back when limit games were all you could play. I make good money, but would love to be still playing cards full time. However, I take pride in being able to pay off the house super early, save for daughters college and have a great family life so I needed less variance that the full time playing can sometimes bring.
Andrew - almost 70 now - retired. And up until my 60's I would have to say my life sucked. Was a CPA but not loving it - now I essentially am a carpenter in Pioche NV (I live in Vegas in the winter) working on my own property and am at peace in your 8 to 10 range. I certainly relate to your question: "What should I do with my life?". Funny but at old age it becomes even more of a question. Anyhow thanks for your therapy rambling - and come up for a free outdoor adventure in Pioche. Also climb Lone Mountain there in Vegas and do a photo shoot of town.
I love how andrew throws in some philosophy and gives us something to think about. He gets us to reflect on our own lives and he seems to genuinely care. One more thing that makes his vlog the best out there
10 - I'm a college accounting instructor. Love my job - and look forward to every day. I've had jobs I've hated before, but this has been really fun. I get to work with nice people who are at an exciting time in their lives. I'm a lucky guy! (Keep up the great work and congrats on 50k.)
3-4. I work at an executive search firm for a global consulting practice. My wife is a medical student in WI and I have to commute to Chicago regularly as well as travel quite extensively domestically and internationally. It causes us to not see each other as much as preferred but I cherish every moment I have with my wife. The individuals I meet through work are great however and inspire me to be better. One day soon perhaps I'll be able to make a change, just currently focused on providing for the two of us. Hoping to move into HR or some sort of leadership role where I can be a mentor to others. Occasionally I have the opportunity to play cards and your vlogs help me stay in touch with something I truly enjoy that was the focus of my life prior to getting sick. Cheers on 50k!
7 as a poker dealer in the location I'm at is the reason the number is okay but not wonderful...the management and the owners are not interested in the best part of business which is cleanliness and professionalism...I really love dealing poker every day getting reads on players while pushing massive pots and watching bad players make mistakes and making a mental note of it, to use after I get off of work when I typically head 45 mins north to the casino to play usually right after...I'm looking forward to continually growing my bankroll and moving to Vegas and starting at 1,3 and working my way up thru 2,5 and 5,10 & have the freedom of not having to punch a clock or wake up or think about the day before work what I have to do to get ready for the next day which ruins your freedom of a day off Imo... Thanks for the amazing vlogs congrats on 50k & growing and the sky is the limit bro keep being the best version of you you can be every day! YayAndrew
Congratulations on reaching 50,000 members- thats incredible. Personally, I am thrilled that I am one of them. Your vlog is extremely enjoyable, without a doubt one of the best out right now. I've never been to Vegas, but its on my list. Thanks for showing us around town, I look forward to hitting some of those spots while I am there. As for your question- I'd say I am generally about a 6 or 7 on the scale of satisfied professionally. I manage a healthcare network- provider relations and network ops- and its great. But I do yearn for more. I'm kind of stuck in this place where I don't know whether or not I want to go get my MBA and further my current career path, or open my own business. Such a tough decision. In the mean time, I'm grinding 1/2, 1/3, and 2/5 NL as a side income, and I love poker as well. But I don't think I would ever really consider playing for a living. I know people that do and they mostly seem stressed and miserable. Anyway - thanks again, Andrew. Cheers!
A hard 2 . worked so hard to be at the top of my radiology/catscan/healthcare classes to get a decent job because i was exposed to alot of health-related stuff when younger and actually liked helping people in those situations, and in the end didnt mean anything to be number one in the class, went on a few interviews and got shutdown due to lack of experience. now work a dead end xray job at a urgent care. put in hard work to try and grind out poker last year and was doing good for awhile and went on a losing streak and had to start working full time again, given im playin low stakes cash and nothing bigger than 570 tourney buy in. trying to get motivated again. dont no how tho. your vids help tho, thanks
Man. I've watched your videos for a while and am rewatching them now. The weird part is either I skipped this video or don't remember, but that very conversation you had with Busi....I have been bringing up to my wife lately. I had a kid when I was in high school and being there to support her and raise her made my life go down a different path. Got a job instead of going to college. Now older, married with 3 kids, I work at a job that makes good money...but sometimes I don't feel challenge intellectually or creatively. I'm trying to find something just like you did. I'm really glad I circled back these videos and seen this one. Absolutely love the videos man. Entertaining and educational.
Wow, you've pretty much gained about 1000 subscribers per video. Impressive dude. I knew when i seen your first couple vids that this channel was gona blow up. Keep it going man, i enjoy every vid.
....Oh i'm at 9 by the way. I also grind cash games (like you) and tourneys in So Cal. I have learned a balance between poker and life. Took me awhile but it's much better now. Cheers!
the littlest things make all the difference with your channel, like when you arrive, set up your camera and then film your arrival. it is a very subtle touch but those little things you do, make it so much more watchable. well done mate, you're doing an incredible job of captivating us all.
When I was 6 years old, I lost my father to a bicycle accident in Afghanistan. His body was left on the street for an extended period of time due to the inadequate healthcare system. I am currently in medical school pursuing Emergency Medicine. Like you said in your vlog, it's hard work but it gives me purpose. So I would say a confident 10 on how happy I am with the career choice given a very un-Favorable situation.
Good luck man, I wish you well on your journey. It's a tough job, but very important. I'm very sorry to hear about your father, but glad that you helped turn that situation into a positive for yourself.
Andrew, The best thing about your videos is giving the viewer the illusion of being a poker player enjoying time in a casino. Viewers like me (living far from casino opportunities) rarely get to experience that. I watch your material for the vicarious thrill. It also helps that I learn a little by listening to a pro player discuss what's going through his head during some hands, but what differentiates your videos from poker books is the small parts of your videos that remind me of what it feels like to sit in a casino and play. These parts include the phone aimed at the table and showing hands being folded over and over, the occasional action you are not involved in, and of course the hands you find interesting and relate to the viewers. Please remember these roots as you continue to evolve your videos and keep entertaining those of us who enjoy that vicarious thrill. Been watching for a few months. My daughter convinced me I needed to subscribe (first time clicking that button). Glad to see you succeeding! South Carolina
Well deserved Andrew and looking forward to 100k subscribers! I'm a Structural Engineer and extremely happy for what I'm doing. My co-workers are awesome and my work is challenging. A big FAT 10!
Hey Roger - I'm studying Engineering. Lots of people I've talked to who work in industry (especially civil/structural) say that their work is quite repetitive and uninspiring. I'd be really interested to know what kind of structures you are working on and what you find so interesting about it.
Hello Lucas. I have a degree in Civil Engineering and I'm a licensed Structural Engineer. I mainly do Structural Engineering, mainly Type 1 high rise structures. I agree that it can be repetitive but just watching structures being built by your structural designs amazes me. Since I was a kid I always liked to create things such as putting sticks together and creating "stuff". You can say I'm living my childhood dream. Also, we do structures and designs in many different countries and they all have different codes and regulations therefore the we must follow these regulations.
8, I'm a traveling Physical Therapy Assistant and I get to travel around helping people get better, and I get to watch your videos while I'm at it. This is a beautiful thing, Andrew.
I don't think there is any problem about talking hands after a night of sleep. We don't lose anything and you got a sleeping schedule a little, tiny bit better. You're the only youtube channel that I felt compelled to subscribe. Keep the good work!
Yeah I'll consider switching it up here and there. If I want to push content out more often it would have to be an all-in-one-day kind of thing pretty regularly, but not sure what's ideal yet.
As one of your oldest fans this could take awhile but I'll keep it short. I can't say I have ever been unhappy in my professional life even when I started companies that failed. I always learned something from the failure. Earning undergraduate and graduate degrees in Chemistry I along with two others started a company that did Environmental Chemistry back in the late seventies. That lasted five years before we had a falling out and sold the company. I would grade that a seven. Then I opened a branch in New Mexico for a Denver based company in 1981 and worked independently until 2000. 9/10 for that one. In 1997 I had serious health problem that caused me to start thinking about my mortality and what I wanted to do that would be really fulfilling. I had made a lot of money so in 2000 I left my company and taught H.S. chemistry since I was in a position to afford to do so. Loved the kids and learned a lot from them. In fact they were the ones who taught me about on-line poker. So when I retired from teaching in 2007 one of my gifts was tuition to the first WSOP Academy taught by Helmuth, Raymer, Hachem, and Outhred. I got hooked. So blame it on the kids!!!! For that 10/10. My wife and I will celebrate our 40th anniversary at the Aussie Millions in January 2018.
4 - 15 years into a career in programming. It pays the bills and helps me support my family. But the longer I work the more unfulfilled I feel. Would love to take a risk and be an entrepreneur and do something I really am passionate about. Congrats on the 50k subs enjoy your videos and would love to hear your views on more things than just poker!
Joe White That's a really important job. Recently learned the importance of it in my field as well. Any good books or links to reach VBA, SQL, R programming or even prophet?
Andrew, love your vlogs. I've watched probably all of them, but just stumbled upon this one for the first time. It's nice to hear your viewpoint and realize the leap you courageously took. A long time ago, I was a professional poker. I did well, but let it go to my head and made many mistakes. I went back to college and got a degree in computer science, which I could never see myself doing for the rest of my life. I got a good job, and knowing it wasn't making me happy early into it, I took a leap of my own. I left the job and started a business. It was very hard at first, and I barely made ends meet. But the hard work payed off and things have continued to get better and better. I still work probably double the hours I would a week at a 9-5 job, but I absolutely love it. I'd rate it about an 8.5, because things can always get better. :) Thanks again for you sharing this and keep the vlogs coming. :)
3 - I've worked for a department of the federal government in Cleveland for 7 years. I recently sold my house and am leaving my job in 2 months. I am going to roadtrip it out west to see the things I've always wanted to see and start over somewhere outside of Ohio. Seeing vlogs like this have been partially responsible for me taking this big jump. I may even vlog this cross country road trip there and wherever I end up. We only get one at bat at this life thing...might as well take a chance and make it worth it. Thanks for all the videos Andrew!
Post a link here when you make a video. Congrats on taking the leap. Sounds like something that you can always go back to if need be, even if it isn't the exact same spot.
Awesome to see Andrew Bene actually get out there and do what he said in he was going to do. Been following both you guys for a little while now. Great vlogs!
I was around when you had triple digit subs... you have gotten so good at this vlogging thing it's not even funny man! Congrats on 50k, may you have a 50k crazy upswing night soon
my life was great b4 i started playing poker it lead me away from my path in life i dnt blame poker i blame myself for lacking self control on myself i m now a father who starting my life again im awaiting a court sentence so im pretty stuck in all ways hoping all of you guys are happy with ure lifes and btw love ure blog and everything you say and you being urself shows ure not fake keep it up come to montreal and ill be ure tour guide
Hey Andrew first off great vlog! I've been watching since the beginning. I love to see the journey in real time, as well as your mindset and approach to dealing with the swings of poker and of life. As far as my financial pursuits I would rate my current occupation at a 5. I am 34, with two kids living in NYC and work in the hospitality industry. I've worked in some of the best restaurants that this city or the world has to offer. The reason I rated it a 5 is because I feel that, while some aspects of it are enjoyable, and the pay is decent, for the most part it seems very rote and mindless, with no equity, and capped as far as growth potential. I really enjoyed playing poker, and got in to it in 2007 when I was 25 living, in Vienna, Austria with my ex-wife and my 1st child. I was a marginal winner live and small loser online. It was a lot of fun and something I wanted to leverage into a full time endeavor, but was persuaded in other directions because of family pressure.
5. Many people would happily trade places with me professionally, and I know that but I feel I was meant for more. My kids are my life and providing for them is what keeps me at my job. I have taken a few risks the last 17 years but not nearly what I would have taken if I were single or had no kids. I have taken a few bad beats in the job market, some caused by me and some caused by the economy. At the end of the day, I have food, a home and can provide for my children but in today's society, you must have structure. I would love to pack up, take the kids and travel the world. I would love to educate them both in their school studies and with life experiences. How awesome would it be to show your children other cultures so they learn to appreciate them instead of being taught to hate because of skin color or religious differences? I teach them the best I can from my small corner of the world but I would love to experience the different cultures and landscapes the world has to offer with them by my side.
It sounds like those kids have a pretty awesome dad who is teaching them to be open minded and to treat others with respect. They're gonna grow up to be awesome people.
Cheers on 50k subscribers, Andrew! It's great to see you enjoy making these vlogs as much as I (we) enjoy watching them! Right now I'm at a solid 8 out of 10 professionally. I work at a beautiful waterfront hotel in sunny San Diego (not far from Modern Times brewery actually!). Three things I really like about my job: 1) The people I work with and get to meet 2) Each day is different and interesting 3) Time passes quickly and I rarely find myself staring at the clock. It's not perfect, at times it's a bit stressful but overall I'm really fortunate to be where I'm at. Hope you're feeling similarly these days. Let me know if you're ever down in SD again, would love to meet up for a drink! If you need a good deal on a hotel I can help with that too :)
Well I now have a new item on my Bucket List! I sure can't wait to hit the historical downtown bar cycling movable mobile group cycle tour thing. 18:41
Hello Andrew, primarily, thank you for the vlogs! I don't know how I stumbled across your channel, but I'm glad I did because I enjoy your time tremendously. I am laughing a little bit to myself about your proposition at the end of this vlog. I am 41 years old and am about to go down a path that I always wanted to walk down but until recently I haven't been able to take the risk. A little background about me, I was an average high school student who was cooking when I got done with high school but 6 months after that I had to move back home. I love my parents, but didn't want to be a kid at home, so in 1994 I joined the Air Force. I spent 4 years in the AF and 1 year overseas in Korea. I loved all my time in the service. Before I got out I knew I wanted to go to college. I saw a lot of people, college graduates, at that time that seemed to be doing jobs completely opposite of their degrees or people that I thought wasted 4 years because they didn't put their degrees to good use (my opinion). I started college with the notion of being a history and political science double major. That lasted not even a semester. I started taking math classes to fulfill the general requirements and found a professor who believed in me, 2 Prof Randy Pittman and Prof Gayle Childers (Professors at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College in Richmond, VA). These 2 people saw that I had talent where I didn't think it existed and they encouraged me to keep taking math classes. I did. I kept enrolling in math classes, "till I hit a wall," as I always said. Closing in on my 2 years of CC, Prof Pittman encouraged me to enroll and complete my degree at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. VCU is a great school, but like the math classes I wanted a challenge, I wanted to go to The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA. Most people think William & Mary is a private school, but it's not, they just have an outstanding reputation! Knowing I wanted to attend here, I went and visited the college and the mathematics department. When I went to Jones Hall, I met with the Department Chair at the time, a great Professor named Lawrence Leemis. Prof Leemis invited me in, unscheduled, and listened to me chat away about my last 1.5 years and how I wanted to come to William & Mary. He even threw a couple of problems on the board and I think was a little surprised I answered them. Before I left his office that day, Prof Leemis said, in the most respectful and with no arrogance at all, that perhaps William & Mary wasn't the best choice for me to complete my degree. He spoke about how The College attracted the top 5% of high school graduates from the US and overseas and that, if I was accepted, he wasn't sure I was up to that standard. This was a very cordial discussion and Prof Leemis meant no disrespect as none was taken, he just didn't want to see someone try to flourish where it might be difficult to do so. Well, suffice to say, this was all I needed to hear. The gauntlet was thrown down, a challenge was issued that I could take, and take it I did! I was accepted to the class of 2003 in the spring of 2001, enrolled that summer and graduated with a BS in Mathematics from The College of William & Mary in 2003. It was hard, I remember a class with Prof Zobin that I had to drop when I found out that I was the only one of the 5 in the class not auditing or taking the class, still auditing, for the second time. The fact that I got a 20% on the first test, that I thought I aced, didn't help either but there were other classes that I succeeded in, very well. Prof Shi encouraged me to go to graduate school, but I didn't plan on that, and being 3-4 years older than most of my classmates made me feel that I had to go out and get a good job after graduation. I didn't have any idea what I was going to do with my mathematics degree. Luckily, I got a job as a Statistical Analyst with the PA Department of Health, in Harrisburg, PA. I was very thankful to have this job, but on my first day, when I looked at my cube and sat down, my body and head screamed to get out of here, this wasn't natural and isn't what people are meant to do with their lives. Fortunately, I met some great people at the DOH, 2 of which became friends that are now part of my family. I will always be thankful for that gift. I spent 5.5 years at the DOH and then took a higher paying job with a private health care company doing the same type of duties. I spent 7.5 years with that company. In the fall of 2011, woman named Sue Kenny with Herringswell Stables answered an email I had sent out telling people who I am and how I always wanted to work with thoroughbred horses. I sent this type of email to many stables and trainers at different times in my life and Sue is the only one who ever answered me back. After we spoke on the phone she invited me down to their stable and worked it out so that I could be a hotwalker for a week to see if this is something I'd really like to do. My first day there, after the morning workouts were finished, I drove around the grounds and began to tear up and cry. As I looked around I felt something that I hadn't felt since I left The College of William & Mary in 2003. Pride. In 2011 my daughter, Grace, was 4 and my son, Edward was 3. From before they were born I knew that the work I did, in those cubes, was something I never felt pride in doing. It wasn't something that I felt I ever wanted to share with them and certainly wasn't something I wanted to encourage them to do with their own lives. I finished my week at Herringswell and Sue called me to tell me that they'd be happy to offer me a job as a hotwalker. I didn't know if I should take the job. It paid $8 an hour and at the time I was making $80,000 a year. But this wasn't what scared me. I didn't want to be apart from my family. I didn't want to lose the time I knew I would with my son, my daughter, and my wife. I told them thank you, but I couldn't say yes. Sue understood. I went back to my laptop and never questioned my decision, I wanted to be with my family. I left my health care job in May 2016. I had had enough. I worked my but off but couldn't get the success I wanted and all the organization kept asking was more, more.... more of my knowledge and my time. After some time to think and some great time with my family, I talked more to my wife about what I wanted to do next. I told her I feel like I'm beginning the 2nd act of my life and that it's time to take the risk, it's time to try what I know I've wanted to do since I'm 19 years old. The horses were calling. I did some research and found a gentleman who runs a class teaching the basics on how to groom and work with horses to beginners. I'm going to the class and I've been back in touch with Sue, for her counsel and to hope that they might have a job for me this time around. I'm crossing my fingers. If you asked me what changed in my life in the last 6 years, how can I take the chance on a profession I know little of, that I might fail in or be told isn't for me, that means leaving the last 14 years of my professional life where it is, in the past, I can honestly answer you. As I've watched my son grow over the last 6 years, I've learned one insurmountable fact. I've learned that no matter how much I try, no matter how many times I tell him or say it, no matter how many stories he reads where it's the theme, no matter how many trinkets we have, I've learned that I can't tell him to follow his dreams. I've learned that I have to show him. That's my story. If I had to measure how happy I was with my profession in those 14 years, I'd say on a scale of 1 to 10, I was a legitimate -5 (negative 5). You have talent in what you're doing Andrew, you have something that few people do. When it comes to the camera, you certainly have "it." I only wish I were a rich man and you were a company I could buy stock in because if you're contemplating a deeper move in to what you're currently doing, your success, in my opinion, is assuredly guaranteed.
9/10, I'm a travel agent from New Zealand so get to help people plan their dream holidays and to see the world 😊 I love the competitive nature of the job, helping grow and develop my team, writing my own pay cheque and the travel I get to experience as well (including a visit to Vegas in August later this year!) Huge congratulations on the milestone. I subscribed when you had just 10k subs so hazard a guess that I may be your first subscriber from NZ?! It's amazing to see how quickly it has grown. Thanks for the shirt too, super comfortable material and awesome quality and love the style. Few people have asked what "favorable" means and I've said it's poker slang and pointed them in your direction Thanks for all the awesome content Andrew and hard work you put in. Maybe catch you around the tables in August!
5/10 Currently in a bit of a dead end job that pays moderate/poorly but allows me alot of freedom to take time off to do other things like travel, play poker and pursue other projects.
Andrew, great work. Thank you for your videos, I love your honesty. You've inspired me to give Vlogging a go! It's hard work! I'm from New Zealand, qualified as a lawyer, worked in an office for 5 years. It was destroying my soul, and I let it do so for far too long because it was all I knew and I was afraid. Eventually I mustered the courage to quit. I came to America a year ago on a one way flight (I'm a dual citizen) knowing no one and have been playing poker here professionally since (I learnt to play in college but gave it up once I started working). I am deeply passionate about the game of poker, and am finding success (financially) in it professionally, however a similar problem that I encountered in my office life is popping up - it lacks a greater purpose. I wholeheartedly agree with you that it is so much more complicated than just "finding your passion" and doing that. 1/10 in my office life (toward the end), and 7/10 in poker (however I foresee that this number will decline if I don't keep pushing myself). IMO we've got to keep striving for 10/10. We can never settle. Keep up the good work.
3, I'm pretty much a stay at home dad now. I was in the casino business for 25 years, working in the pit. I had a kidney failure and almost died in 2013. I want to go back to work but each time I try I get very close to being back in the hospital again. Your vlog helps me so much when I'm down. I try to come to Vegas once a year to play poker. I can play here but it's so much more action in Vegas. The one good thing is spending time with my son!! Never take life for granted. Thanks Andrew!!
This video was well edited and a pleasure to watch. Great atmosphere when changing from the casino to the staircase. Keep up the great work Andrew, the hand discussion isn't the only reason you're the best poker youtuber!
Hey Andrew, great videos. I have an idea though, how about setting up a friendly poker game with the other vlog poker players Cody, Brad, you, etc... that would be a hell of game. and you all will have your own videos to vlog of that game...
I mentioned Andrew to the poker room manager at the Bellagio today. He is going to invite you to the first live session at the Bellagio in late April. I also told him that he needs to let you use video in the poker room. He seemed receptive. I asked him to watch your vlog as it is beyond professional. Hope to meet you and cya at the Bellagio
RN in an ICU in an inner city hospital. 7-10. I like helping people who are critically ill and/or fighting for their life. It feels good when they are able to recover and make it out of the hospital, but there are lots of times that doesn't happen and see very sad cases. It's also great experience dealing with rare and difficult situations. I enjoy the crew I work with. In a lot of ways this can make or break the job when working in a demanding ICU. If you dont have people you can trust and will gladly help when needed, the job is miserable and more importantly the patients suffer the most. The pay is very good but unfortunately it's hard on the body, the hours suck, and it's a very long way from home so I spend a lot of time away from the family. Attempting to get into school to do something similar yet more challenging. Your VLOG is exceptional and very entertaining for me. Im the type who can grind out a very long session, usually too long, 12-20hrs, and I usually pay for it. I literally cannot make myself get up even when Im screaming in my head to GET UP, LEAVE NOW!!!!! Will be in Vegas soon so looking forward to seeing some FAVORABLE flops. Don't get your hopes up though I know my place, which is 1-3, no 5-10 from me. Ive wanted to try and take the plunge into 2-5 but havent been able to pull the trigger and the wife doesnt like the sound of that either lol. She tolerates 1-3 since I dont get to play very much. So for a bad recreational player like me whats the best place and time to play in VEGAS to avoid the bulk of the professionals so I at least have a chance to win a little? Thx again for the VLOG!!!!
9.5/10 I'm a Podiatrist and I like to play poker on weekends sometimes but I am very happy doing what I'm doing right now because it's always been my dream to be a surgeon. I start my residency this year and will probably use part of my salary to build a bank roll. I currently just play 1/2 games but I've been smashing it and getting in the black almost every session which is usually like 12 hours at a time. Anyways love your vlog man! I actually met people in Atlantic City while playing poker and they were also fans of your vlog and we became friends talking about your videos.
Technically you're a podiatrist when you graduate podiatry school. A resident is still a doctor but just doing his training. So there are DPMs, MDs, DOs and other doctorates that do residency after medical school so you are a doctor at that point. A resident is also often called a resident physician or resident podiatrist and so on. Hope that clears things up!
Hahah everybody at the poker room said the same thing, luckily I never went into the OR after a session! But I really love the grind so far. I started playing in December and discovered your vlogs a couple months back and have been improving my game a lot based on your bet sizing techniques and how you evaluate equity in your hands. Great job editing and recording all of your videos I absolutely love the drone shots. Can't wait to run into you one day at the tables!
Excellent insights and questions into to many of the challenges we all face when it comes to how to organize and prioritize one's life. We all have different skills and abilities some of which are easy to fulfill while others are not. As usual, I am late to the conversation because i only discovered you a few weeks ago. Assessing your life so far with limited information isn't limiting me from in understanding you are one very talented man who can accomplish any number of professions of your choosing. For now, as long as you like what you are doing I vote for staying the course and to keep building your bankroll for the possibility of another business opportunity. in general.... Only you can figure this out for yourself... we already know you have what it takes. Thank you for the life lessons in Hold Em with your brilliant analysis. One thing is clear about you when it comes to poker... you understand risk versus reward and can spot the hedge betters pretty good sometimes that don't have the fortitude to jam like you do! Congratulations on living a life you truly enjoy!
8/10 running my own car air conditioning business is great meeting new people everyday and working mostly in the sunshine, only small downside is it's very quiet in the winter month but that when I get to enjoy my poker :) so not to bad.
Hey Andrew! Congrats on 50k! I would bet that it doesn't slow down a bit. This is what happens when you have a great product! Atomic was my favorite beer bar in Vegas until I went to the new Teneya Creek over by the spaghetti bowl. The only issue with Teneya is you can't/shouldn't walk there from Freemont. I would say I am an 8/10. I'm a bartender/manager/server at a mom and pop beer bar in Indianapolis. I basically get paid to talk about beer, food and occasionally poker. Money is good considering the stress level. My only complaint is working nights/weekends. Typical shift being from 4-11. It's tough having a family and friends who have "normal" hours. I think at some point everybody has that thought or worry about not accomplishing what they should have or not doing something profound with their life. I believe you have found your profound calling. The grass will always be greener where you water it!
Currently a pianist/teacher. Normally would be 7 or 8 on the happiness scale, but there's at least 1 student per day who brings my whole life down to 2-4ish range. Poker adds to the happiness. My ideal goal is to drop my worst students and replace with poker, but not quite there yet.
Andrew Neeme well, it's more than just one, but I have about 1 a day like that. Sometimes they just don't like it, actually dropped one today for that reason. But more often they don't like to do anything that requires even a little bit of effort and doesn't have instant gratification. Seems to be a trend with kids since iPads and NintendoDS etc is part of everyone's upbringing and they can't live without stuff like that.
Dude, as a fan of both the NLH grind and daily RUclips vloggers..... you're doing an awesome job. The "leave the camera somewhere" sequences are getting really refined and super chill looking. Your 5/10cash game is obv lightyears beyond mine so kudos on that. Keep it up man, I watch every video faithfully. Great job.
On a scale of 1-10.... 8.8. I'm a massage therapist. While I haven't created the EXACT circumstances I want for myself career-wise, i'm doing what I love to do and improving my quality of life as well as others. Atop all of that, i'm a unicorn in the industry. I don't fit a stereotype and won't allow myself to be marginalized by way of others perceptions. Congrats on 50K brodie, sky's the limit for you Neeme!!
Also ☝ Neeme, you seem to have an amazing supporting cast as well as some1 who can help expound on your vision, by way of your spouse. In your field that's gotta be a tough find. Salute on that 1. I'm in my 2nd year of marriage & am humbly learning the importance of having support @ home with the vision/big pic, lol. As I get closer to that, that 10 will be a little more easily accessible.
You see all those MASSIVE youtuber's getting their 5 million and their 20 million subs and they talk about how much they want to thank their fans yea yea yea. None of that compares to how good it is to see you reaching that 50k subs mark Andrew. Love it. Well done you put your heart into this vlog and it is honestly inspirational, keep it up man you are going places
I'd say 7... 7 kinda sucks cause I don't have a real good/rational reason to find the courage to get things moving more than they are, but at the same time I couldn't say I'm fulfilled in any way, and I have the "chance" to have no other responsibilities other than a rent... I'm not a spoiled kid in any way, I work hard to reach my goals, and I think I lived through enough shit to know I don't want to live it again. But still, it's hard to give a true meaning to anything right now. I'm sure a lot of people in their mid twenties are in the same spot. What do?
I would say a lot of people in the mid twenties, well into their thirties and people beyond that even, are in the same spot. I think it depends on whether you know what it is that you like and wish you were doing, or if you don't know. If it's the former, you have to analyze what it is that's holding you back from going after it, and then reason out why those aren't very good reasons. If it's the latter, you have to try different things until you find something that does it for you. And really, what's the risk? Like you said, you don't have any responsibilities other than to your rent and to yourself.
Andrew Neeme Another thing that might bias actions is debt. I'm not talking about extreme debt, no life threatening situation, but still a serious amount. That can feel like a big drag and I think it affects the way you see opportunities... What are your thoughts on that?
I think it should affect how you go about your daily grind. Certainly you can't just be unpractical and give up a job when you need to be making payments toward a debt. So all you can do, is do the 9-5 during regular hours, and then explore the other thing(s) that you're more into from 6pm-1am. And I don't mean going to the bar and/or watching the game, etc.
Hi Andrew! I never miss a video. Thanks for presenting your talent in video creativity, poker, and best of all you. Great to see a vlogger that is professional and down to earth, while providing superb entertainment. I would rate my career a 9. I have been fortunate to love my career in Physical Therapy being a PTA for 25 years. I resigned and have been running my own business on Amazon and Ebay selling therapy products. I think everyone should come to a point and use their personal talent toward a career, or at leat give it a shot. Running a business can be tough but rewarding, and I have grown mentally stronger, and thrive for each day. Thanks a bunch. One thing I can appreciate and admire is not only the great videos, but the way you bring the community together in sharing their thoughts. Thanks again from Rob in Peoria AZ!
I did 30 years in the military, retired on July 22nd, 2016 (being the military was a 8 or 9 for me I loved it) and it was great for the first six months, because I did all the things my wife has always wanted me to do for years lol. Like paint the house, new kitchen cabinets and plant trees in our backyard. I could on, but you get the picture here. So after six mouths it was all done with all of the house stuff and my wife gets in my face and tells me very bluntly "you need to find something to do before I kill you, you are driving me nuts" ROFL, So I went to back college for a Masters (Computer Science) and a PHD (mathematics) at UCLA (with it all being paid for by the government why would I not go back) and its not a 8, 9 or 10 for me I will tell you that lol, but its something I have always said I would do. I even promise my father before he pasted that someday I would go back to school and finished what I stated so many years ago. I would have to say that my days are very hard now for me with so much on my plate with going back to school. I don't know what number from 1 to 10 to give it? I guess I need to understand for myself is it a means to an end or it something else? I'm going to put myself out there so I guess it an 6 or 7? The very sad part of this whole thing is now I have very little time to work on my poker game. I do get in one tournament (its a $150.00 buy-in with one add at Hollywood park) and one cash game (5 -10 game with a $20 rock at the Hollywood park) week still, but that's all I do. I just wanted to add here, each day in between classes I have time to watch your video, its so nice to put life in perspective as I watch. Please for your 50th video do some drums for us to celebrate. Be safe, be well and may your life continue flop favorable my friend.
Very impressive Brian. I was a computer science major when I entered Michigan State, but I couldn't get my head around the calculus and switched to Telecommunications. I think if I was in a different place in life and understood what needed to be done to figure it out, ie find the right tutor I might've been able to do it. And then who knows where I'd be sitting right now. Definitely not a regret, just interesting to think back on and knowing what I know now... How many semesters before you'll have all of these degrees wrapped up? And do you have any ideas for things you'd like to do afterward with your newfound diplomas or just taking it one step at a time?
I don't know about the "very impressive" part, but thanks my friend. I do like what I'm doing at UCLA it's just very hard at almost 50 years old going back to the "Grind" of everyday of classes and the endless hours of reading + homework. I wish I would done this early in my life so I could play poker now. Sometime I feel my life is on hold until school is done and I didn't see my retirement as being that? Please please play some drums fro us on your 50th video!!!!!!!!
Andrew I have about TWO more YEARS! After with my newfound diplomas I might be able to work from home for the government? I would be able to make my own schedule so I could work more on poker?
9 is my number. From my best estimate (based on the video when you talked about going to Vegas for the first time in college) I believe we are about the same age. The reason my number is a 9: VP of Sales is my title....the main reason I like what I do so much is the freedom, I work from home ,travel domestically and internationally mostly on my own schedule...I can't really complain. I also have freedom to focus on other things I enjoy in my downtime like family, poker and art. Sure at times it can be stressful, but what isn't? The industry I have worked in has been good to me for the most part, and I have been fortunate to work with people who are now some of my best friends. At times I get impatient or wonder if I should do something else but I try to remain thankful no matter what. I can appreciate and I notice the amount of work that goes into your vlogs. You have definitely have found a groove and a way to connect with people. 👍
Congrats on the 50k subs!! Amazing accomplishment. I've been on board since pretty early on and have witnessed the many twists and turns along the way. I miss the table side recording but you've managed to recap hands very well in the newer iteration of the vlog. What happened to the "Review Mirror" hand recaps in the VDub? Thought that was going to be a regular segment. My life is at an 8.5 "professionally" if being a part time stay at home Dad, part time 2/3-2/5 grinder, part time landlord can be considered professional. I have a beautiful family of 5, a wonderful wife, 3 amazing sons, a nice house with a pool and spa living in beautiful SoCal. I'm truly blessed in life, having overcome serious health issues and changes beyond my control. My faith is strong and my belief in God has never wavered. I give him thanks daily. I'd like to get back to bigger games someday, thus increasing my HR. For now I'm trying to improve, plug leaks and maximize my time on and off the felt. Oh and get ready for the WSOP this summer.
Andrew, finding purpose in your day to day life is important and like you said before, that can be a very personal thing and differ widely from person to person. I totally relate to your need to create something and desire to feel like your doing more than just living the grind. My answer to your question is 8 out of 10. I work at the Dam and before this I've had several other related positions around the country. All of which were "good" jobs but at some point in my career I decided that I needed something other than just having a "good" job and trying to scratch my way up the corporate ladder. My professional focus in life shifted from excelling at my career to putting myself in a position where I can excel at life. Don't get me wrong, I still take a lot of pride in my work ethic and quality, but when I make career decisions now, the first question I ask myself is "Will this improve my life quality" as compared to only focusing on my resume and pay stub. This change in my thought process has had a significant impact on my life. It has brought me to Vegas where I am happily pursuing other life passions as well. I've never been more content or felt more fulfilled. My job is great and I am very happy here, but more so because it allows me to focus on my life in a way that brings added value. I surely do not get the joy from my job as I do some other things in life, but at the same time it allows me to keep those other things in the spotlight.
I'm retired now, but my last job was as a self-employed computer consultant. After 30 years of putting up with crap from managers et al I found myself doing what I loved and being my own boss. Office down the hall and the best clients anyone could want. A definite 10. And your question of, "What should I do?" rang true for me. I had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up. It seemed all the other kids did, but not me. In 1981 I convinced my wife to buy an IBM PC-1 for a bit over $3k - 1982 mind you. Cost almost as much as our car. So at age 33 I finally figured out what I wanted to do when I grew up. To answer another part of your query. Why is it a 10? Helping people with computer problems is a blast. So many don't have a clue about what to do and I enjoy not only fixing problems I also enjoy teaching them what it is I'm doing so they can, hopefully, do it for themselves at some point. The challenge is a big part of it. Having to learn new things to keep up with changes. Programming, networking, writing manuals when needed, and a ton of other things that went along with the job. I even ended up helping a client with auctions. That was fun!
I'm at about a 4 right now. I'm wrapping up my Sophomore year as an undergrad studying Computer Science and Economics. I've always been academically inclined, but school has become a grind. Working sometimes between 30-40 hours for a single problem set sucks the life out of you when you have 3 other classes to deal with. I also wouldn't consider coding my passion -- rather a career path I feel as though I could be successful in. I like the study of Economics, but like most people, I'm less than enthused about selling my soul to an investment bank somewhere. At school, I feel like I'm aimlessly grinding out a degree, which is a tough feeling knowing that our days are numbered. On the flip side, in the summers I do landscaping. I love it. Most days I'm at about an 8 or a 9. I work for just a single property, and I love to see it transform into something really stunning, and knowing that I was a huge part of its transformation. There is enough variety and a good feeling of accomplishment with each task, and a great amount of bonding with the crew. Working outside is also a great feeling. Ideally I could go to grad school and become a professor and do landscaping in the summers. If I got the right gig, I would be open to doing it full time (some positions where I live pay 6 figures, just very competitive). I just can't imagine going through another 6 years or so of schooling. Especially if I have a degree in compute science, and knowing I could easily be making more money elsewhere. Anyway, love the vlogs and keep up the good work Neeme :).
Pretty interesting spot Nick. All I would suggest is to give what you really enjoy doing, and are also good at, a real consideration. The intersection of those things is where people find the most success.
Good advice. It's very cool that you found your fulfillment in creating these vlogs. I think this is something a lot of professional poker players struggle with, and it's a good lesson I have learned from your videos. No matter where you are in life, career wise, you can find a way to make it fulfilling and challenging. I think that is partly why you have such dedicated fans and get high view counts on all your videos in proportion to your subscribers. The quality is very high, and you're passionate about what you do. Speaking for myself, I have to watch them all, no matter how much I have to do, and I can't say that for any other channel. Keep it up, and may the flops be favorable.
8.5/10 I've been an Account Executive for a mortgage lender for 24 years now. I'm a very competitive person & I strive to do the best job possible. I like to help other people be successful & enjoy indirectly helping borrowers save money through refinancing their mortgage or giving them an outlet to purchase their homes. The best part of the job is when your customers tells you that you are the best rep in the industry. There are only a couple reasons why the job isn't a 10/10. Sometimes the job can be stressful due to deadlines & trying to meet your customers demands. The other reason is having to listen to people vent and complain. I try to help them as much as I can & provide solutions for them, but there are days that being yelled at numerous times gets old. Keep up the good work on your vlogs and I hope you continue to run well. Thx. John
Back to Atomic! Great to see, hopefully long-haired Jeff was in the house and took care of you. Awesome dude, one of the best bartenders in the city. I ended up in my job as a result of a lot of life happenings. I went to school for film and TV writing but decided I'd rather work in front of the camera than behind. But when I made the jump and moved to LA to pursue a career in acting, I absolutely hated everything about it and pulled the plug. That left me very much in a similar basket that you described in the video of "What do I want to do?" That led me to where I am now, doing data analysis for Amazon for the Alexa family of products. I love that my job directly impacts the success of a line of products that have become so meaningful to a large number of people and have had great impact on their lives. Unfortunately, the work can get mundane and I don't agree with everything the company and my specific team does and how they operate. That told, it'd come out to a 7 on your scale. I like what I do, but I don't love it. It's been great experience and an extraordinary place to learn about myself and what I want to do. Hopefully I'll be able to parlay my time here into something more in line with my skill set and what I love to do. Great question you posed, looking forward to more vlogs and hopefully running into you in a room (or Atomic!) when I'm out there for the WSOP!
Without a doubt it's a 10. I am in an optician (I make glasses, design lenses, etc). Helping someone pick the perfect frame and then giving them the best vision possible is so rewarding. Best feeling ever is putting a pair of glasses on a child that has never had correct vision. The instant look of amazement that crosses their face, the ear to ear smile that quickly follows...to be a part of that process....unexplainable! On rare occasions kids have very strong refractive issues. I have watched a 3 year old boy see his parents faces for the first time. It was always blurred and undefined for him. Couldn't hold back tears that day when the whole family was crying and smiling...if anyone is ever looking for a career change, let me say being an optician is.......favorable! Lol
Been watching since day 1. Congratulations on hitting 50,000 subs. To answer your question of what I do and how happy I am: As of January of this year I got a job as a poker dealer at a local casino here in Iowa. It's essentially my dream job behind actually playing poker for a living. I was never really bankrolled for live poker (still only 21 years old) and it didn't seam financially responsible for me to take a shot at any point so I found the next best thing and I absolutely love it. Happiness on a scale of 0-10 would be 8.5/10.. It's nice to book a profit 100% of the time I go to the casino. My question to you is "how do you feel about dealers playing in the casino that they deal at". May the rest of your VLOGs be favorable.
Andrew! I stumbled on your V-log while searching for some poker wisdom. I crushed all 48 episodes in a couple of days. Fun stuff. It's a really semi-addicting sort of scripted reality, which is impressive given it's all you, what you come up with, and what you want to put out here. Your hard work is paying off for all of us! Looking forward to episode 49, 50 and beyond... If you do what you love for a living, you will never have to work a day in your life. My number... 9.
8/10 I am a PA working in emergency medicine. I love what I do and dig the people I work with. It is a grind some days, but I try to keep perspective which I am able to do most of the time. I had another professional healthcare job before I went back to school to be a PA. That job made me good money and while I was respected I did not feel challenged. That feeling left me bored and lead to me not performing at the level I should. I believe different people find happiness in different ways. For me it was a mix of free time and challenging work life. PS. I Love your blog. It kills me that I live in a state that doesn't have casino's. Keep up the good work!
I remember subing you when you had less then 5,000! i always knew you would rise above every other poker vloger and in such a short time 50K next stop 100k Thank you Andrew!
Hey Andrew, I've been catching up on your Vlog since my buddy Andrew recommended it. Love everything you're doing. Your last question spoke to me a little cause I just left a 6 year stint as a Recruiter hiring for healthcare technology companies. I'd say my happiness was around a 4 out of 10 with my work. Loved the people, loved my team, the money was good, but as I'm approaching the dirty-thirty birthday this year I just started craving a career that felt more aligned with my passions. A quote I keep thinking about it is from Howard Thurman - “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” Anyways, long story short I'm taking some time off to work on my passions such as woodworking, beer brewing, and currently working with the Fiancee to plan our 2018 wedding. Hopefully during this time inspiration will strike me and I can work towards the next stage of my paid career. Getting away from an office and working with my hands has been amazing. You can check out some of my adventures and woodworking here: instagram.com/thebrewsmith/ If you ever find yourself in Seattle, please reach out and let me and Seattle Andrew buy you a local craft beer. Maybe even drop in for a card game. Cheers,
Andrew, first of all cheers to 50,000 subscribers...awesome accomplishment and a true testament to how great your videos are (all the way around)! I would rate my work happiness at an 8. I'm an insurance agent and have been in the industry for approx. 9 years. Main reasons for the 8 rating would be no one day is ever the same, I get to meet and work with new people all the time, I have my own book of business so the ability to make my own schedule is very convenient and most of all (and cheesy sounding) is actually knowing I can make an impact by protecting people whether it be by insuring their auto, home, life, etc. Now I gotta reciprocate the same question back, what would your rating be and why? Thanks for continuing to do great work, sharing your poker journey and knowledge and giving us those 20+ minutes of pure enjoyment each vlog!
Well, at the moment I'm half a world away in lovely Mosul, Iraq. I'm a Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne and my "job like scale" ranges from 1-10! I enjoy the thoughtful consideration of your hand history. I plan on hitting up Vegas when we get home. We get a pretty good game going around here occasionally and I've put some of your ideas to good use; very favorable. Thanks for the excellent blog. Hope to see you at the tables. SSG DP
Hey man - huge fan of the blog. Super happy to see this is working out for you; you definitely deserve the subscribers and views for the content you put out. To answer your question, I just got out of school a few years ago and I'm still working on "resume building", so I'm currently at about a 6/10 with my career fulfillment. First level IT help desk work is really pretty dull, but I work with a really good team and my supervisor is great, so overall it could be a lot worse. My goal is to work in IT Training or possibly Project Management, but the market is rough. If I could land an ideal position I could see it being a 9/10 or 10/10, but only the future will tell. As for poker, I really enjoy playing and I think I have a bit of an infatuation with the Vegas scene (never been there myself but I definitely will go some day), but both my skill and bankroll are nowhere near close enough to consider taking a shot at making a living from it. I think it's a romanticized ideal for many people, but only truly achievable if you can put in the hours and dedication needed to become a winning player, and on top of it have a dedicated bankroll to prevent getting burned immediately upon entry with a downswing. If I could get to a point in my life where I had enough money saved up to afford living for a year, plus had a tidy bankroll, I would consider giving full time poker a shot. However, I feel that it's a very long ways away, and if it's something I never get to take a stab at in my life, I think I'd still be content playing what I play now. I love the game, and that's fulfillment enough.
(DJ-FRESNO) I've been a realtor for like 27 years and mortgage lender. I am at about ...honestly like a 5. I feel after living through "the crash", taking my lumps. I feel burnt out really. I love doing ministry stuff on a volunteer and part time basis more than my full time job. I always wanted to do ministry stuff full time. I think the daily grind of what I do really facilitates the need to vicariously live through a class act like you Andrew. Its fun, you are genuinely real and transparent. That is refreshing seriously...anyway blessings on you bro. Take care and stay cool this summer in the desert!
9. Spent two years working in a decent job after undergrad but decided to quit and go back to do my masters in a different city to get into a completely different industry. Been grinding to get thru the program and landed an internship at a highly reputable firm in another part of the country. I think the key is not being married to what your career is at any given point in time. Have short term (3-5 year) goals, complete them and do not be afraid to switch to something else after if that's what you think you should do. Now that I've quit a job and moved once and got over that initial hurdle, I know I can do it again and I'm sure I will! Congrats on the 50K Andrew I'll be there at 100 and beyond!
As to your question about enjoyment of job. I'm a retired high school teacher and I would say my rating would be an 8. I loved the majority of the kids (let's be honest, about 20% of them over the years were turds). However, not being an outdoors person, I was always indoors with air conditioning in the summer and heat in the winter. Watching those that tarred roofs and streets in the summer or fixed downed power lines in storms--those are people with JOBS. I had a career. I loved it when teens "get it" when you're giving a lesson. I know that in a small way, I changed or influenced lives. I enjoy your vlogs and thank you for all your effort.
It fluctuates but never less than a 5. My average is between a 7-8. I’m a corporate bean counter in the SF Bay Area. One week a month my work week is around 80+. The rest is anywhere from 45-30 depending. I make enough to live in a nice house in a nice town. Have an awesome wife (not a cakewalk, ups and downs but we we both put in the effort into the relationship, so even bad times are fulfilling). Have 3 kids that I provide for and get to spend time with. Don’t drive a flashy/nice car but it’s not a piece of crap either. Do I love what I do? Not particularly. But it allows me to have all the above. And be a good provider for my family. What would I change? Everything and nothing. Thank you for asking the question. It made me me stop and assess it. Very easy to get caught up in all the little things that suck and not stop and realize, “holy shit, my blessings are vast.” One thing I do miss, is playing poker. Really don’t have time for it, nor do I have the resources to start a roll. Had I fewer responsibilities, it would be no problem at all. But it’s those responsibilities that make life so scary, frustrating, overwhelming and yet so satisfying in meeting the challenge of it all. WTF?! When did I become Tony Robbins. Anyways, keep up the good work, love the vlogs.
I agree starting is hard -- I'm starting over after a LONG (19 yrs) corporate/IT/cubicle job that, at the end, I would have rated a negative 8. I hated it with a burning passion. But stopping can be harder than starting sometimes. Think about breaking up with someone -- it so easy to fall into a relationship but who wants to be the asshole to end it? So having the security and high pay of a corporate job, even when you hate it, can be hard to leave. Luckily I got laid off! Great severance, but now what? I became certified in sailing 35-40 boats, just for the hell of it (live in the SF bay area, why not use the bay). So a cool new hobby. I have multiple business ideas but they just don't seem feasible. Or maybe I'm just not an entrepreneur. So I'm thinking about working in a craft brewery (something I'm sure you would find favorable). But it's REALLY hard to break into that world -- I've homebrewed but that's it. I'm at the point where I'm going to work for free just to get the experience to get a very entry level brewfloor job, making much less that before but BEING SURROUNDED BY BEER! I going to find out if there are certifications or classes I can take, but in my experience, if you work for free and kick ass, you will eventually get hired. I just didn't expect to be doing this as a second career. PS mini-grinding in South Lake Tahoe right now. Only one property with 2/3 NL, which sucks. But I hit 9999 which won me a little bonus, and a big hand. FAVORABLE!
Thanks again for the vlogs Andrew. For some reason, even though I'm not a poker player it relates to what I do part time to make extra money. My passion is sports so I play at the sports book. At first I was terrible at it and now I make a decent second income doing it. Watching your vids really helps people risking money get in the right frame of mind on how to grind away. Thanks again and congrats on your 50k subscribers. I feel lucky to be one of them!
I work for a steel mill in Detroit and would put my work happiness at about a 6. Work should not define me or my happiness, but when a person spends so much of their time in a single endeavor, sometimes it is hard to resist. When someone asks "what do you do", we talk about work, hoping what we "do" with our life is more dynamic. I believe the quote, "there is no way to happiness, happiness is the way." Life truly is what you make it. I really enjoy what I do for a living. Having worked on the floor for years, and now overseeing production, I feel like I am growing and have room to keep growing. My rating of a 6 is based on me having a creative bent, a wide range of interests, and a feeling that I have so much more to offer. Your vlog is truly inspiring Andrew. I am studying poker so there is that, but the actual vlog process is fascinating. Many thanks for your content. It takes a humble person to explain what they do, what they think, and why. This is clearly an oasis for many, and here you are reaching out, responding, and trying to help, caring, and having a great store of "give a shit." This is still the ground floor for you, just 51k subscribers but...the world benefits. Thank you.
Thanks for that George. I really appreciate it. And it's good to hear that you really enjoy what you do for a living. Do you have any time for a creative project of sorts after work gets out for the day?
My two sons, 2.5 yr old and 5 yr old, are my creative projects! They keep me quite busy. Parenting is hard work, but extremely rewarding. I do get the occasional chance to do something solo, but it is not consistent, so usually takes the form of home improvement, gym, poker, or reading. Maybe a time management study, discipline, and focus on a project can propel me into something gratifying. Thanks friend, this has been a therapeutic comment section :)
Andrew, first of all congratulations on the 50k. I enjoy your poker perspective and look forward to each vlog. In terms of someone being happy with their profession, I agree 110% on what you commented in the vlog, something to the effect of "if you rate your happiness as a 2 or less, why are you still doing what you do if it makes you unhappy?" Life is too short for "what ifs". Take the risk as you will never know. If you fail, so what. We educate ourselves not on the things that we do right but moreover on the things that we do wrong. With that being said, I would equate my happiness with a 10. I am self employed and self taught at my craft. What is it you may ask? Well, coming from an artistic background my wife and I own and operate Atomic Designs and Apparel. Fitting name for this vlog query, wouldn't you say? To sum it up, we manufacture custom sports apparel for racing teams, fishing teams or any other organization that needs to look a certain part. I even toyed with the idea of developing a line specifically for the semi-pro and pro poker players out there. Who knows, one day. When we first started this journey, I would have answered this question as a 3 and was asking myself daily why would I give up something I know so well for something I know little about? Well, it was a tough journey and I can say that I still learn something new here and there and that is what hones the edge of the spear tip. It takes a special couple to work side by side, day in and day out. We both are goal-oriented and actually share the same goals. I can honestly say my wife is the glue that holds Atomic together and without her, it would not be the same company that it is today. We love what we do, from designing and printing fabric to cutting and sewing the pieces together. It is something that we share a passion for and hopefully for years to come. We actually enjoy coming to work and the day flies by and then it's time to go home. It's like this every day and hopefully my drive and initiative for this business will be here for years to come. Sorry for the rant. Keep up the great work!
Change is one of the single most destructive and painful things humans can endeavor. Before I submitted myself to change I was a 3, after phase one 10, then lost it all 8, now I am within sight of the site that will take me to my next phase. It is fucking scary every day, the memories of having it all and losing it all, how fast side one played out and foolish I was thinking the EP would last forever, spinning round and round pleasing sounds pumping, bouncing off the walls, and now the hope and love in rebuilding it all. I am firmly rooted in the love of loving as I live each hour of each day with the knowledge that care will see me through to the next day the next phase and be creating something that will last past my last day. All because I acted in change.
Great advice from Craig Esq. It is so important to have a purpose and as we get older we have more time to reflect on that. I started a homecare agency with the highest standards in a huge market. I got to meet the families, find their needs, and send a great caregiver out to help the loved one. I did this after 20 years of caring for my grandparents, mother in law with Alzheimer's, and friends parents and grandparents. The company grew 400% year after year. I sold it because it was just too huge for me to do alone, its in good hands though. That was a feel good business, wasn't work. Rate it a strong 10. I loved it. Maybe I'll do that again but on a smaller scale? Love your poker analysis and vlog. Keep your focus on poker because that is why we watch you. No one else does it like you, Andrew!! Fabulous!!
great videos Neeme - I dont have a habit of commenting any videos I watch but could not stop commenting yours. I enjoy your videos because how honest your contents are in each of them . I am a poker poker playing 2/5 mostly in Maryland area . Your inputs are adding more perceptive to the game - thank you for that . keep the great work going :)
7, but up from a 2! Took a chance in mid-twenties to quit job, go back to school and hit the reset button. It was the best decision I've ever made. Went from retail management to being a strategy analyst for one of the top auto insurers in the USA. So glad I made the decision. I didn't say 10, because it can always be better. Continue to push, be ok with taking calculated risks, and go for it! As for your videos, Andrew... Thank you! I have taken poker very seriously over the past decade. More so over the past 4 to 5 years, and even more over the past 1 year. Your videos just feed the drive and make the game much more enjoyable to play and gives some new perspective from someone that does it full time. Take care Andrew, and best of luck on all current and future endeavors. I'm rooting for you!
Hey everyone this is Kevin from Atomic Liquors! Good to finally meet up Andrew!
I'm about a 9 on a scale of 1-10 work happiness. I also played poker nearly full time until my career as a geologist took off. I've worked in oil and gas and mining, but 10 years ago I was able to get in on the ground floor of the solar and wind development boom here in the desert. I started my little environmental services company, and haven't looked back. The only reason I'm not a 10 scale is because being a business owner (also, like being a poker professional) comes with it's 1 scale moments. Losing bids on work, having to fire employees, and not getting paid in a timely manner by clients are all big coolers.
Congrats on your success, thanks for not making me look like a huge dork on vlog 48 (yes, I was a little toasted), and cheers everyone.
I'm at a 3. Truckin for 19 years and hate the fact that I never finished a degree which is why I went back to school and am taking a chance on an engineering degree despite my old ass (42).
42 isn't too old to learn and do something new. I admire your guts and willingness to invest in yourself. Best wishes for success!
The Colonel started KFC when he was like 63 years old I think.
Joaquin, I think it takes great courage to make a change like you are doing and I applaud you for taking that huge step. Believe in yourself and what you are doing...it's inspiring!
Man Joaquin your my hero . I spent 20 years wearing a brown uniform and driving a brown truck for my living. The money was good but it was soul crushing. I'm now thinking about finishing that degree I gave up on. It's brings me hope that your attempting the same thing. It's inspiring to see someone aspiring for something fulfilling.
I say go for it man! I don't wanna look back and regret not trying. I'd rather try and fail. I can deal with that. But I'm not giving up till they give me that degree or lock me out of class lol. Best wishes to you.
God, this is hard. Some days it's a 10/10, so let's go with that.
I'm currently enlisted in the Marine Corps, I've been in about 5 1/2 years right now. I guess in this case it's not only a "proffesion". Being in the military, in any branch, is being part of an institution. It's more than just the "let's go do our job (which could be the stuff you see on TV or filling out paperwork in an administrative shop). There is certainly a sense of all the things you see on the posters about honor, courage, and commitment. I suppose that you could feel that in any profession, but those sort of things are the core values that are vibrated throughout the military. I say a 10 because I personally have been able to experience incredible opportunities and have met influential people I wouldn't have otherwise. Sure, it gets hard being away or doing the hard things you may have to do, but it comes with the territory. This is certainly a profession that will influence the way I go about my life for the rest of my life, which is maybe more than could be said for other proffesions.
Congrats again on the 50k, your hard work and dedication to making a great final product is why you're the Rosa Parks of poker vlogs.
I was part of this video! Subscriber 50,000. My first and only subscription. Best videos on RUclips.
Cheers Peter!!
Hello Andrew,
6/10. My name is David and I reside in NYC. I'm 31 now, but was the unfortunate precipitant of a botched spinal surgery when I was 19. At the time I as in college with dreams of becoming a psychologist (with no interest in poker.) One could say I was born into a "favorable" situation in comparison to most in this world (middle-class caring family), and after this occurred, I was left essentially confined to laying in bed on a heating pad or sitting in a computer chair on one. While having another surgery was an option, it was known to me that it wasn't going to help "that much," nor did I have much trust for doctors after the first go. Seeing I was young and have a baby face, many pain management doctors wouldn't even look at my medical records and branded me a drug seeker and doctor shopper. Long story short, after dealing with the heating pad/bed situation for several months, I got sick of it and sought my own medication on the street. This led me down a bad path as one can imagine, however, after recovering from addiction and finally getting on proper pain management, poker was one of the hobbies that helped me turn my life around. While I couldn't afford to do much but play 1/2 recreationally, the elements of psychology, strategy and the general lifestyle of the grind really attracted me. Add in the fact that it gives people, especially those with disabilities, the freedom to do both something they enjoy, as well as make a living and it seemed life a dream job. However, I'm not rich, nor am I naive, and being a 31 year old high school drop out with an associates degree in liberal arts that has a spotty resume is not a good backup plan if poker weren't to work out, even if I were to get a decent bankroll going. While after my finishing my associates degree I've transferred to NYU to finish my bachelors degree, I find myself very unhappy with the academic grind and as I'm about to receive my BA this December, I'm undecided as to whether I want to continue to grad school to get my MA in counseling, or go for a smaller certification in addition counseling that will enable me to begin earning a steady paycheck so that I can attempt to pursue a career in poker. I've been playing for over 5 years recreationally, having some good runs but never a real bankroll to work with, or the time to build one. I used to be angry at the world for a long time before I found poker (and various other things in life,) but I eventually realized that this attitude gets you nowhere, and that I was just dealt a bad hand of card in life; and as many of us know, it is not always the cards you are dealt, but how you play them! I know that eventually one of these days I'll pursue this dream of mine and one day poker will give me the freedom, both in my life and my career, that I've sought all my life. I've just got to push through the pain, as Antonio would say, to get there. Thank you and many others within the poker community for providing great inspiring content like this for all us, despite our stories of fortune or misfortune!
Best,
Dave from New York
Thanks for sharing your story David, and cheers for your newfound positive outlook on life, which is much easier said than done for a lot of people. Hope you end up on the path that makes you most happy, whether it's poker or counseling or otherwise.
Andrew Neeme no prob bud, thanks foe the good wishes, keep up the good work and may the flop be with you at the tables!
@@davidcapeeko7376 fellow psych/poker nerd here. Glad to hear you went back for your degree. It was surreal for me to read your story because of some of the similarities to my own; also 31 and finishing my b.a hons this year, hoping it gives me the freedom to pursue poker, as weird as that sounds to most people but I take it you get it. Doing it so late because I dropped out of HS at 16 to play poker full time. Dad was pro since the early 90s and taught me to play at 12. At 14 or 15ish I opened a stars account in mom's name and grinded 3$ rebuy satellites to the 220$, would sell them to dad for about 190 and was making a few hundred a week. By 16 I dropped out of HS to pursue full time. Was grinding stars, live cash (only limit Holden existed live really) underground and even cashed in the first ever Canadian WPT event at 17 or 18 (needed to be 19 but I used a friend's ID). Did that until my world came crashing down, family went through hell with addictions issues after kid brother was killed in a car accident. Lost my other brother and dad to the drugs a couple years later.
I went into psych hoping I could save them, now I'm finishing so I can help other people so it's not in vain. The plan is to play poker full time and run affordable counseling on the side; medical health care is free here in Canada, but counselling isn't. My brother, my father and many others die every day on a waiting list for affordable mental health care.
Hoping you got into a grad program since, best wishes.
Congrats on "5 Stacks of High Society!!!!!!!" I'm an Independent Contractor, and Install Flatscreen TVs and Assemble/Install IKEA Kitchens. Have been doing this for 10 yrs. and absolutely love it after working "For the Man" in Food Manufacturing for 18 yrs. 12-16 hour days 5-6 days a week! I would have to say it's a 10 just having my own schedule and meeting different people 😎 Again, been watching from the beginning, Congrats n Cheers!!!😎
Reason for so many followers? Three H's: Human, humble, honest. And very entertaining.
or his ability to read through others misrepresentation because he views the world through honest eyes
Hentertaining you mean, right?
6 - Poker dealerI love dealing tournaments at Commerce, top notch staff and players tend to be pretty calm considering it's L.A. But....... I have also dealt live cash at different SoCal Casinos and I have to say I hate it. Players are terrible and have no respect for other human beings. Dealing pretty much saved me though, I was a down and out disabled veteran fresh out of Afghanistan, 21 years old no clue what to do in the world and poker saved me. Quit my dish washing job in Palm Springs 3 years ago and took out a small loan to become a dealer. Gotta say, future looks favorable.
I own a small restaurant, Riverside Subs and Pizza. I'd say I'm at about a 6 right now. I enjoy my business and the people who work for me and of course my customers. However, I've owned the business now for a little over 12 years and for the last couple years I feel like I've plateaued and things have become a bit stale. I will say that I have much flexibility on a day to day basis and my business is at a point where it runs itself, thanks to having a great staff. On the other hand, while my sales continue to increase year over year, I feel like I could...and should be doing more. I currently have an opportunity to move my location to a larger venue (to the property next door) which would allow me to potentially grow my business and expand into alcohol sales as well as buy into a convenience store business. It's a very complex deal however and frankly fear has held me back. I don't doubt my abilities but the deal would require becoming partners and with the current offer, giving up a percentage of my business for a percentage of the other guys business. I realize that to be rewarded in business one must assume some risk, however the risk to reward ratio of the current offer isn't very favorable. Again, very complex deal and there's much more in the details which I see no reason to get into, but thanks Andrew for not only your poker knowledge but also for your outlook on life. Like you said, starting is the biggest hurdle. Cheers.
Business partners suck. There is no such thing as a complete contract, so no matter how tightly you have your lawyer draw up a business agreement, there is always room for interpretation.
Pretty interesting situation Elisha. I won't attempt to give advice about the deal having no knowledge about either side's business. Have you considered opening a second location on your own elsewhere, such as a bigger town? I don't know when I'll be in Williamsport but you have 4.8 stars on Google and 5 stars on Yelp, so as long as the place is running itself with great staff, it seems like you could focus your efforts on taking the model and menu to a new spot.
I agree with Andrew.
I would definitely wait for a more...favorable situation :-)
Hello I live in the riverside area and would love to visit your shop sometime!
Andrew, Huge fan of yours
I'd say I am about a Solid 7. I am a Businessman, Started by quitting a job when I was 20 and never looked back. I had my reasons and a been lucky to be supported by a great employee base and people in general around me. Thank you for a wonderful perspective!
10- I'm a professional tattoo artist and I own my own studio.. I've been seriously thinking about daily vloging my life as an artist and giving everyone the inside look at a full time artist and all the crazy shit I see and do day in and out..
Do it!
I'd watch
That would be sick bro. If you don't use a appointment management system check us out: www.gettimely.com
Do it, I'll subscribe and watch.
You should for sure do it. Post the link to your first video here.
4/10. I'm a Sr. Business Analyst. I'm tired of doing this type of work, grinding numbers, feeling unfulfilled. The reason I stay is I make good money and I don't know what else to do. I have a family to take care of and at my age it's too risky to make a career change. I'm good at what I do but I lack the motivation I used to have when I started. I stayed with the same company for almost 25 years and worked in several departments. But because of my strength in analysis I keep being used in that type role. Until the kids are grown up and through college I can't risk losing the income. So I play poker on the weekends for fun and the challenge. If I could figure out what excites me, where I can do it without a huge impact to my earnings, I would change. But I have a bigger responsibility to my wife and kids. So for now I do what I do best. And I cheer on people like you chasing their dreams in hopes you reach them. Love the vlogs!
Congrats on 50k! That's like a stadium worth of people.
3 out of 10 on the career. Business manager / web developer for small company. Used to actually play cards full time back in the early 2000's before a couple major life changes (married, house, kids), back when limit games were all you could play. I make good money, but would love to be still playing cards full time. However, I take pride in being able to pay off the house super early, save for daughters college and have a great family life so I needed less variance that the full time playing can sometimes bring.
I'm glad you found an outlet. glad to be here for the journey. thanks for the quality videos.
Andrew - almost 70 now - retired. And up until my 60's I would have to say my life sucked. Was a CPA but not loving it - now I essentially am a carpenter in Pioche NV (I live in Vegas in the winter) working on my own property and am at peace in your 8 to 10 range. I certainly relate to your question: "What should I do with my life?". Funny but at old age it becomes even more of a question. Anyhow thanks for your therapy rambling - and come up for a free outdoor adventure in Pioche. Also climb Lone Mountain there in Vegas and do a photo shoot of town.
I love how andrew throws in some philosophy and gives us something to think about. He gets us to reflect on our own lives and he seems to genuinely care. One more thing that
makes his vlog the best out there
10 - I'm a college accounting instructor. Love my job - and look forward to every day. I've had jobs I've hated before, but this has been really fun. I get to work with nice people who are at an exciting time in their lives. I'm a lucky guy! (Keep up the great work and congrats on 50k.)
3-4. I work at an executive search firm for a global consulting practice. My wife is a medical student in WI and I have to commute to Chicago regularly as well as travel quite extensively domestically and internationally. It causes us to not see each other as much as preferred but I cherish every moment I have with my wife. The individuals I meet through work are great however and inspire me to be better. One day soon perhaps I'll be able to make a change, just currently focused on providing for the two of us. Hoping to move into HR or some sort of leadership role where I can be a mentor to others. Occasionally I have the opportunity to play cards and your vlogs help me stay in touch with something I truly enjoy that was the focus of my life prior to getting sick. Cheers on 50k!
7 as a poker dealer in the location I'm at is the reason the number is okay but not wonderful...the management and the owners are not interested in the best part of business which is cleanliness and professionalism...I really love dealing poker every day getting reads on players while pushing massive pots and watching bad players make mistakes and making a mental note of it, to use after I get off of work when I typically head 45 mins north to the casino to play usually right after...I'm looking forward to continually growing my bankroll and moving to Vegas and starting at 1,3 and working my way up thru 2,5 and 5,10 & have the freedom of not having to punch a clock or wake up or think about the day before work what I have to do to get ready for the next day which ruins your freedom of a day off Imo... Thanks for the amazing vlogs congrats on 50k & growing and the sky is the limit bro keep being the best version of you you can be every day! YayAndrew
Congratulations on reaching 50,000 members- thats incredible. Personally, I am thrilled that I am one of them. Your vlog is extremely enjoyable, without a doubt one of the best out right now. I've never been to Vegas, but its on my list. Thanks for showing us around town, I look forward to hitting some of those spots while I am there.
As for your question- I'd say I am generally about a 6 or 7 on the scale of satisfied professionally. I manage a healthcare network- provider relations and network ops- and its great. But I do yearn for more. I'm kind of stuck in this place where I don't know whether or not I want to go get my MBA and further my current career path, or open my own business. Such a tough decision. In the mean time, I'm grinding 1/2, 1/3, and 2/5 NL as a side income, and I love poker as well. But I don't think I would ever really consider playing for a living. I know people that do and they mostly seem stressed and miserable.
Anyway - thanks again, Andrew. Cheers!
A hard 2 . worked so hard to be at the top of my radiology/catscan/healthcare classes to get a decent job because i was exposed to alot of health-related stuff when younger and actually liked helping people in those situations, and in the end didnt mean anything to be number one in the class, went on a few interviews and got shutdown due to lack of experience. now work a dead end xray job at a urgent care. put in hard work to try and grind out poker last year and was doing good for awhile and went on a losing streak and had to start working full time again, given im playin low stakes cash and nothing bigger than 570 tourney buy in. trying to get motivated again. dont no how tho. your vids help tho, thanks
Man. I've watched your videos for a while and am rewatching them now. The weird part is either I skipped this video or don't remember, but that very conversation you had with Busi....I have been bringing up to my wife lately.
I had a kid when I was in high school and being there to support her and raise her made my life go down a different path. Got a job instead of going to college. Now older, married with 3 kids, I work at a job that makes good money...but sometimes I don't feel challenge intellectually or creatively. I'm trying to find something just like you did. I'm really glad I circled back these videos and seen this one. Absolutely love the videos man. Entertaining and educational.
Happy to hear it David. Any updates in the past two years on your end?
Wow, you've pretty much gained about 1000 subscribers per video. Impressive dude. I knew when i seen your first couple vids that this channel was gona blow up. Keep it going man, i enjoy every vid.
....Oh i'm at 9 by the way. I also grind cash games (like you) and tourneys in So Cal. I have learned a balance between poker and life. Took me awhile but it's much better now. Cheers!
the littlest things make all the difference with your channel, like when you arrive, set up your camera and then film your arrival. it is a very subtle touch but those little things you do, make it so much more watchable. well done mate, you're doing an incredible job of captivating us all.
When I was 6 years old, I lost my father to a bicycle accident in Afghanistan. His body was left on the street for an extended period of time due to the inadequate healthcare system. I am currently in medical school pursuing Emergency Medicine. Like you said in your vlog, it's hard work but it gives me purpose. So I would say a confident 10 on how happy I am with the career choice given a very un-Favorable situation.
ilikefunnyvideos Inspirational. All the best man! Just inspired me to study harder for my actuarial exams
Good luck man, I wish you well on your journey. It's a tough job, but very important. I'm very sorry to hear about your father, but glad that you helped turn that situation into a positive for yourself.
That takes a lot of courage to pursue that dream. Congratulations on making that decision. Very favorabl!
Good luck on your journey
I think you meant to say "un-good" situation.
Andrew,
The best thing about your videos is giving the viewer the illusion of being a poker player enjoying time in a casino. Viewers like me (living far from casino opportunities) rarely get to experience that. I watch your material for the vicarious thrill. It also helps that I learn a little by listening to a pro player discuss what's going through his head during some hands, but what differentiates your videos from poker books is the small parts of your videos that remind me of what it feels like to sit in a casino and play. These parts include the phone aimed at the table and showing hands being folded over and over, the occasional action you are not involved in, and of course the hands you find interesting and relate to the viewers. Please remember these roots as you continue to evolve your videos and keep entertaining those of us who enjoy that vicarious thrill.
Been watching for a few months. My daughter convinced me I needed to subscribe (first time clicking that button). Glad to see you succeeding!
South Carolina
Well deserved Andrew and looking forward to 100k subscribers! I'm a Structural Engineer and extremely happy for what I'm doing. My co-workers are awesome and my work is challenging. A big FAT 10!
Life is good!
Hey Roger - I'm studying Engineering. Lots of people I've talked to who work in industry (especially civil/structural) say that their work is quite repetitive and uninspiring. I'd be really interested to know what kind of structures you are working on and what you find so interesting about it.
Hello Lucas. I have a degree in Civil Engineering and I'm a licensed Structural Engineer. I mainly do Structural Engineering, mainly Type 1 high rise structures. I agree that it can be repetitive but just watching structures being built by your structural designs amazes me. Since I was a kid I always liked to create things such as putting sticks together and creating "stuff". You can say I'm living my childhood dream. Also, we do structures and designs in many different countries and they all have different codes and regulations therefore the we must follow these regulations.
Andrew Neeme do you like hockey? Gerlep@shaw.ca I'm going to see jets nov 10 and have extra ticket
8, I'm a traveling Physical Therapy Assistant and I get to travel around helping people get better, and I get to watch your videos while I'm at it.
This is a beautiful thing, Andrew.
I don't think there is any problem about talking hands after a night of sleep. We don't lose anything and you got a sleeping schedule a little, tiny bit better.
You're the only youtube channel that I felt compelled to subscribe. Keep the good work!
Particularly when it enables bike-vlogging and beer drinking at a spot with some character.
Yeah I'll consider switching it up here and there. If I want to push content out more often it would have to be an all-in-one-day kind of thing pretty regularly, but not sure what's ideal yet.
As one of your oldest fans this could take awhile but I'll keep it short. I can't say I have ever been unhappy in my professional life even when I started companies that failed. I always learned something from the failure. Earning undergraduate and graduate degrees in Chemistry I along with two others started a company that did Environmental Chemistry back in the late seventies. That lasted five years before we had a falling out and sold the company. I would grade that a seven. Then I opened a branch in New Mexico for a Denver based company in 1981 and worked independently until 2000. 9/10 for that one. In 1997 I had serious health problem that caused me to start thinking about my mortality and what I wanted to do that would be really fulfilling. I had made a lot of money so in 2000 I left my company and taught H.S. chemistry since I was in a position to afford to do so. Loved the kids and learned a lot from them. In fact they were the ones who taught me about on-line poker. So when I retired from teaching in 2007 one of my gifts was tuition to the first WSOP Academy taught by Helmuth, Raymer, Hachem, and Outhred. I got hooked. So blame it on the kids!!!! For that 10/10. My wife and I will celebrate our 40th anniversary at the Aussie Millions in January 2018.
4 - 15 years into a career in programming. It pays the bills and helps me support my family. But the longer I work the more unfulfilled I feel. Would love to take a risk and be an entrepreneur and do something I really am passionate about. Congrats on the 50k subs enjoy your videos and would love to hear your views on more things than just poker!
Joe White That's a really important job. Recently learned the importance of it in my field as well. Any good books or links to reach VBA, SQL, R programming or even prophet?
Joe White what sort of programming do you do?
+Jeremy Lim I've found coursera.org as a great resource for learning new programming topics especially R
+SurfingSickness Full Stack Web Developer been trying to get into Big Data (R, Python, Hadoop)
+Catalin C couldn't agree more there is a ton to learn and it all changes so quickly. It does force you to keep learning which is good
Andrew, love your vlogs. I've watched probably all of them, but just stumbled upon this one for the first time. It's nice to hear your viewpoint and realize the leap you courageously took. A long time ago, I was a professional poker. I did well, but let it go to my head and made many mistakes. I went back to college and got a degree in computer science, which I could never see myself doing for the rest of my life. I got a good job, and knowing it wasn't making me happy early into it, I took a leap of my own. I left the job and started a business. It was very hard at first, and I barely made ends meet. But the hard work payed off and things have continued to get better and better. I still work probably double the hours I would a week at a 9-5 job, but I absolutely love it. I'd rate it about an 8.5, because things can always get better. :) Thanks again for you sharing this and keep the vlogs coming. :)
3 - I've worked for a department of the federal government in Cleveland for 7 years. I recently sold my house and am leaving my job in 2 months. I am going to roadtrip it out west to see the things I've always wanted to see and start over somewhere outside of Ohio. Seeing vlogs like this have been partially responsible for me taking this big jump. I may even vlog this cross country road trip there and wherever I end up. We only get one at bat at this life thing...might as well take a chance and make it worth it. Thanks for all the videos Andrew!
Post a link here when you make a video. Congrats on taking the leap. Sounds like something that you can always go back to if need be, even if it isn't the exact same spot.
Awesome to see Andrew Bene actually get out there and do what he said in he was going to do. Been following both you guys for a little while now. Great vlogs!
I was around when you had triple digit subs... you have gotten so good at this vlogging thing it's not even funny man!
Congrats on 50k, may you have a 50k crazy upswing night soon
my life was great b4 i started playing poker
it lead me away from my path in life i dnt blame poker i blame myself for lacking self control on myself i m now a father who starting my life again im awaiting a court sentence so im pretty stuck in all ways
hoping all of you guys are happy with ure lifes and btw love ure blog and everything you say and you being urself shows ure not fake keep it up come to montreal and ill be ure tour guide
Hang in there man.
Hey Andrew first off great vlog! I've been watching since the beginning. I love to see the journey in real time, as well as your mindset and approach to dealing with the swings of poker and of life. As far as my financial pursuits I would rate my current occupation at a 5. I am 34, with two kids living in NYC and work in the hospitality industry. I've worked in some of the best restaurants that this city or the world has to offer. The reason I rated it a 5 is because I feel that, while some aspects of it are enjoyable, and the pay is decent, for the most part it seems very rote and mindless, with no equity, and capped as far as growth potential. I really enjoyed playing poker, and got in to it in 2007 when I was 25 living, in Vienna, Austria with my ex-wife and my 1st child. I was a marginal winner live and small loser online. It was a lot of fun and something I wanted to leverage into a full time endeavor, but was persuaded in other directions because of family pressure.
5. Many people would happily trade places with me professionally, and I know that but I feel I was meant for more. My kids are my life and providing for them is what keeps me at my job. I have taken a few risks the last 17 years but not nearly what I would have taken if I were single or had no kids. I have taken a few bad beats in the job market, some caused by me and some caused by the economy. At the end of the day, I have food, a home and can provide for my children but in today's society, you must have structure. I would love to pack up, take the kids and travel the world. I would love to educate them both in their school studies and with life experiences. How awesome would it be to show your children other cultures so they learn to appreciate them instead of being taught to hate because of skin color or religious differences? I teach them the best I can from my small corner of the world but I would love to experience the different cultures and landscapes the world has to offer with them by my side.
It sounds like those kids have a pretty awesome dad who is teaching them to be open minded and to treat others with respect. They're gonna grow up to be awesome people.
Cheers on 50k subscribers, Andrew! It's great to see you enjoy making these vlogs as much as I (we) enjoy watching them! Right now I'm at a solid 8 out of 10 professionally. I work at a beautiful waterfront hotel in sunny San Diego (not far from Modern Times brewery actually!). Three things I really like about my job: 1) The people I work with and get to meet 2) Each day is different and interesting 3) Time passes quickly and I rarely find myself staring at the clock. It's not perfect, at times it's a bit stressful but overall I'm really fortunate to be where I'm at. Hope you're feeling similarly these days. Let me know if you're ever down in SD again, would love to meet up for a drink! If you need a good deal on a hotel I can help with that too :)
Well I now have a new item on my Bucket List! I sure can't wait to hit the historical downtown bar cycling movable mobile group cycle tour
thing.
18:41
Hello Andrew, primarily, thank you for the vlogs! I don't know how I stumbled across your channel, but I'm glad I did because I enjoy your time tremendously. I am laughing a little bit to myself about your proposition at the end of this vlog. I am 41 years old and am about to go down a path that I always wanted to walk down but until recently I haven't been able to take the risk. A little background about me, I was an average high school student who was cooking when I got done with high school but 6 months after that I had to move back home. I love my parents, but didn't want to be a kid at home, so in 1994 I joined the Air Force. I spent 4 years in the AF and 1 year overseas in Korea. I loved all my time in the service. Before I got out I knew I wanted to go to college. I saw a lot of people, college graduates, at that time that seemed to be doing jobs completely opposite of their degrees or people that I thought wasted 4 years because they didn't put their degrees to good use (my opinion). I started college with the notion of being a history and political science double major. That lasted not even a semester. I started taking math classes to fulfill the general requirements and found a professor who believed in me, 2 Prof Randy Pittman and Prof Gayle Childers (Professors at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College in Richmond, VA). These 2 people saw that I had talent where I didn't think it existed and they encouraged me to keep taking math classes. I did. I kept enrolling in math classes, "till I hit a wall," as I always said. Closing in on my 2 years of CC, Prof Pittman encouraged me to enroll and complete my degree at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. VCU is a great school, but like the math classes I wanted a challenge, I wanted to go to The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA. Most people think William & Mary is a private school, but it's not, they just have an outstanding reputation! Knowing I wanted to attend here, I went and visited the college and the mathematics department. When I went to Jones Hall, I met with the Department Chair at the time, a great Professor named Lawrence Leemis. Prof Leemis invited me in, unscheduled, and listened to me chat away about my last 1.5 years and how I wanted to come to William & Mary. He even threw a couple of problems on the board and I think was a little surprised I answered them. Before I left his office that day, Prof Leemis said, in the most respectful and with no arrogance at all, that perhaps William & Mary wasn't the best choice for me to complete my degree. He spoke about how The College attracted the top 5% of high school graduates from the US and overseas and that, if I was accepted, he wasn't sure I was up to that standard. This was a very cordial discussion and Prof Leemis meant no disrespect as none was taken, he just didn't want to see someone try to flourish where it might be difficult to do so. Well, suffice to say, this was all I needed to hear. The gauntlet was thrown down, a challenge was issued that I could take, and take it I did! I was accepted to the class of 2003 in the spring of 2001, enrolled that summer and graduated with a BS in Mathematics from The College of William & Mary in 2003. It was hard, I remember a class with Prof Zobin that I had to drop when I found out that I was the only one of the 5 in the class not auditing or taking the class, still auditing, for the second time. The fact that I got a 20% on the first test, that I thought I aced, didn't help either but there were other classes that I succeeded in, very well. Prof Shi encouraged me to go to graduate school, but I didn't plan on that, and being 3-4 years older than most of my classmates made me feel that I had to go out and get a good job after graduation. I didn't have any idea what I was going to do with my mathematics degree. Luckily, I got a job as a Statistical Analyst with the PA Department of Health, in Harrisburg, PA. I was very thankful to have this job, but on my first day, when I looked at my cube and sat down, my body and head screamed to get out of here, this wasn't natural and isn't what people are meant to do with their lives. Fortunately, I met some great people at the DOH, 2 of which became friends that are now part of my family. I will always be thankful for that gift. I spent 5.5 years at the DOH and then took a higher paying job with a private health care company doing the same type of duties. I spent 7.5 years with that company. In the fall of 2011, woman named Sue Kenny with Herringswell Stables answered an email I had sent out telling people who I am and how I always wanted to work with thoroughbred horses. I sent this type of email to many stables and trainers at different times in my life and Sue is the only one who ever answered me back. After we spoke on the phone she invited me down to their stable and worked it out so that I could be a hotwalker for a week to see if this is something I'd really like to do. My first day there, after the morning workouts were finished, I drove around the grounds and began to tear up and cry. As I looked around I felt something that I hadn't felt since I left The College of William & Mary in 2003. Pride. In 2011 my daughter, Grace, was 4 and my son, Edward was 3. From before they were born I knew that the work I did, in those cubes, was something I never felt pride in doing. It wasn't something that I felt I ever wanted to share with them and certainly wasn't something I wanted to encourage them to do with their own lives. I finished my week at Herringswell and Sue called me to tell me that they'd be happy to offer me a job as a hotwalker. I didn't know if I should take the job. It paid $8 an hour and at the time I was making $80,000 a year. But this wasn't what scared me. I didn't want to be apart from my family. I didn't want to lose the time I knew I would with my son, my daughter, and my wife. I told them thank you, but I couldn't say yes. Sue understood. I went back to my laptop and never questioned my decision, I wanted to be with my family. I left my health care job in May 2016. I had had enough. I worked my but off but couldn't get the success I wanted and all the organization kept asking was more, more.... more of my knowledge and my time. After some time to think and some great time with my family, I talked more to my wife about what I wanted to do next. I told her I feel like I'm beginning the 2nd act of my life and that it's time to take the risk, it's time to try what I know I've wanted to do since I'm 19 years old. The horses were calling. I did some research and found a gentleman who runs a class teaching the basics on how to groom and work with horses to beginners. I'm going to the class and I've been back in touch with Sue, for her counsel and to hope that they might have a job for me this time around. I'm crossing my fingers. If you asked me what changed in my life in the last 6 years, how can I take the chance on a profession I know little of, that I might fail in or be told isn't for me, that means leaving the last 14 years of my professional life where it is, in the past, I can honestly answer you. As I've watched my son grow over the last 6 years, I've learned one insurmountable fact. I've learned that no matter how much I try, no matter how many times I tell him or say it, no matter how many stories he reads where it's the theme, no matter how many trinkets we have, I've learned that I can't tell him to follow his dreams. I've learned that I have to show him. That's my story. If I had to measure how happy I was with my profession in those 14 years, I'd say on a scale of 1 to 10, I was a legitimate -5 (negative 5).
You have talent in what you're doing Andrew, you have something that few people do. When it comes to the camera, you certainly have "it." I only wish I were a rich man and you were a company I could buy stock in because if you're contemplating a deeper move in to what you're currently doing, your success, in my opinion, is assuredly guaranteed.
I feel like this channel is very good for the game.
9/10, I'm a travel agent from New Zealand so get to help people plan their dream holidays and to see the world 😊 I love the competitive nature of the job, helping grow and develop my team, writing my own pay cheque and the travel I get to experience as well (including a visit to Vegas in August later this year!)
Huge congratulations on the milestone. I subscribed when you had just 10k subs so hazard a guess that I may be your first subscriber from NZ?! It's amazing to see how quickly it has grown.
Thanks for the shirt too, super comfortable material and awesome quality and love the style. Few people have asked what "favorable" means and I've said it's poker slang and pointed them in your direction
Thanks for all the awesome content Andrew and hard work you put in. Maybe catch you around the tables in August!
5/10 Currently in a bit of a dead end job that pays moderate/poorly but allows me alot of freedom to take time off to do other things like travel, play poker and pursue other projects.
Im the exact same John.
Andrew, great work. Thank you for your videos, I love your honesty. You've inspired me to give Vlogging a go! It's hard work!
I'm from New Zealand, qualified as a lawyer, worked in an office for 5 years. It was destroying my soul, and I let it do so for far too long because it was all I knew and I was afraid. Eventually I mustered the courage to quit. I came to America a year ago on a one way flight (I'm a dual citizen) knowing no one and have been playing poker here professionally since (I learnt to play in college but gave it up once I started working). I am deeply passionate about the game of poker, and am finding success (financially) in it professionally, however a similar problem that I encountered in my office life is popping up - it lacks a greater purpose. I wholeheartedly agree with you that it is so much more complicated than just "finding your passion" and doing that.
1/10 in my office life (toward the end), and 7/10 in poker (however I foresee that this number will decline if I don't keep pushing myself). IMO we've got to keep striving for 10/10. We can never settle.
Keep up the good work.
Seriously, can't wait to play against guys who call a jam when they're drawing with just one card to come lmao!
Nice video man!! keep em coming :D
3, I'm pretty much a stay at home dad now. I was in the casino business for 25 years, working in the pit. I had a kidney failure and almost died in 2013. I want to go back to work but each time I try I get very close to being back in the hospital again. Your vlog helps me so much when I'm down. I try to come to Vegas once a year to play poker. I can play here but it's so much more action in Vegas. The one good thing is spending time with my son!! Never take life for granted. Thanks Andrew!!
Andrew, try the 'Poker income' app. It's fast, easy to use, you can share your results if you choose along with other features. 👍🏽
This video was well edited and a pleasure to watch. Great atmosphere when changing from the casino to the staircase. Keep up the great work Andrew, the hand discussion isn't the only reason you're the best poker youtuber!
Hey Andrew, great videos. I have an idea though, how about setting up a friendly poker game with the other vlog poker players Cody, Brad, you, etc... that would be a hell of game. and you all will have your own videos to vlog of that game...
Yeah a few of us want to at least do one of the cash game live streams. I think we'll make it happen eventually.
Do a home game?
I mentioned Andrew to the poker room manager at the Bellagio today. He is going to invite you to the first live session at the Bellagio in late April. I also told him that he needs to let you use video in the poker room. He seemed receptive. I asked him to watch your vlog as it is beyond professional. Hope to meet you and cya at the Bellagio
dizzy fell I volunteer to be this fish. Although, someone would have to stake the buy in (unless I run well at the MSPT this weekend :).
RN in an ICU in an inner city hospital. 7-10. I like helping people who are critically ill and/or fighting for their life. It feels good when they are able to recover and make it out of the hospital, but there are lots of times that doesn't happen and see very sad cases. It's also great experience dealing with rare and difficult situations. I enjoy the crew I work with. In a lot of ways this can make or break the job when working in a demanding ICU. If you dont have people you can trust and will gladly help when needed, the job is miserable and more importantly the patients suffer the most. The pay is very good but unfortunately it's hard on the body, the hours suck, and it's a very long way from home so I spend a lot of time away from the family. Attempting to get into school to do something similar yet more challenging.
Your VLOG is exceptional and very entertaining for me. Im the type who can grind out a very long session, usually too long, 12-20hrs, and I usually pay for it. I literally cannot make myself get up even when Im screaming in my head to GET UP, LEAVE NOW!!!!! Will be in Vegas soon so looking forward to seeing some FAVORABLE flops. Don't get your hopes up though I know my place, which is 1-3, no 5-10 from me. Ive wanted to try and take the plunge into 2-5 but havent been able to pull the trigger and the wife doesnt like the sound of that either lol. She tolerates 1-3 since I dont get to play very much. So for a bad recreational player like me whats the best place and time to play in VEGAS to avoid the bulk of the professionals so I at least have a chance to win a little? Thx again for the VLOG!!!!
9.5/10
I'm a Podiatrist and I like to play poker on weekends sometimes but I am very happy doing what I'm doing right now because it's always been my dream to be a surgeon. I start my residency this year and will probably use part of my salary to build a bank roll. I currently just play 1/2 games but I've been smashing it and getting in the black almost every session which is usually like 12 hours at a time. Anyways love your vlog man! I actually met people in Atlantic City while playing poker and they were also fans of your vlog and we became friends talking about your videos.
heading to AC later today! BANG
Nice, I hope your session is favorable!
Technically you're a podiatrist when you graduate podiatry school. A resident is still a doctor but just doing his training. So there are DPMs, MDs, DOs and other doctorates that do residency after medical school so you are a doctor at that point. A resident is also often called a resident physician or resident podiatrist and so on. Hope that clears things up!
Please don't operate on anyone after a 12 hour poker session. Just kidding, sounds like you're hustling hard doing the things you love.
Hahah everybody at the poker room said the same thing, luckily I never went into the OR after a session! But I really love the grind so far. I started playing in December and discovered your vlogs a couple months back and have been improving my game a lot based on your bet sizing techniques and how you evaluate equity in your hands. Great job editing and recording all of your videos I absolutely love the drone shots. Can't wait to run into you one day at the tables!
Excellent insights and questions into to many of the challenges we all face when it comes to how to organize and prioritize one's life. We all have different skills and abilities some of which are easy to fulfill while others are not. As usual, I am late to the conversation because i only discovered you a few weeks ago. Assessing your life so far with limited information isn't limiting me from in understanding you are one very talented man who can accomplish any number of professions of your choosing. For now, as long as you like what you are doing I vote for staying the course and to keep building your bankroll for the possibility of another business opportunity. in general.... Only you can figure this out for yourself... we already know you have what it takes. Thank you for the life lessons in Hold Em with your brilliant analysis. One thing is clear about you when it comes to poker... you understand risk versus reward and can spot the hedge betters pretty good sometimes that don't have the fortitude to jam like you do! Congratulations on living a life you truly enjoy!
8/10 running my own car air conditioning business is great meeting new people everyday and working mostly in the sunshine, only small downside is it's very quiet in the winter month but that when I get to enjoy my poker :) so not to bad.
Sounds like a man who knows what to do with his time.
Hey Andrew! Congrats on 50k! I would bet that it doesn't slow down a bit. This is what happens when you have a great product!
Atomic was my favorite beer bar in Vegas until I went to the new Teneya Creek over by the spaghetti bowl. The only issue with Teneya is you can't/shouldn't walk there from Freemont.
I would say I am an 8/10. I'm a bartender/manager/server at a mom and pop beer bar in Indianapolis. I basically get paid to talk about beer, food and occasionally poker. Money is good considering the stress level. My only complaint is working nights/weekends. Typical shift being from 4-11. It's tough having a family and friends who have "normal" hours.
I think at some point everybody has that thought or worry about not accomplishing what they should have or not doing something profound with their life. I believe you have found your profound calling.
The grass will always be greener where you water it!
Currently a pianist/teacher. Normally would be 7 or 8 on the happiness scale, but there's at least 1 student per day who brings my whole life down to 2-4ish range. Poker adds to the happiness. My ideal goal is to drop my worst students and replace with poker, but not quite there yet.
Is that student just not into learning? Do you speak with the parents about why they're forcing their kid into it?
I'm 8.5. I'm a hit man specializing in irritating piano students.....
Haha ditto! I'm a 8-9 I teach high school chorus!
Andrew Neeme well, it's more than just one, but I have about 1 a day like that. Sometimes they just don't like it, actually dropped one today for that reason. But more often they don't like to do anything that requires even a little bit of effort and doesn't have instant gratification. Seems to be a trend with kids since iPads and NintendoDS etc is part of everyone's upbringing and they can't live without stuff like that.
Dude, as a fan of both the NLH grind and daily RUclips vloggers..... you're doing an awesome job. The "leave the camera somewhere" sequences are getting really refined and super chill looking. Your 5/10cash game is obv lightyears beyond mine so kudos on that. Keep it up man, I watch every video faithfully. Great job.
On a scale of 1-10.... 8.8. I'm a massage therapist. While I haven't created the EXACT circumstances I want for myself career-wise, i'm doing what I love to do and improving my quality of life as well as others. Atop all of that, i'm a unicorn in the industry. I don't fit a stereotype and won't allow myself to be marginalized by way of others perceptions. Congrats on 50K brodie, sky's the limit for you Neeme!!
Also ☝ Neeme, you seem to have an amazing supporting cast as well as some1 who can help expound on your vision, by way of your spouse. In your field that's gotta be a tough find. Salute on that 1. I'm in my 2nd year of marriage & am humbly learning the importance of having support @ home with the vision/big pic, lol. As I get closer to that, that 10 will be a little more easily accessible.
Donnee Robinson hey you should definitely checkout our business : www.gettimely.com
in wat way are u a unicorn
Cool to hear mate. I wonder if a 10 is ever really attainable, or if it ever needs to be. So 8.8 is fantastic, great to hear.
SurfingSickness Thanks a ton.... I appreciate the link. I'm going to look into it for sure. 👍👍
You see all those MASSIVE youtuber's getting their 5 million and their 20 million subs and they talk about how much they want to thank their fans yea yea yea. None of that compares to how good it is to see you reaching that 50k subs mark Andrew. Love it. Well done you put your heart into this vlog and it is honestly inspirational, keep it up man you are going places
I'd say 7...
7 kinda sucks cause I don't have a real good/rational reason to find the courage to get things moving more than they are, but at the same time I couldn't say I'm fulfilled in any way, and I have the "chance" to have no other responsibilities other than a rent...
I'm not a spoiled kid in any way, I work hard to reach my goals, and I think I lived through enough shit to know I don't want to live it again. But still, it's hard to give a true meaning to anything right now.
I'm sure a lot of people in their mid twenties are in the same spot. What do?
I would say a lot of people in the mid twenties, well into their thirties and people beyond that even, are in the same spot. I think it depends on whether you know what it is that you like and wish you were doing, or if you don't know. If it's the former, you have to analyze what it is that's holding you back from going after it, and then reason out why those aren't very good reasons. If it's the latter, you have to try different things until you find something that does it for you. And really, what's the risk? Like you said, you don't have any responsibilities other than to your rent and to yourself.
Andrew Neeme
Another thing that might bias actions is debt. I'm not talking about extreme debt, no life threatening situation, but still a serious amount. That can feel like a big drag and I think it affects the way you see opportunities... What are your thoughts on that?
I think it should affect how you go about your daily grind. Certainly you can't just be unpractical and give up a job when you need to be making payments toward a debt. So all you can do, is do the 9-5 during regular hours, and then explore the other thing(s) that you're more into from 6pm-1am. And I don't mean going to the bar and/or watching the game, etc.
Hi Andrew! I never miss a video. Thanks for presenting your talent in video creativity, poker, and best of all you. Great to see a vlogger that is professional and down to earth, while providing superb entertainment. I would rate my career a 9. I have been fortunate to love my career in Physical Therapy being a PTA for 25 years. I resigned and have been running my own business on Amazon and Ebay selling therapy products. I think everyone should come to a point and use their personal talent toward a career, or at leat give it a shot. Running a business can be tough but rewarding, and I have grown mentally stronger, and thrive for each day. Thanks a bunch. One thing I can appreciate and admire is not only the great videos, but the way you bring the community together in sharing their thoughts. Thanks again from Rob in Peoria AZ!
I did 30 years in the military, retired on July 22nd, 2016 (being the military was a 8 or 9 for me I loved it) and it was great for the first six months, because I did all the things my wife has always wanted me to do for years lol. Like paint the house, new kitchen cabinets and plant trees in our backyard. I could on, but you get the picture here. So after six mouths it was all done with all of the house stuff and my wife gets in my face and tells me very bluntly "you need to find something to do before I kill you, you are driving me nuts" ROFL, So I went to back college for a Masters (Computer Science) and a PHD (mathematics) at UCLA (with it all being paid for by the government why would I not go back) and its not a 8, 9 or 10 for me I will tell you that lol, but its something I have always said I would do. I even promise my father before he pasted that someday I would go back to school and finished what I stated so many years ago. I would have to say that my days are very hard now for me with so much on my plate with going back to school. I don't know what number from 1 to 10 to give it? I guess I need to understand for myself is it a means to an end or it something else? I'm going to put myself out there so I guess it an 6 or 7?
The very sad part of this whole thing is now I have very little time to work on my poker game. I do get in one tournament (its a $150.00 buy-in with one add at Hollywood park) and one cash game (5 -10 game with a $20 rock at the Hollywood park) week still, but that's all I do.
I just wanted to add here, each day in between classes I have time to watch your video, its so nice to put life in perspective as I watch.
Please for your 50th video do some drums for us to celebrate. Be safe, be well and may your life continue flop favorable my friend.
Very impressive Brian. I was a computer science major when I entered Michigan State, but I couldn't get my head around the calculus and switched to Telecommunications. I think if I was in a different place in life and understood what needed to be done to figure it out, ie find the right tutor I might've been able to do it. And then who knows where I'd be sitting right now. Definitely not a regret, just interesting to think back on and knowing what I know now...
How many semesters before you'll have all of these degrees wrapped up? And do you have any ideas for things you'd like to do afterward with your newfound diplomas or just taking it one step at a time?
I don't know about the "very impressive" part, but thanks my friend. I do like what I'm doing at UCLA it's just very hard at almost 50 years old going back to the "Grind" of everyday of classes and the endless hours of reading + homework. I wish I would done this early in my life so I could play poker now. Sometime I feel my life is on hold until school is done and I didn't see my retirement as being that?
Please please play some drums fro us on your 50th video!!!!!!!!
Andrew I have about TWO more YEARS! After with my newfound diplomas I might be able to work from home for the government? I would be able to make my own schedule so I could work more on poker?
Two years will go quickly, I think, and that really doesn't seem like much time for those levels of degrees. And yes, they are quite impressive!
9 is my number. From my best estimate (based on the video when you talked about going to Vegas for the first time in college) I believe we are about the same age. The reason my number is a 9: VP of Sales is my title....the main reason I like what I do so much is the freedom, I work from home ,travel domestically and internationally mostly on my own schedule...I can't really complain. I also have freedom to focus on other things I enjoy in my downtime like family, poker and art. Sure at times it can be stressful, but what isn't? The industry I have worked in has been good to me for the most part, and I have been fortunate to work with people who are now some of my best friends. At times I get impatient or wonder if I should do something else but I try to remain thankful no matter what. I can appreciate and I notice the amount of work that goes into your vlogs. You have definitely have found a groove and a way to connect with people. 👍
Hitting 50k subs. That seems rather favorable.
Always great to see you continue to improve your already fantastic cinematography, your vids just keep getting more and more favorable.
That QJ call is atrocious.
Congrats on the 50k subs!! Amazing accomplishment. I've been on board since pretty early on and have witnessed the many twists and turns along the way. I miss the table side recording but you've managed to recap hands very well in the newer iteration of the vlog. What happened to the "Review Mirror" hand recaps in the VDub? Thought that was going to be a regular segment.
My life is at an 8.5 "professionally" if being a part time stay at home Dad, part time 2/3-2/5 grinder, part time landlord can be considered professional. I have a beautiful family of 5, a wonderful wife, 3 amazing sons, a nice house with a pool and spa living in beautiful SoCal. I'm truly blessed in life, having overcome serious health issues and changes beyond my control. My faith is strong and my belief in God has never wavered. I give him thanks daily. I'd like to get back to bigger games someday, thus increasing my HR. For now I'm trying to improve, plug leaks and maximize my time on and off the felt. Oh and get ready for the WSOP this summer.
I feel like I should have to pay for access, this is the best poker porn channel on RUclips.
john sims you are paying. By watching adds
Very true. Money shot at 4:46.
Andrew, finding purpose in your day to day life is important and like you said before, that can be a very personal thing and differ widely from person to person. I totally relate to your need to create something and desire to feel like your doing more than just living the grind. My answer to your question is 8 out of 10. I work at the Dam and before this I've had several other related positions around the country. All of which were "good" jobs but at some point in my career I decided that I needed something other than just having a "good" job and trying to scratch my way up the corporate ladder. My professional focus in life shifted from excelling at my career to putting myself in a position where I can excel at life. Don't get me wrong, I still take a lot of pride in my work ethic and quality, but when I make career decisions now, the first question I ask myself is "Will this improve my life quality" as compared to only focusing on my resume and pay stub. This change in my thought process has had a significant impact on my life. It has brought me to Vegas where I am happily pursuing other life passions as well. I've never been more content or felt more fulfilled. My job is great and I am very happy here, but more so because it allows me to focus on my life in a way that brings added value. I surely do not get the joy from my job as I do some other things in life, but at the same time it allows me to keep those other things in the spotlight.
The 22 people who gave this a thumbs down work for United Airlines!!!
I'm retired now, but my last job was as a self-employed computer consultant. After 30 years of putting up with crap from managers et al I found myself doing what I loved and being my own boss. Office down the hall and the best clients anyone could want.
A definite 10.
And your question of, "What should I do?" rang true for me. I had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up. It seemed all the other kids did, but not me. In 1981 I convinced my wife to buy an IBM PC-1 for a bit over $3k - 1982 mind you. Cost almost as much as our car.
So at age 33 I finally figured out what I wanted to do when I grew up.
To answer another part of your query. Why is it a 10? Helping people with computer problems is a blast. So many don't have a clue about what to do and I enjoy not only fixing problems I also enjoy teaching them what it is I'm doing so they can, hopefully, do it for themselves at some point. The challenge is a big part of it. Having to learn new things to keep up with changes. Programming, networking, writing manuals when needed, and a ton of other things that went along with the job. I even ended up helping a client with auctions. That was fun!
You have to respect Andrew. He puts tremendous efforts into his vlogs. These videos are top notch for real.
I'm at about a 4 right now. I'm wrapping up my Sophomore year as an undergrad studying Computer Science and Economics. I've always been academically inclined, but school has become a grind. Working sometimes between 30-40 hours for a single problem set sucks the life out of you when you have 3 other classes to deal with. I also wouldn't consider coding my passion -- rather a career path I feel as though I could be successful in. I like the study of Economics, but like most people, I'm less than enthused about selling my soul to an investment bank somewhere. At school, I feel like I'm aimlessly grinding out a degree, which is a tough feeling knowing that our days are numbered.
On the flip side, in the summers I do landscaping. I love it. Most days I'm at about an 8 or a 9. I work for just a single property, and I love to see it transform into something really stunning, and knowing that I was a huge part of its transformation. There is enough variety and a good feeling of accomplishment with each task, and a great amount of bonding with the crew. Working outside is also a great feeling. Ideally I could go to grad school and become a professor and do landscaping in the summers. If I got the right gig, I would be open to doing it full time (some positions where I live pay 6 figures, just very competitive). I just can't imagine going through another 6 years or so of schooling. Especially if I have a degree in compute science, and knowing I could easily be making more money elsewhere. Anyway, love the vlogs and keep up the good work Neeme :).
Pretty interesting spot Nick. All I would suggest is to give what you really enjoy doing, and are also good at, a real consideration. The intersection of those things is where people find the most success.
Good advice. It's very cool that you found your fulfillment in creating these vlogs. I think this is something a lot of professional poker players struggle with, and it's a good lesson I have learned from your videos. No matter where you are in life, career wise, you can find a way to make it fulfilling and challenging. I think that is partly why you have such dedicated fans and get high view counts on all your videos in proportion to your subscribers. The quality is very high, and you're passionate about what you do. Speaking for myself, I have to watch them all, no matter how much I have to do, and I can't say that for any other channel. Keep it up, and may the flops be favorable.
8.5/10
I've been an Account Executive for a mortgage lender for 24 years now. I'm a very competitive person & I strive to do the best job possible. I like to help other people be successful & enjoy indirectly helping borrowers save money through refinancing their mortgage or giving them an outlet to purchase their homes. The best part of the job is when your customers tells you that you are the best rep in the industry.
There are only a couple reasons why the job isn't a 10/10. Sometimes the job can be stressful due to deadlines & trying to meet your customers demands. The other reason is having to listen to people vent and complain. I try to help them as much as I can & provide solutions for them, but there are days that being yelled at numerous times gets old.
Keep up the good work on your vlogs and I hope you continue to run well. Thx. John
Back to Atomic! Great to see, hopefully long-haired Jeff was in the house and took care of you. Awesome dude, one of the best bartenders in the city.
I ended up in my job as a result of a lot of life happenings. I went to school for film and TV writing but decided I'd rather work in front of the camera than behind. But when I made the jump and moved to LA to pursue a career in acting, I absolutely hated everything about it and pulled the plug. That left me very much in a similar basket that you described in the video of "What do I want to do?" That led me to where I am now, doing data analysis for Amazon for the Alexa family of products. I love that my job directly impacts the success of a line of products that have become so meaningful to a large number of people and have had great impact on their lives. Unfortunately, the work can get mundane and I don't agree with everything the company and my specific team does and how they operate. That told, it'd come out to a 7 on your scale. I like what I do, but I don't love it. It's been great experience and an extraordinary place to learn about myself and what I want to do. Hopefully I'll be able to parlay my time here into something more in line with my skill set and what I love to do.
Great question you posed, looking forward to more vlogs and hopefully running into you in a room (or Atomic!) when I'm out there for the WSOP!
Without a doubt it's a 10. I am in an optician (I make glasses, design lenses, etc). Helping someone pick the perfect frame and then giving them the best vision possible is so rewarding. Best feeling ever is putting a pair of glasses on a child that has never had correct vision. The instant look of amazement that crosses their face, the ear to ear smile that quickly follows...to be a part of that process....unexplainable! On rare occasions kids have very strong refractive issues. I have watched a 3 year old boy see his parents faces for the first time. It was always blurred and undefined for him. Couldn't hold back tears that day when the whole family was crying and smiling...if anyone is ever looking for a career change, let me say being an optician is.......favorable! Lol
The quality, the insight and the humility is why you hit 50,000. Here's to the next 50K subscribers!
Been watching since day 1. Congratulations on hitting 50,000 subs. To answer your question of what I do and how happy I am: As of January of this year I got a job as a poker dealer at a local casino here in Iowa. It's essentially my dream job behind actually playing poker for a living. I was never really bankrolled for live poker (still only 21 years old) and it didn't seam financially responsible for me to take a shot at any point so I found the next best thing and I absolutely love it. Happiness on a scale of 0-10 would be 8.5/10.. It's nice to book a profit 100% of the time I go to the casino. My question to you is "how do you feel about dealers playing in the casino that they deal at". May the rest of your VLOGs be favorable.
Andrew! I stumbled on your V-log while searching for some poker wisdom. I crushed all 48 episodes in a couple of days. Fun stuff. It's a really semi-addicting sort of scripted reality, which is impressive given it's all you, what you come up with, and what you want to put out here. Your hard work is paying off for all of us! Looking forward to episode 49, 50 and beyond...
If you do what you love for a living, you will never have to work a day in your life. My number... 9.
8/10 I am a PA working in emergency medicine. I love what I do and dig the people I work with. It is a grind some days, but I try to keep perspective which I am able to do most of the time. I had another professional healthcare job before I went back to school to be a PA. That job made me good money and while I was respected I did not feel challenged. That feeling left me bored and lead to me not performing at the level I should. I believe different people find happiness in different ways. For me it was a mix of free time and challenging work life. PS. I Love your blog. It kills me that I live in a state that doesn't have casino's. Keep up the good work!
I remember subing you when you had less then 5,000! i always knew you would rise above every other poker vloger and in such a short time 50K next stop 100k
Thank you Andrew!
Hey Andrew, I've been catching up on your Vlog since my buddy Andrew recommended it. Love everything you're doing. Your last question spoke to me a little cause I just left a 6 year stint as a Recruiter hiring for healthcare technology companies. I'd say my happiness was around a 4 out of 10 with my work. Loved the people, loved my team, the money was good, but as I'm approaching the dirty-thirty birthday this year I just started craving a career that felt more aligned with my passions. A quote I keep thinking about it is from Howard Thurman - “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
Anyways, long story short I'm taking some time off to work on my passions such as woodworking, beer brewing, and currently working with the Fiancee to plan our 2018 wedding. Hopefully during this time inspiration will strike me and I can work towards the next stage of my paid career. Getting away from an office and working with my hands has been amazing. You can check out some of my adventures and woodworking here: instagram.com/thebrewsmith/
If you ever find yourself in Seattle, please reach out and let me and Seattle Andrew buy you a local craft beer. Maybe even drop in for a card game.
Cheers,
Andrew, first of all cheers to 50,000 subscribers...awesome accomplishment and a true testament to how great your videos are (all the way around)!
I would rate my work happiness at an 8. I'm an insurance agent and have been in the industry for approx. 9 years. Main reasons for the 8 rating would be no one day is ever the same, I get to meet and work with new people all the time, I have my own book of business so the ability to make my own schedule is very convenient and most of all (and cheesy sounding) is actually knowing I can make an impact by protecting people whether it be by insuring their auto, home, life, etc.
Now I gotta reciprocate the same question back, what would your rating be and why?
Thanks for continuing to do great work, sharing your poker journey and knowledge and giving us those 20+ minutes of pure enjoyment each vlog!
Well, at the moment I'm half a world away in lovely Mosul, Iraq. I'm a Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne and my "job like scale" ranges from 1-10!
I enjoy the thoughtful consideration of your hand history.
I plan on hitting up Vegas when we get home. We get a pretty good game going around here occasionally and I've put some of your ideas to good use; very favorable.
Thanks for the excellent blog. Hope to see you at the tables.
SSG DP
Hey man - huge fan of the blog. Super happy to see this is working out for you; you definitely deserve the subscribers and views for the content you put out.
To answer your question, I just got out of school a few years ago and I'm still working on "resume building", so I'm currently at about a 6/10 with my career fulfillment. First level IT help desk work is really pretty dull, but I work with a really good team and my supervisor is great, so overall it could be a lot worse. My goal is to work in IT Training or possibly Project Management, but the market is rough. If I could land an ideal position I could see it being a 9/10 or 10/10, but only the future will tell.
As for poker, I really enjoy playing and I think I have a bit of an infatuation with the Vegas scene (never been there myself but I definitely will go some day), but both my skill and bankroll are nowhere near close enough to consider taking a shot at making a living from it. I think it's a romanticized ideal for many people, but only truly achievable if you can put in the hours and dedication needed to become a winning player, and on top of it have a dedicated bankroll to prevent getting burned immediately upon entry with a downswing.
If I could get to a point in my life where I had enough money saved up to afford living for a year, plus had a tidy bankroll, I would consider giving full time poker a shot. However, I feel that it's a very long ways away, and if it's something I never get to take a stab at in my life, I think I'd still be content playing what I play now. I love the game, and that's fulfillment enough.
(DJ-FRESNO) I've been a realtor for like 27 years and mortgage lender. I am at about ...honestly like a 5. I feel after living through "the crash", taking my lumps. I feel burnt out really. I love doing ministry stuff on a volunteer and part time basis more than my full time job. I always wanted to do ministry stuff full time. I think the daily grind of what I do really facilitates the need to vicariously live through a class act like you Andrew. Its fun, you are genuinely real and transparent. That is refreshing seriously...anyway blessings on you bro. Take care and stay cool this summer in the desert!
9. Spent two years working in a decent job after undergrad but decided to quit and go back to do my masters in a different city to get into a completely different industry. Been grinding to get thru the program and landed an internship at a highly reputable firm in another part of the country. I think the key is not being married to what your career is at any given point in time. Have short term (3-5 year) goals, complete them and do not be afraid to switch to something else after if that's what you think you should do. Now that I've quit a job and moved once and got over that initial hurdle, I know I can do it again and I'm sure I will!
Congrats on the 50K Andrew I'll be there at 100 and beyond!
As to your question about enjoyment of job. I'm a retired high school teacher and I would say my rating would be an 8. I loved the majority of the kids (let's be honest, about 20% of them over the years were turds). However, not being an outdoors person, I was always indoors with air conditioning in the summer and heat in the winter. Watching those that tarred roofs and streets in the summer or fixed downed power lines in storms--those are people with JOBS. I had a career. I loved it when teens "get it" when you're giving a lesson. I know that in a small way, I changed or influenced lives. I enjoy your vlogs and thank you for all your effort.
It fluctuates but never less than a 5. My average is between a 7-8. I’m a corporate bean counter in the SF Bay Area. One week a month my work week is around 80+. The rest is anywhere from 45-30 depending. I make enough to live in a nice house in a nice town. Have an awesome wife (not a cakewalk, ups and downs but we we both put in the effort into the relationship, so even bad times are fulfilling). Have 3 kids that I provide for and get to spend time with. Don’t drive a flashy/nice car but it’s not a piece of crap either.
Do I love what I do? Not particularly. But it allows me to have all the above. And be a good provider for my family. What would I change? Everything and nothing. Thank you for asking the question. It made me me stop and assess it. Very easy to get caught up in all the little things that suck and not stop and realize, “holy shit, my blessings are vast.”
One thing I do miss, is playing poker. Really don’t have time for it, nor do I have the resources to start a roll. Had I fewer responsibilities, it would be no problem at all. But it’s those responsibilities that make life so scary, frustrating, overwhelming and yet so satisfying in meeting the challenge of it all. WTF?! When did I become Tony Robbins. Anyways, keep up the good work, love the vlogs.
Thanks for sharing. This is for sure one of my personal favorite vlogs since it resulted in posts such as yours.
50k subscribers, NO one deserves it more brother! Congratulations on being one of the best vloggers here on RUclips in any genre.
Cheers, Andrew!
I agree starting is hard -- I'm starting over after a LONG (19 yrs) corporate/IT/cubicle job that, at the end, I would have rated a negative 8. I hated it with a burning passion. But stopping can be harder than starting sometimes. Think about breaking up with someone -- it so easy to fall into a relationship but who wants to be the asshole to end it? So having the security and high pay of a corporate job, even when you hate it, can be hard to leave.
Luckily I got laid off! Great severance, but now what? I became certified in sailing 35-40 boats, just for the hell of it (live in the SF bay area, why not use the bay). So a cool new hobby.
I have multiple business ideas but they just don't seem feasible. Or maybe I'm just not an entrepreneur.
So I'm thinking about working in a craft brewery (something I'm sure you would find favorable). But it's REALLY hard to break into that world -- I've homebrewed but that's it. I'm at the point where I'm going to work for free just to get the experience to get a very entry level brewfloor job, making much less that before but BEING SURROUNDED BY BEER! I going to find out if there are certifications or classes I can take, but in my experience, if you work for free and kick ass, you will eventually get hired. I just didn't expect to be doing this as a second career.
PS mini-grinding in South Lake Tahoe right now. Only one property with 2/3 NL, which sucks. But I hit 9999 which won me a little bonus, and a big hand. FAVORABLE!
Thanks again for the vlogs Andrew. For some reason, even though I'm not a poker player it relates to what I do part time to make extra money. My passion is sports so I play at the sports book. At first I was terrible at it and now I make a decent second income doing it. Watching your vids really helps people risking money get in the right frame of mind on how to grind away. Thanks again and congrats on your 50k subscribers. I feel lucky to be one of them!
I work for a steel mill in Detroit and would put my work happiness at about a 6. Work should not define me or my happiness, but when a person spends so much of their time in a single endeavor, sometimes it is hard to resist. When someone asks "what do you do", we talk about work, hoping what we "do" with our life is more dynamic. I believe the quote, "there is no way to happiness, happiness is the way." Life truly is what you make it. I really enjoy what I do for a living. Having worked on the floor for years, and now overseeing production, I feel like I am growing and have room to keep growing. My rating of a 6 is based on me having a creative bent, a wide range of interests, and a feeling that I have so much more to offer. Your vlog is truly inspiring Andrew. I am studying poker so there is that, but the actual vlog process is fascinating. Many thanks for your content. It takes a humble person to explain what they do, what they think, and why. This is clearly an oasis for many, and here you are reaching out, responding, and trying to help, caring, and having a great store of "give a shit." This is still the ground floor for you, just 51k subscribers but...the world benefits. Thank you.
Thanks for that George. I really appreciate it. And it's good to hear that you really enjoy what you do for a living. Do you have any time for a creative project of sorts after work gets out for the day?
My two sons, 2.5 yr old and 5 yr old, are my creative projects! They keep me quite busy. Parenting is hard work, but extremely rewarding. I do get the occasional chance to do something solo, but it is not consistent, so usually takes the form of home improvement, gym, poker, or reading. Maybe a time management study, discipline, and focus on a project can propel me into something gratifying. Thanks friend, this has been a therapeutic comment section :)
Andrew, first of all congratulations on the 50k. I enjoy your poker perspective and look forward to each vlog. In terms of someone being happy with their profession, I agree 110% on what you commented in the vlog, something to the effect of "if you rate your happiness as a 2 or less, why are you still doing what you do if it makes you unhappy?" Life is too short for "what ifs". Take the risk as you will never know. If you fail, so what. We educate ourselves not on the things that we do right but moreover on the things that we do wrong. With that being said, I would equate my happiness with a 10. I am self employed and self taught at my craft. What is it you may ask? Well, coming from an artistic background my wife and I own and operate Atomic Designs and Apparel. Fitting name for this vlog query, wouldn't you say? To sum it up, we manufacture custom sports apparel for racing teams, fishing teams or any other organization that needs to look a certain part. I even toyed with the idea of developing a line specifically for the semi-pro and pro poker players out there. Who knows, one day. When we first started this journey, I would have answered this question as a 3 and was asking myself daily why would I give up something I know so well for something I know little about? Well, it was a tough journey and I can say that I still learn something new here and there and that is what hones the edge of the spear tip. It takes a special couple to work side by side, day in and day out. We both are goal-oriented and actually share the same goals. I can honestly say my wife is the glue that holds Atomic together and without her, it would not be the same company that it is today. We love what we do, from designing and printing fabric to cutting and sewing the pieces together. It is something that we share a passion for and hopefully for years to come. We actually enjoy coming to work and the day flies by and then it's time to go home. It's like this every day and hopefully my drive and initiative for this business will be here for years to come. Sorry for the rant. Keep up the great work!
This is one of my new favorite channels on RUclips. Keep it up! I love the cinematography.
Change is one of the single most destructive and painful things humans can endeavor. Before I submitted myself to change I was a 3, after phase one 10, then lost it all 8, now I am within sight of the site that will take me to my next phase. It is fucking scary every day, the memories of having it all and losing it all, how fast side one played out and foolish I was thinking the EP would last forever, spinning round and round pleasing sounds pumping, bouncing off the walls, and now the hope and love in rebuilding it all. I am firmly rooted in the love of loving as I live each hour of each day with the knowledge that care will see me through to the next day the next phase and be creating something that will last past my last day. All because I acted in change.
Great advice from Craig Esq. It is so important to have a purpose and as we get older we have more time to reflect on that. I started a homecare agency with the highest standards in a huge market. I got to meet the families, find their needs, and send a great caregiver out to help the loved one. I did this after 20 years of caring for my grandparents, mother in law with Alzheimer's, and friends parents and grandparents. The company grew 400% year after year. I sold it because it was just too huge for me to do alone, its in good hands though. That was a feel good business, wasn't work. Rate it a strong 10. I loved it. Maybe I'll do that again but on a smaller scale? Love your poker analysis and vlog. Keep your focus on poker because that is why we watch you. No one else does it like you, Andrew!! Fabulous!!
great videos Neeme - I dont have a habit of commenting any videos I watch but could not stop commenting yours. I enjoy your videos because how honest your contents are in each of them . I am a poker poker playing 2/5 mostly in Maryland area . Your inputs are adding more perceptive to the game - thank you for that . keep the great work going :)
Yet another great vlog. Thanks Andrew for the time you take to bring these to us. We're definitely spoiled! Congrats on the 50k...very well deserved!
Thanks for being here!
7, but up from a 2! Took a chance in mid-twenties to quit job, go back to school and hit the reset button. It was the best decision I've ever made. Went from retail management to being a strategy analyst for one of the top auto insurers in the USA. So glad I made the decision. I didn't say 10, because it can always be better. Continue to push, be ok with taking calculated risks, and go for it!
As for your videos, Andrew... Thank you! I have taken poker very seriously over the past decade. More so over the past 4 to 5 years, and even more over the past 1 year. Your videos just feed the drive and make the game much more enjoyable to play and gives some new perspective from someone that does it full time. Take care Andrew, and best of luck on all current and future endeavors. I'm rooting for you!
LOL at 6:57, "After Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF"