why did he give up his job and risk everyting to become a magician? As an intelligent and ambitious young man, Ehrich wanted to make something of his life. A career on the stage was one way he could escape from poverty. As a Jew at that time, many professions were closed to him. A career in business might have been possible, or even in medicine (like one of his brothers), but it would not have been easy. He had had to leave school early, and his family was unable to help him get start.
In any case, Ehrich /Harry was not interested in those careers. He was a born showman who loved an audience. Furthermore, on stage as a magician, he became more powerful. He was the one in control, who could make people believe whatever he wanted. On stage he also stood above the audience physically. This was important to him since he was quite short--only5'4" (162cm). All his life, he stood very straight and tried to make himself seem taller.