Alternatives to Prop Firms?

[TsTrades]

Quote from TsTrades:

But I just can't help but point out that there is something seriously wrong with you people. I mean, do you really think what you guys do is normal?

and

Quote from TraderZones:

I will boil this down so even you can understand it:


You are an Idiot

Point proven.

Actually, if you want to see the PROPER way to respond to people, please check out my response to tycoonman's "Are there firms that will train..." thread. He asked a question. I gave him an answer. I didn't make it about him. I made it about the field and the opportunities therein. Guess you must find that threatening.

 

[LeeD]

Quote from TsTrades:

Point proven.

Every active forum has a resident troll. Some of TraderZones's comments are pointless and offensive, other ones are thoughtful and insightful. I find some of the latter ones among the best and most relevant in the respective threads... but forums are abundant in trash-talk. It's wiser to ignore irrelevant replies.

Disclaimer: I don't mean to be instructive. I just approve of constructive discussion... on the forums or anywhere else.

 

[billyjoerob]

This thread is very amusing. It seems like TST is looking for a *respectable* position . . . salary, reputable firm, training, etc. Every suggestion that he just trade gets shot down . . . Just think how much easier it is today than twenty years ago to try your hand at trading. Cheap commissions, access to huge range of products and leverage, etc. etc. If you have the talent, there's really no need for huge capital.

 

[TsTrades]

Quote from billyjoerob:

It seems like TST is looking for a *respectable* position . . . salary, reputable firm, training, etc.

In other words, a real job. Yes. Call me crazy.

Quote from billyjoerob:

Every suggestion that he just trade gets shot down . . . Just think how much easier it is today than twenty years ago to try your hand at trading.

That's probably exactly what the vast majority of people do. Of course, the vast majority of traders also fail. Why wouldn't I want to choose a different path? Do I think that the people who get trained by top prop firms are more likely to fall into that minority of traders who become successful? Yes.

 

[billyjoerob]

Quote from TsTrades:

Do I think that the people who get trained by top prop firms are more likely to fall into that minority of traders who become successful? Yes. [/B]

I doubt they have any special sauce. I don't have any idea what the business model is, but I suspect the traders they *train* are really intelligent monkeys executing the house strategy to the letter. Better to figure it out on your own, I would say.

Any info on how these respectable prop firms work would be appreciated. The poster who said they've basically all moved to quant strategies, that's easy to believe.

 

[billyjoerob]

I'm in the same boat as you, TSTrade. As you get older you have to create opportunities on your own.

 

[TsTrades]

Quote from billyjoerob:

As you get older you have to create opportunities on your own.

Well, again, the age thing I'm just going to have to work through -- it's not something I can do anything about. Let's be a little real about it, though. At 32, it's not like I'm about to keel over and die. Nor is it like I'm trying to become a professional athlete. To say that at my age I'm physically incapable of sitting in front of a computer and pushing some buttons is insane. If the firms really do eliminate people my age, it's pure, unfounded age discrimination. Although, I know. What's anyone going to do about it? Still, companies hire people, not numbers. I have to hope I make a good impression on someone (or possibly even find some connection or something) and catch a break and become the exception to the rule. That's it.

 

[LeeD]

Quote from TsTrades:

At 32, it's not like I'm about to keel over and die. Nor is it like I'm trying to become a professional athlete. To say that at my age I'm physically incapable of sitting in front of a computer and pushing some buttons is insane. If the firms really do eliminate people my age, it's pure, unfounded age discrimination.

It is not about age as such. If you are considering a trainee (or similar) posistion, people expect that you are the one to run buy coffee and you'll work 90 hours per week without expectation of any financial reward. At 20 many think it's what it takes to get in. So, it's worth it.

At 30 you likely have family with kinds. So, you aren't prepared to compromise on the bootom line like the working hours. Further, you may get upset if someone 5 years younger and with half of your industry experience is earning 3 times your salary.

 

[TsTrades]

Quote from LeeD:

It is not about age as such. If you are considering a trainee (or similar) posistion, people expect that you are the one to run buy coffee and you'll work 90 hours per week without expectation of any financial reward.

That sounds more like an investment banking analyst job you're describing. Which is not what I'm interested in.

Quote from LeeD:

At 30 you likely have family with kinds.

I think you mean "kids," but no, I don't. So that's moot.

 

[LeeD]

TsTrades, you are right on both counts.

I guess I have to filter through all the irrelevant posts in this thread to offer a relevant comment.