If you want to become a poker professional, there are a few questions you need to ask yourself.

What is my bankroll?

There has always been some debate about the question how much money you need at a certain level without risking bankruptcy. Most casual players completely ignore the bankroll requirements, but if you want to start making a living with poker, you need to build up reserves.

What are my expenses?

This is possibly a tough question. Most people go out from the minimum when compiling a budget. It is important that you have a realistic overview of your monthly expenses. This is including unexpected events. Remind yourself that this is about your life. If you live on cold cereal with no money to go to the cinema, you might have to consider a more traditional job.

Can I handle the pressure?

Losing is never fun, but if you are counting on your gains to cover your daily expenses, losing can be a disaster. The mailbox keeps filling itself with bills. If you continue losing, this could be very difficult and it is hard to play your best game if you feel that you always have to win. A solid bankroll combined with  some extra savings can relieve you from the pressure.