I was a relatively strong chess player in middle school (~2200 USCF at age 14), but quit due to parental pressure to focus on academics and college admissions. However, looking back almost a decade later, I think that was the last time I was truly happy. People throw around the word passion a lot, but I've felt it -- and I'd do anything to rekindle that fire. I know it's been a while, but I really want to get back into chess and take it as far as I can. However, the reality is that going from NM to FM/IM/GM strength takes an extraordinary amount of work. As a result, I'm wondering how best I can pursue my dream while maintaining some financial security. I'm not really interested in marriage or children so I don't need a huge nest egg, but not worrying about money is a hard requirement for me -- I've seen chess financially crumble far too many people's lives (including my coaches'). Here are the 3 options I've come up with (poll is below): 1) Forget chess, hit 2M NW and a paid off house, FIRE, and then play to my heart's content The downside of ^ is that I'll likely be 40 by the time it happens. I'm a strong believer in nurture vs. nature, but I've personally never seen the kind of chess improvement I'm targeting at that age. 2) Target remote roles at WLB-focused, relaxed companies and pursue chess on the side 3) Earn like a madman until 30, and then transition to option #2 (the compromise option) #chess #tech #amazon #wlb
I feel like you could probably do something in the middle, eg work at Microsoft to rest and vest. You will have great work life balance and can use your remaining time to play chess.
Op dm me. Im in exactly same boat as u. Im a chess fanatic myself
Dm'ed
Have you considered hiring someone like Pandolfini or Bartholomew for an hour or so, and seeing what they recommend? They've both coached people to GM level, in Pandolfini's case to World Championship candidate level.
I had two IM coaches back in the day, and they were invaluable in terms of reviewing my games but coaching is definitely not a magic bullet. I'm more concerned about how to create the time as opposed to how to improve.
Opening study while waiting for code to compile is actually a solid idea, didn't think of that. Thanks!
Similar situation here but my chess strength is much weaker. I instead focus on reaching my fat fire goal first before deciding whether I should embark on a serious chess journey again. I think, as an adult, financial stability is a pre-requisite for pursuing hobbies. Just my opinion though.
That's very true. Just curious though, what's your FIRE number? I'm just worried that I won't have enough mental horsepower left if I wait until I'm ready to FIRE
Did you just watch The Queens Gambit
I didn't. I don't usually watch chess-related movies because they're always about mental illness and/or get stuff wrong about basic things
Working on your passion is overrated. Atleast in the first half of your career. Only successes stories are highlighted. Or may be those who fell down from success. People those who got crumbled financially or those who never made it anywhere due to such decisions never get discussed about. Don't be impulsive on this passion and stuff. Specially when the financial prospects are poor.
You think it's too risky even if I hold down a full-time SWE job while I do this?
Have you considered working on board game development?
Like writing chess engines?
Or any other similar engines that require heuristics. That would be a perfect match for your strengths, I think. Then you would not see the work as an impediment of developing your talent, but you could start using your talent, dream and work together for creating something unique and out of the possibility for all the others. Just playing chess is not enough, go beyond that. (I'm also a chess player, but a weak one.)
I think everyone is more passionate about their hobbies than their work. It's possible to make money in the chess world, but it's very, very hard. Probably best to stay in tech and keep chess as a hobby.
People on here are in their 20s earning 450k/yr and still fucking miserable. Do what makes you happy. You can probably get a remote job earning better than 90% of the US population and have the WLB to pursue your dream at the same time.
It's just a boardgame. Play Catan in your free time instead.
Everyone has their own life goals, bud
Chess is hardly "just a boardgame" dude