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It's about 11:40 a.m., and my mom yells I have to cook rice soon. I quickly get out of my SC2 game that was in progress, and ran down the stairs. I didn't care if I lose points for that game; beta is almost over anyways.
Today's lunch menu was kimchi soup with tofu in it and cebollino-chicken pie. My mom used intercom to call my dad upstairs to let him know lunch is ready. But my dad was working and was talking on his phone to one of his employees and couldn't answer my mom's call. So, my mom and I decided to eat first.
I eat quietly, as always, and my mom is worried that I am unemployed now. I studied at the University of Minnesota to be an actuary and just got my B.S. in Mathematics, and I just can't find a job in my field because of bad economy in the US. I passed the first two preliminary exams: Exam P: Probability, and Exam FM: Financial Mathematics during college years. Now, I am thinking about taking the third, Exam MLC: Life Contingencies Segment, this year.
My mom breaks the silence by talking about what I want to do in the future if I don't get employed for a long time. Initially, I say I don't know. I played the flute for about 10 years, then I realized I wasn't good enough to be in a decent orchestra, and I am not playing it anymore. I played StarCraft:Brood War for about 10 years, but I was not the best because I haven't lived in South Korea for a long time and had no chance to play with hardcore middle/high school Korean StarCraft players and learn from them.
I told my mom that if I tell her what I want to do, she will immediately reject it. She said go ahead, and so I told her I want to be a professional gamer. I told her that there's a new PC game called StarCraft II coming soon, and I wanted to participate in as many tournaments as possible when it comes out. Then, my mom asked me why I want to be a pro-gamer. I told her that it fits my aptitude and analytical mind, and I want to do what I love not necessarily for money. My mom then asked how I am going to make a living out of it and asked whether it's healthy. I told her that if I win many tournaments, I might have a chance to get into a professional gaming team in the US (like EG or Fnatic) and live with other players to support each other. I even told her that players have to regularly exercise to keep their body and reflexes fit. Then, my mom asks what will I do when I get older. I told her that I can be a coach or a commentator to support myself. Then, my mom finishes our conversation by talking about how college educated jobs provide more secure income to pay for insurances, Social Security retirement, home mortgage, etc.
My dad comes down finally at about 1:00 p.m., and my mom kept quiet.
The End
Note: I didn't say I MUST become a pro-gamer, and I didn't say I would throw away my actuarial career just to become a SC2 pro-gamer. Thank you for reading though.
 
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o_0 interesting story. your mom seems pretty open minded though. good luck with your job search
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It seems like you just sort of made up the desire to be a pro gamer based more on fantasy. Dont think of the goal, think of the journey
Do you want to practice several hours a day?
Do you have any serious practice partners or will you have to look hard for quality games and critique?
Are you self motivated enough to stick to this day in day out while having to give up a normal life (which seems to be where you were headed up until this past lunchtime) ?
You obviously can't think you're the first.. .. Why are you the most fit to do this?
How will you manage the logistics of getting to tournaments? There surely isn't going to be enough in your area (where do you live?)
Are these the kind of questions you want to fill your life with for the next several years?
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I just got a bachelor's in mathematics too!
I'm getting a master's in mathematics education and going into teaching though... it'll pay just as well as SC2 -.-'
Good luck  Follow your dream
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A lot of Koreans in Minnesota?
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16986 Posts
I'm all for following your dreams, but at some point you need to examine the practicality of pursuing what you "love" as opposed to what's pragmatic.
In terms of salary, benefits, professional opportunity, future prospects, and status, being a gamer can't compare to being an actuary. Being an actuary is also a much more realistic prospect than being even a semi-successful gamer.
That being said, good luck with whatever you pursue.
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To ella_guru: Currently, I live in Hayward, California with my parents.
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SC1 C- korean fail zerg into SC2 pro? =P Jk.
Seriously though, you should probably get at least some sort of job to support yourself even if it is part time. Even the EG guys have jobs.
Why do you want to be a progamer? SC2 is fun, but damn the hours you need to put in is so tough.
GL HF.
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I think your mother is absolutely right to be concerned. Grow up dude, you have a college education and your still tinkering with the idea of becoming a progamer? Co mon now.
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I am a pro gamer, I go to a job during the daytime, when I come home I practice for hours on hours and every two weeks I get a paycheck for my effort.
GL with your pursuit, hopefully it works out.
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has Day9´s speech of telling your mom about starcraft has anything to do with this?
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Calgary25980 Posts
On July 20 2010 06:38 Kralic wrote:
I am a pro gamer, I go to a job during the daytime, when I come home I practice for hours on hours and every two weeks I get a paycheck for my effort.
GL with your pursuit, hopefully it works out.
Hehe I like this post.
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Players come and go in the pro scene, remember that. Don't expect any longevity. An education is forever, no one can take that away from you...
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Who's to say there will even be a lasting pro scene...
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On July 20 2010 06:43 Chill wrote:Show nested quote +On July 20 2010 06:38 Kralic wrote:
I am a pro gamer, I go to a job during the daytime, when I come home I practice for hours on hours and every two weeks I get a paycheck for my effort.
GL with your pursuit, hopefully it works out. Hehe I like this post.
same...he makes it sound easy lol
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On July 20 2010 06:53 unit wrote:Show nested quote +On July 20 2010 06:43 Chill wrote:On July 20 2010 06:38 Kralic wrote:
I am a pro gamer, I go to a job during the daytime, when I come home I practice for hours on hours and every two weeks I get a paycheck for my effort.
GL with your pursuit, hopefully it works out. Hehe I like this post. same...he makes it sound easy lol
Um, I think... ah, nevermind.
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Your mom is right, listen to her.
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I people that open minded lived in my household.. T_T
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On July 20 2010 06:38 Kralic wrote:
I am a pro gamer, I go to a job during the daytime, when I come home I practice for hours on hours and every two weeks I get a paycheck for my effort.
GL with your pursuit, hopefully it works out.
I agree with this
there are a number of high risk jobs that are more fun. things like standup comedians, or pro gamers are "careers" (terrible choice of word) that can be done WHILE having another more stable job.
plz plz plz for your family's sake get a real job while you work at the SC2 thing. it is the much more stable secure and monetarily sound option.
and go to college
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16986 Posts
He does have a university degree. :/
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Being an actuary sounds super lame anyway, I'd rather be an incredibly broke B-team progamer and play Starcraft 12 hours a day than be filthy rich and crunch probabilities for 8 hours a day.
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On July 20 2010 07:31 Uranium wrote:
Being an actuary sounds super lame anyway, I'd rather be an incredibly broke B-team progamer and play Starcraft 12 hours a day than be filthy rich and crunch probabilities for 8 hours a day.
He could be a " smart investor" Like Jacob "LzGaMeR" Winstead instead?..
I don't think it requires much effort.
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Have you ever actually played Starcraft 12 hours a day for any length of time greater than 1 week? How do you know you'd actually enjoy it?
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I suggest you look for a part-time job on the side at least, and see if you have what it takes to be around the top with part-time SC practice. If not, you probably won't make it too far with more time investment either.
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i went through this too sorta after college. instead of progaming i wanted to support myself gambling on sports games. I never told my parents about it or placed real money on any of the games, but it was just an idea i had in my head. Eventually i decided to just apply for medical school though. It's prob just a phase.
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On July 20 2010 07:30 Empyrean wrote:
He does have a university degree. :/
Always something to fall back on, and if he can't find a job soon then he might as well do something for fun and that he enjoys until he can get a job that suits his diploma.
Cool that your mom didn't shut down the idea right away, although, I don't see why it matters... You're done with college and can live on your own so her word has less effect than it used to when you were a child.
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Your mom is right with the whole financial security thing, but you should at least find some work to make your mom happy, and it'll help you in the long run if you need money, and on your free time practice starcraft! From what I read, it looks like she was all for supporting you in your "pro-gamer dream" but just wanted to let you know that there is another choice that's easier on you. Actually that's pretty cool if she's actually supporting you there, what a great mom! I hope for the best to whatever choices you make!
gg gl hf
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I think it's very, very difficult to be a "pro gamer" and make money from doing only that. It also is a job which ends pretty early in life. I don't think its viable to make a career out of only that.
Rather use your skills to become a pro poker player - money's better and you can do it for life
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Nobody can decide for you what to do with your life. You seem smart, you probably didn't overlook all the downsides to persuing a career as a professional gamer, and if it's worth it to you then go for it. Even so, there's no telling what the future has in store for sc2. I'm not as sure it will flourish as an international e-sport as some people here seem to be.
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If your parents would be financially supporting you while you pursue your dream then it wouldn't be right. Otherwise, best of luck to you.
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On July 20 2010 13:04 MetalMarine wrote:
Don't do it....
blehk. What a boring attitude.
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In the first post you made, it doesn't sound like you have a realistic view of what's really going on here. There's more to being pro than just playing a lot or practicing with other pros. Making the assumption that your potential is good enough to be pro might not be a good idea. There is a certain amount of natural talent involved, and either you have it or you don't.
You should have a back up plan, and accept the fact that you might not be good enough. And even if you are, you need to be dedicated to playing no matter how boring it becomes, and to be lucky enough to find a sponsor. In the real world, you can't just be whatever you want if you try hard enough. Sometimes, no amount of hard work can break the barrier of natural ability.
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That is a pretty nice and reasonable mum you have =)
A good degree, from a good university, and you are unemployed? Such a harsh situation in the US. Think thrice before making any permanent decision, but whatever it is, good luck with it!
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this wasnt even close to a odd conversation, its just you openning ur thoughts and goals in life to your mom, I have had odd conversations cause im getting married and we had like 3-4 family tables. not only I have to support myself but also in 1-2 years from now my baby
also becoming a professional gamer isnt going to help you get a secure future in life.
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Why is it odd that your mother would steer your away from a dumb idea, even if you were just being facetious. What's odd is that you'd worry your dear concerned mother some more by saying that kind of stuff to her instead of saying you're gonna pick up a bs job in the mean time.
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10 years of flute playing? Getting lessons? That sort of dedication shows you're ready for other challenges as well. Why not set up a small private music teaching network and do SC2 in your spare time? You don't need a master of music degree to get paid 50/hr, and you only have to work maybe 5hrs/day.
+ Show Spoiler +No, I'm not speaking as if private music teaching is easy hypothetically, I've taught private piano and music theory for anywhere from 25/hr (group, music theory) to 50/hr (private, piano). No, I don't have a master of music... I do have an ARCT in piano though.
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Just make sure you have a plan and thought it through. Other than that do whatever you like.
She seemed to take it decently well, could have been much worse. Pls udpate us when your dad hears about it and goes apesh.., err has a chat with you (jk.. jk)
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While I do like ProHellZerg's attitude on progaming, I find it to be a little unrealistic for one of the many reason. I am assuming that you're about 22-23 years old, but you haven't really played SC at a high level before. If that's the case, I think training your muscle for progaming will be a bit difficult. If you watch some documentary on progaming, they have developed their muscles and brain to react quick due to a lot of experience.
Sure, you can gain the experience, but will your muscles be able to keep up? I used to be decent at StarCraft, playing with some pretty big names back 8 or 9 years ago, but I feel that my muscles can't keep up with what I want to do anymore if I start playing again. I think it's due to not practicing for so long and the fact that age is catching up with me. I feel my fingers aren't able to move as fast as they used to and my reaction is comparably slower than it used to be.
Please don't say names like WhiteRa and Artosis because those guys play daily. For someone like me who hasn't played games seriously more than 7 years, I find it hard to get back into my former condition. If you play at a high level daily, then it's a different story, which is why I feel a lot of progamers in Korea are as good as they are. If you're just a casual player who plays a few hours a week, then the reality is that your mind and muscle won't be able to keep up with people who are practicing more than you.
EDIT: Yup, I was right, moderator on this forum are bias. I wouldn't expect less.
http://www.teamliquid.net/blogs/viewblog.php?topic_id=137488
User was warned for this post
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On July 21 2010 01:39 OpticalShot wrote:10 years of flute playing? Getting lessons? That sort of dedication shows you're ready for other challenges as well. Why not set up a small private music teaching network and do SC2 in your spare time? You don't need a master of music degree to get paid 50/hr, and you only have to work maybe 5hrs/day. + Show Spoiler +No, I'm not speaking as if private music teaching is easy hypothetically, I've taught private piano and music theory for anywhere from 25/hr (group, music theory) to 50/hr (private, piano). No, I don't have a master of music... I do have an ARCT in piano though.
This is actually an excellent idea, it takes less time than trying to do something with your mathematics degree and will support you at least for a while. Getting a progaming career started is kind of like becoming an actor. Eventually you might make it big but most people don't, and you have to have some other job to sustain you while you improve your skills and get your name out there.
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That sounds like a pretty unrealistic goal considering your probably atleast 22. If you put all this time and effort into trying to be a progamer and it doesnt pay off your gonna be like 26 unemployed and live with your parents.
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On July 20 2010 06:42 HeadhunteR wrote:
has Day9´s speech of telling your mom about starcraft has anything to do with this?
It doesn't matter what Day9 says hes so fucking baller if he tells you to jump off a bridge you better fucking do it.
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Are we assuming theres suddenly gonna be a SCII progaming scene akin to Korea's?
Even if that does happen, it will take years, after all the expansions come out.
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On July 21 2010 03:28 otsukaresama wrote:While I do like ProHellZerg's attitude on progaming, I find it to be a little unrealistic for one of the many reason. I am assuming that you're about 22-23 years old, but you haven't really played SC at a high level before. If that's the case, I think training your muscle for progaming will be a bit difficult. If you watch some documentary on progaming, they have developed their muscles and brain to react quick due to a lot of experience. Sure, you can gain the experience, but will your muscles be able to keep up? I used to be decent at StarCraft, playing with some pretty big names back 8 or 9 years ago, but I feel that my muscles can't keep up with what I want to do anymore if I start playing again. I think it's due to not practicing for so long and the fact that age is catching up with me. I feel my fingers aren't able to move as fast as they used to and my reaction is comparably slower than it used to be. Please don't say names like WhiteRa and Artosis because those guys play daily. For someone like me who hasn't played games seriously more than 7 years, I find it hard to get back into my former condition. If you play at a high level daily, then it's a different story, which is why I feel a lot of progamers in Korea are as good as they are. If you're just a casual player who plays a few hours a week, then the reality is that your mind and muscle won't be able to keep up with people who are practicing more than you. EDIT: Yup, I was right, moderator on this forum are bias. I wouldn't expect less. http://www.teamliquid.net/blogs/viewblog.php?topic_id=137488User was warned for this post
Just wondering why was this guy warned? I thought it was a legitimate post besides the
"yup mods are bias for no reason" thing.
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On July 21 2010 05:48 Diuqil wrote:Show nested quote +On July 21 2010 03:28 otsukaresama wrote:While I do like ProHellZerg's attitude on progaming, I find it to be a little unrealistic for one of the many reason. I am assuming that you're about 22-23 years old, but you haven't really played SC at a high level before. If that's the case, I think training your muscle for progaming will be a bit difficult. If you watch some documentary on progaming, they have developed their muscles and brain to react quick due to a lot of experience. Sure, you can gain the experience, but will your muscles be able to keep up? I used to be decent at StarCraft, playing with some pretty big names back 8 or 9 years ago, but I feel that my muscles can't keep up with what I want to do anymore if I start playing again. I think it's due to not practicing for so long and the fact that age is catching up with me. I feel my fingers aren't able to move as fast as they used to and my reaction is comparably slower than it used to be. Please don't say names like WhiteRa and Artosis because those guys play daily. For someone like me who hasn't played games seriously more than 7 years, I find it hard to get back into my former condition. If you play at a high level daily, then it's a different story, which is why I feel a lot of progamers in Korea are as good as they are. If you're just a casual player who plays a few hours a week, then the reality is that your mind and muscle won't be able to keep up with people who are practicing more than you. EDIT: Yup, I was right, moderator on this forum are bias. I wouldn't expect less. http://www.teamliquid.net/blogs/viewblog.php?topic_id=137488User was warned for this post Just wondering why was this guy warned? I thought it was a legitimate post besides the "yup mods are bias for no reason" thing.
No one likes attention whores martyring themselves for dumb things?
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On July 21 2010 05:52 Hawk wrote:Show nested quote +On July 21 2010 05:48 Diuqil wrote:On July 21 2010 03:28 otsukaresama wrote:While I do like ProHellZerg's attitude on progaming, I find it to be a little unrealistic for one of the many reason. I am assuming that you're about 22-23 years old, but you haven't really played SC at a high level before. If that's the case, I think training your muscle for progaming will be a bit difficult. If you watch some documentary on progaming, they have developed their muscles and brain to react quick due to a lot of experience. Sure, you can gain the experience, but will your muscles be able to keep up? I used to be decent at StarCraft, playing with some pretty big names back 8 or 9 years ago, but I feel that my muscles can't keep up with what I want to do anymore if I start playing again. I think it's due to not practicing for so long and the fact that age is catching up with me. I feel my fingers aren't able to move as fast as they used to and my reaction is comparably slower than it used to be. Please don't say names like WhiteRa and Artosis because those guys play daily. For someone like me who hasn't played games seriously more than 7 years, I find it hard to get back into my former condition. If you play at a high level daily, then it's a different story, which is why I feel a lot of progamers in Korea are as good as they are. If you're just a casual player who plays a few hours a week, then the reality is that your mind and muscle won't be able to keep up with people who are practicing more than you. EDIT: Yup, I was right, moderator on this forum are bias. I wouldn't expect less. http://www.teamliquid.net/blogs/viewblog.php?topic_id=137488User was warned for this post Just wondering why was this guy warned? I thought it was a legitimate post besides the "yup mods are bias for no reason" thing. No one likes attention whores martyring themselves for dumb things?
Well if his advice is true and he was a "pro gamer" for a few years then I don't see the point of warning him for giving honest advice. The "mods are biased" thing is very immature though. I mean Day9 has done the community many great things, and the majority of TL'ers like him so of course hes going to get more privileges.
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On July 21 2010 05:55 Diuqil wrote:Show nested quote +On July 21 2010 05:52 Hawk wrote:On July 21 2010 05:48 Diuqil wrote:On July 21 2010 03:28 otsukaresama wrote:While I do like ProHellZerg's attitude on progaming, I find it to be a little unrealistic for one of the many reason. I am assuming that you're about 22-23 years old, but you haven't really played SC at a high level before. If that's the case, I think training your muscle for progaming will be a bit difficult. If you watch some documentary on progaming, they have developed their muscles and brain to react quick due to a lot of experience. Sure, you can gain the experience, but will your muscles be able to keep up? I used to be decent at StarCraft, playing with some pretty big names back 8 or 9 years ago, but I feel that my muscles can't keep up with what I want to do anymore if I start playing again. I think it's due to not practicing for so long and the fact that age is catching up with me. I feel my fingers aren't able to move as fast as they used to and my reaction is comparably slower than it used to be. Please don't say names like WhiteRa and Artosis because those guys play daily. For someone like me who hasn't played games seriously more than 7 years, I find it hard to get back into my former condition. If you play at a high level daily, then it's a different story, which is why I feel a lot of progamers in Korea are as good as they are. If you're just a casual player who plays a few hours a week, then the reality is that your mind and muscle won't be able to keep up with people who are practicing more than you. EDIT: Yup, I was right, moderator on this forum are bias. I wouldn't expect less. http://www.teamliquid.net/blogs/viewblog.php?topic_id=137488User was warned for this post Just wondering why was this guy warned? I thought it was a legitimate post besides the "yup mods are bias for no reason" thing. No one likes attention whores martyring themselves for dumb things? The "mods are biased" thing is very immature though.
That's what I'm talking about. It's not even a thread related to that, and would still be stupid if it were in Day's thread.
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On July 21 2010 06:04 Hawk wrote:Show nested quote +On July 21 2010 05:55 Diuqil wrote:On July 21 2010 05:52 Hawk wrote:On July 21 2010 05:48 Diuqil wrote:On July 21 2010 03:28 otsukaresama wrote:While I do like ProHellZerg's attitude on progaming, I find it to be a little unrealistic for one of the many reason. I am assuming that you're about 22-23 years old, but you haven't really played SC at a high level before. If that's the case, I think training your muscle for progaming will be a bit difficult. If you watch some documentary on progaming, they have developed their muscles and brain to react quick due to a lot of experience. Sure, you can gain the experience, but will your muscles be able to keep up? I used to be decent at StarCraft, playing with some pretty big names back 8 or 9 years ago, but I feel that my muscles can't keep up with what I want to do anymore if I start playing again. I think it's due to not practicing for so long and the fact that age is catching up with me. I feel my fingers aren't able to move as fast as they used to and my reaction is comparably slower than it used to be. Please don't say names like WhiteRa and Artosis because those guys play daily. For someone like me who hasn't played games seriously more than 7 years, I find it hard to get back into my former condition. If you play at a high level daily, then it's a different story, which is why I feel a lot of progamers in Korea are as good as they are. If you're just a casual player who plays a few hours a week, then the reality is that your mind and muscle won't be able to keep up with people who are practicing more than you. EDIT: Yup, I was right, moderator on this forum are bias. I wouldn't expect less. http://www.teamliquid.net/blogs/viewblog.php?topic_id=137488User was warned for this post Just wondering why was this guy warned? I thought it was a legitimate post besides the "yup mods are bias for no reason" thing. No one likes attention whores martyring themselves for dumb things? The "mods are biased" thing is very immature though. That's what I'm talking about. It's not even a thread related to that, and would still be stupid if it were in Day's thread.
Ohh okay.
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Im worried about being in your situation after this year. Ill have a bachelors in Mechanical Engineering but I couldnt find an internship this summer so im worried ill be fucked 
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EPT
