Decisons.
I live in West Virginia and want to come to this tournament. After a few minutes of research, I'm looking at $410 dollars for air fare to get there. This also doesn't include the several hour trip it will take to get to the airport in PA and the gas that will take. Then, upon getting there, I will have to spend money on food, entrance fee, and any Money Matches that have to take place. I currently work at McDonalds making **** per hour and I'm going to have to start paying off student loans soon.
This all adds up to if I can go. The trip in it's entirety looks, to me, like it's going to be around $600. I'm not sure if I would have that kind of money by July or even if I would be willing to spend all of that just to go to this thing. I do not doubt my ability to win in this (confidence not stupidity), but I'm putting all my chips on the table for this which is not going to make this a fun trip but more like a business one. If I don't win ANYTHING, I'm out more than half a grand and nothing to show for it but a ticket stub.
If one thing is clear, if I can come, I will. If I magically get the money and a ride to the airport, you had better believe I'm flying in. But... the question is what to sacrifice? I'm going to have to call of 5 or so days form work which means I might as well quit since you aren't allowed to do that at my work. I'm going to need someone to pick me up and drop me off at both airports on both days. I'll need a place to sleep and food to eat. It will take a lot of work and effort to do this if I can is what I'm trying to say.
So... in all seriousness, does it sound worth it? All I want to do is get my name made in Melee, that's my goal. Is $600 and a whole lot of trouble worth going to this tournament on a chance of winning glory against people I've never played and pros who have never talk about me? I would like to say yes, but... it's just so much. I'm not rich. I mean... West Virginia man. I have nothing right now. But, this may be one of the last opportunities to do this. It would be like passing up a pilgrimage to Disney Land and then having it close down within the year before you could try to do it again.
I'm just in a conflict of interest and was wondering if someone could give me support in this. Thank you.