New to the Game - Attempting an Ultra-Fast Rise, Advice

The coach idea is really a must for your ambition.

Also, I don't know if you're aware, but you're hardly the only poster here with a math/science degree (I have a degree in Engineering Physics/ME). I got my degree a year ago and I've only found temporary contract work since. The job market is not a fertile place right now; if you're getting career offers, you should take one. If you wait 3 months before you start considering offers, those positions may be filled by other recent grads.

If you're half as hard-working as you claim, taking the career will be a lighter load than your college courses, so you'll actually have more time for poker after you've graduated, even if you're working a 40 hr/week job.

The risk vs reward calculation is a clear indication that poker should not be your primary goal until you're making $30 /hr or more at the tables. When your expected hourly profit playing poker is greater than your salary, then you seriously consider the switch to full-time poker player.

Also, and I don't know if you're interested, but... NLHE is a highly complex poker game, with many levels of strategic thinking involved. Consider playing 5-card draw or a limit game while you're still learning fundamentals. There are fewer fundamentals to learn in those games, and poker tactics translate well across games.

Originally Posted by MadMojoMonkey

Also, I don't know if you're aware, but you're hardly the only poster here with a math/science degree

Thousands of your opponents will have degrees too.