Thread by @zedmaster84

The global pandemic certainly had an influence on the #Poker industry, which currently experiences a temporary boom with record numbers for live events.

But not everything is as shiny as one might think so bear me out for a little thread during an airport layover.

Many staff (especially dealers) were forced to sit on the bylines for more than 1.5 years, many of which had to take regular day jobs. A big portion of them returned but in the grand scheme of things, it's certainly not the same anymore.

For poker players it didn't matter that much because they could cluck buttons from the comfort of their home. Online poker was booming and took a major hit when the live scene resumed almost business as usual.

Behind the scenes, the poker operators have seen a big shakeup for their employees and many familiar names moved onto other things. You won't see much about that posted anywhere and have to look closely to notice it as a regular player.

The very same also applies for my own profession as well. My income is mostly earned via #livereporting and being stuck behind a computer screen at home certainly sucked.

Even before the pandemic, the pool of good reporters was already small. Now, it's even smaller.

There have been many days where I asked myself if I should continue because the future has been and still is very uncertain. Cutting expenses start in certain areas and live reporting is very high up on that list of potential candidates.

It is a very niche occupation and surprisingly hard to find qualified people who put in utmost effort despite looking very easy on paper to most poker players.

If I'd mention to do 2-3 jobs at once during solo shifts, most would probably not believe it.

Here is the thing: You don't get rich from live reporting in poker, at least not money wise. It's a nerve wrecking, stressful and testing job where every mistake is literally thrown right into your face.

It takes a lot of effort, dedication, preparation and forward thinking to be prepared for all things that can and will happen. That is simply not common anymore these days in this particular industry.

We are an almost extinct species.

If it would have only been about the money, I would have already pursued a corporate job many years ago.

I was also approached to sign a fixed contract in the industry during the pandemic. Guaranteed money.

I declined both times. This sounds completely stupid, doesn't it?

I prefer to grind countless hours in as many different locations as possible to showcase my talents. Because I am convinced that i wouldn't be able to show the same passion and quality in a corporate office job.

I don't even know how to keep my mouth shut. 😬

Of course this dedicated working style comes with a major downside. I am mentally and physically drained and it takes a toll over time.

Earlier this year, I returned to full action and didn't take any breaks beyond a few days up to a week.

I didnt say anything, I just worked.

The final versict after being on the road for nearly six months after the @WSOP wrapped up: Burnout, physically, mentally and emotionally. It was perhaps the worst year in quite some time and I haven't even filled grasped yet why.

The smile on my face has barely changed, same for the very focused look while walking up and down the aisles in tournament areas.

It's great when the autopilot works just fine and nobody notices any change in quality, huh?

The break in Asia was desperately needed fwiw.

The one thing I know is the following: I want to retain my freedom and will put in the same effort for this job as long as the fire inside is burning.

But I am scared about what happens when this isn't the case anymore. I don't have a Plan B or C just yet.

My fitness level is slowly improving again and the craving for travel is near infinite. It's called #wanderlust as I want to explore new places, see different cultures.

If possible, not by myself. But that is a whole different story that will remain in the drawer for now.

Select few people in the industry that I trust knew about some of these struggles already. They are hard to admit and make yourself vulnerable.

It's okay not to be okay, as long as you try to improve and find a way to cope with all the uncertainty in a lopsided industry.

Many things are taken for granted but few know how much effort behind the scenes is required 2 guarantee a smooth poker experience for a very diverse audience.

It's impossible to please everybody and often you have to swallow complaints and just nod. Because you have few choices

The chances this will get any kind of relevant attention are slim to none. Because in #poker and life in general, drama rules especially when it involves bizarre high stakes cash game hands.

But some things simply need to be said to get ir off your own chest.

There is one very important lesson I learned along the way. No matter how shit you feel, try to spread kindness.

During my travels, I always try to find some small unique things that I can gift to people I care about or even just randomly meet. It can make their day.

If you look close enough, you will notice that I always wear a small talisman and bracelet.

Most of them are unique or even handmade. During the pandemic I started buying gemstones to create bracelets.

They are not for sale because they come from my ❤️. Be kind, be good.