I'll echo what was said before - better to start off somewhere where there is no risk to your personal capital. Swift does have its issues, including the $50 stop to start with, but it is the easiest place to get into. Nothing wrong with putting in 6 months there and then jumping to a better firm - there are some others in Toronto.
Don't worry too much about the pnl split to start. I know everyone needs to make a living, but focusing on 'making enough' is as problematic as greed and screws up the learning process. Focus on learning. Building some solid risk management skills and discipline is far more important (cliche, but true).
Contrary to what is often said on ET, there is no timeline to profitability. Some people take months to make a basic living, others years and years. Take a pt job, but try not to work too much, it gets in the way.
Couple notes about the ones that I've seen make it quickly (pretty generic, but could be useful):
- They found a percieved edge and patiently focused on the basic strategy before complicating it.
- They didn't worry about how much they made that day, definately not about how much people around them made, but how effective they were and what they learned.
- They focus on steady progress and not swinging for the fences (which also helps keep them from blowing up).
- They tend to do the most research and prep work in their firms and have the most discipline.
Trading is a fantastic career, if it is right for you. You'll know pretty quickly whether it is or not once you've started.
Don't worry too much about the pnl split to start. I know everyone needs to make a living, but focusing on 'making enough' is as problematic as greed and screws up the learning process. Focus on learning. Building some solid risk management skills and discipline is far more important (cliche, but true).
Contrary to what is often said on ET, there is no timeline to profitability. Some people take months to make a basic living, others years and years. Take a pt job, but try not to work too much, it gets in the way.
Couple notes about the ones that I've seen make it quickly (pretty generic, but could be useful):
- They found a percieved edge and patiently focused on the basic strategy before complicating it.
- They didn't worry about how much they made that day, definately not about how much people around them made, but how effective they were and what they learned.
- They focus on steady progress and not swinging for the fences (which also helps keep them from blowing up).
- They tend to do the most research and prep work in their firms and have the most discipline.
Trading is a fantastic career, if it is right for you. You'll know pretty quickly whether it is or not once you've started.