98. Family

Posted on by lpaton80
One thing you have to be super aware of when betting generally and particularly when doing it for a living is the impact it will have on your family. I know when I started out on this journey that I didn’t have a wife or children. I now have both and it can take its toll on everyone.

Its so much easier when you are young and single. Part of this game is the inevitable downswings that happen. I am pretty good at managing emotions and try to treat wins and losses with a similar reaction. However, there will be times when that is tested to the limit and beyond.

You are only human to be frustrated and react badly especially if you are running horribly. Or a big win just slips through your fingers. Its tough not to dwell on stuff and you not always be as present as you need to be. 

My wife used to hate Sundays as she knew that there would potentially be huge swings depending on the outcomes of the golf. She couldn’t bear to watch the golf as she generally knew who we would be on. She has always said she doesn’t want to know what is going on. 

One of the problems is generally being on my phone too much. Its tough though when a lot of this game is about the information that you garner. Or when you have large positions. I will never forget being taken to apple farms, wedding shows, family lunches, kids birthday parties, etc and having positions fluctuating by almost 6 figures. Tough to not look at your phone! Your wife will never truly understand. Try not to put yourself in positions where you are going to need to be checking your phone non stop. 

That’s easier said then done though when you are effectively self employed and every day you don’t work is potentially money lost. Its about trying to find a balance. It isn’t a 9-5 Monday to Friday job. Pick your battles and phone time carefully. 

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