What were some of the positive aspects of being a costermonger?

Costers enjoyed the freedom of being their own boss, and of tramping all over London and the surrounding countryside rather than being stuck in a stuffy office or shop. When there was money, they enjoyed watching the Penny Gaff, a bawdy cut-rate vaudeville show held in an empty storefront. Many enjoyed listening to someone read a novel or short story aloud. Many costers smoked and some drank, even those as young as seven or eight years old. Gambling was also a popular pursuit, with even young boys playing cards or pitching pennies.