Lost My Job - Need Your Advice

Hi,

I just lost my job as a programmer, and am seriously thinking about moving to Connecticut where my friend lives to become a card counter.

I am completely proficient in card counting, but am not so confident that I can actually make a living doing it.

The rules at Foxwoods/Mohegan Sun are:

8 decks, 75% penetration
Late Surrender
DAS
S17
Double on any two cards

This is about a -0.35% advantage for the house.

I have no family, and I am down to my last 9,000 dollars in savings. I am sick of real work.

I am not willing to take any unneccsary risk. Do I have a sufficient bankroll to make at least 1,000 dollars a month, assuming I play 40 hours a week? I also need to know if the conditions are good enough to pursue a career in blackjack.

Thank you in advance for your advice. I am looking forward to hearing from you.

You're extremely under bankrolled, and the games are lousy.

If you're a proficient card counter, you must have read some books. Read some more about bankroll, Kelly Criterion, EV, and standard deviation.

It is really the 8 deck that is the problem. I am currently making a living at blackjack. Not a fantastic one, though. I would never play an 8 deck game.

You don't think you can get another job as programmer ?

I would kill to know what you know--programming. I am counting cards but I think I'd rather be a programmer. Funny, eh?

Go find another job. You obviously have some marketable skills as a Programmer.

I have a HUGE clue for you...many millions of people are also sick of real work. Deal with it. I gave the Federal Government almost 32 years of work, not all bad, but I endured more than my fair share of bullshit. BUT, it paid off as I'm now retired and do whatever I want to do. THINK FUTURE, hint, hint.

Been to Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun many times. IF you must, move to Vegas or Memphis, those are the only two venues that allow you decent games. BTW, your $9k won't go far. Network and get off your butt, casinos ain't gonna dump any golden egg into your lap.

So, whaddya think you're gonna do when the $9k is toast? Helllooooo!!

Find a job, priority number ONE, 'cause there ain't no free lunch.

You'd really be better off pursuing a career in poker for the simple fact that it is much easier to find good poker games than Blackjack games. Believe me, I know your predicament well. Good luck!

hey memoryman do you live in vegas can I watch you play maybe I can learn

Thanks everyone for your advice. I guess the best thing to do would be to start looking for another job.

I was just looking for an easy way out of a difficult situation, I suppose.

Thanks again guys.

You must be kidding. Casino people read these boards. Is Jay Willis one of them?

You have an excellent skill, "Programmer", if you enjoy the field of computers, take extra classes, get as smart as smart can be, make yourself indispensable and able to work almost anywhere. Network, make friends in the field, be flexible and able to move or travel. Play the game, but above all get smart, or smarter than you are now.

Then, when the gambling bug crawls back up your butt, you will either have the financial ability to move to an area that allows you to enjoy not only gaming, but perhaps some of the finer things in life.

Right now casinos, with your BR of $9k is little more than a sneeze at a flu convention.

Get smart, save your money, and ease into the gaming thing. Remember this quote, hopefully it will come to you from time to time and you will find whatever it is you need to succeed.

Good luck,
Wildcard

No, I won't let you watch me play. I won't even let Casino personnel watch me play. hahaha

My advice, if you are serious about blackjack and aren't a casino employee, is to read a book. (to jay willis)

Read The World's Greatest Blackjack Book.

you don't have enough money.

....With a $9000 BR, your chances of becoming a pro are about the same as trying to shove melted butter up a wildcat's ass with a knitting needle.

GET ANOTHER JOB.

Forget about becoming a pro, it won't work at your level.

JMHO.

Regards (and good luck),
drumz1

Thanks, Wildcard. I really appreciate your advice.

I am going through a difficult period in my life right now, and I may have made a mistake out of desperation had it not been for your posts.

I am going to work hard to find another programming job. It's a very tough market, but with persistence and hard work I hope to make it.

Thanks again for taking the time to advise me.

I have feeling from your posts that you are somebody who really shoots to be the best at what he does. Possibly, you look at the glass as half empty quite often but that is what drives you. What I am trying to say is, you are probably ahead of 80 % of the other candidates out there but don't realize it.

Unless something drastic happened at your last job, I would say you will get another job in your field.

I hate my job too.

...that is the best advice. I was out of work for eight months two years ago, contemplated the same thing (but in poker) and realized I just didnt have the money or the skill(probably both) to beat the game on the level that would support my style of living. Also realized I have spent way too much time and money on my education to have it wasted and not receive some sort of return on it. Eventually, found a job (lower on the scrotum pole then I was when I left my old POS job) with a much better quality of life. Moving my way back up the rung now, have an interview today to move back into the same level that I was, hopefully this one will turn out a little better:)

Anyway, just wanted to let you know its not hopeless, you can and will rebound, just have to have faith and like everybody else has said, work hard at it.

Oh yeah, and if you hate programming that much (and I cant say I blame you), try going back to school to do something you enjoy!

Good Luck.

D

I live in CT and would rather play online.

With the bonuses making $500 a month is reasonable.

Initially you could make a lot more with the signup bonuses.

Some even give you money for downloading their software.
$15 here $25 here

With good discipline it can add up.