Poker crossroads

I used to own and run a poker room until recently I have ceased that business. However I still help out at the new room until they are able to run smoothly. Last night I had to do the buy ins, run the side game (something I picked up in Bangkok), play poker on two tables (yes multi-tabling live), deal when the dealer takes a break, and entertain the players. I was exhausted and I can feel the fatigue kicking in. I am 36 years old and I play poker 6 nights a week.

Recently I got an offer to work overseas. They offered me about 3.8 times my previous salary which although sounds attractive but the cost of living and being away from home, my poker grinding grounds, not really worth it. However they came back with a counter-offer of 6.8 times my previous salary. I am confused. It is great money, but I have to give up my poker lifestyle. There are other sacrifices too and I don't know what to do.

Lately I feel so tired begging people for my own money back. I have so many people that owe me so much money its not even funny. Every day I take like 1-2 hours of my time keeping in touch with these people, finding where they are with their money situation, when I can get my money back etc. Having a fixed income does sound attractive again. However I play poker 6 nights a week now. Lately on a semi downswing, but still I am enjoying the grind. But if I work full time I would probably have to give this up, but weekend poker trips are still okay.

Sometimes on the poker table or in the poker scene you meet different types of people. Some a really nice and can be friends for life. But others they are out to get you. They know you're the "enemy" on the table and they treat you the same way outside of the table. Yesterday I caught someone trying to cheat on the side game. However I kept quiet as not to point fingers, but by doing so someone else thought I was the one being unethical. I am tired of this life that people keep questioning your intentions when I am pretty sure I am one of the nicest guys on the table. I for one let people owe me money for so long. I try to coach weaker players so that they can fend for themselves. Now some of my students are winning my money. But I don't mind. I treat everyone like friends, but not all treat me back the same way.

Yeah sure, full time employment I also had my fair share of assholes. They would back stab, play politics, gang up on you, bad mouth you etc etc. I have seen some of the worst in the world. But the prospect of being the top guy in the whole company sounds intriguing. Worst case is people will hate me and talk bad about me. But I will still be the boss. Muahahahaha....

At this crossroads at the moment. Where should I go, I still do not know. But I know is, poker is still a bit part of my life.