What to expect as a Pro

I emailed my friend last week to ask him how his life had changed since he turned pro a year ago. His reply was the lists of pros and cons copied below, along with a list of advice that he would offer anyone who wants to do likewise (i.e. me). I read through the lists, and thought about how each would impact me. My comments follow each point in the lists....

Improvements:

• I never get up before 9 - think I'll usually getup at a normal time since I won't be doing the midnight thing and my gf will be up at 730 each day
• I don't have to pretend to care about a whole host of crap that you need to in an office environment - can't wait for this to be true!
• flexible hours - this is useful, but largely I'll be working 7 hours every day, with maybe a small shift either Friday night or Saturday
• no commute - again, can't wait
• for the most part I love my job - I sincerely hope I will still feel that way in a years time
• I don't have to tell people I work in IT - I'm looking forward to doing something unconventional, and to hell with the haters!
• feel like I could make a LOT of money doing this eventually - I too share this opinion, and am prepared to work pretty damn hard to try and realise this goal
• I get to laugh at everyone who pays tax - this will be pleasant, not to mention stopping payments to my lousy student loan....

Unhappy with:

• don't see any hotties during the day. not in real life at least - not really a concern given my marital status, and won't be a massive drop from the amount I see in an IT office....
• people think you have an easier ride than you do, and no-one is really symapthetic when you're losing - that's why us pros have to stick together, through thick and thin!
• miss the human contact of the office - given that I work in IT, I don't really get that much out of any 'human contact' at work. And since I'll be continuing with sports/hobbies, will get my fix through friends in those areas in addition to seeing my lovely lady every day

Advice:

• get ready for the beats. they hurt a lot more, and you need to be twice as immune to them! - I've done as much playing as possible to maximise my exposure to bad beats, and feel I've come a long way in getting used to them. I'm still not prepared fully, but with a bit of common sense and determination I will hopefully avoid major tilt.
• make sure you don't blame too much on bad luck. I pulled the wool over my own eyes for a long time before I finally fixed up, changed a few things, and plugged some leaks. your game usually isn't as good as you think it is - Sound advice. I will continue to analyse my performance even while playing well, and constantly be looking for leaks. I plan to spend at least an hour every day studying in on form or another before I start to play to get my brain in gear
• join cardrunners, watch all the videos - This will form part of my studying
• read 2+2 forums. so much good strategy in there - This will form another part
• learn to love Pokertracker/PAHUD. it's the best thing ever - More sound advice. After I consolidate my PT databases I plan to regularly review my stats and keep on top of note-taking on opponents on all sites I play at
• befriend players at your limit who are better than you and try and discuss hands with them on AIM etc. - Very very good advice. There are lots of clever and friendly players out there willing to share their thoughts. For those who don't blog, some will post on forums. For those who don't post, some will chat. For those who don't chat, just watch and learn....
• GET IN THE POKER HOLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - Don't worry my friend, I'm gonna be right down there with you!