Quote from Shagi:
Its only you that answer that, question. If you are looking for re-assurance if $5k is enough then probably you fall in the category of those that dont know what they are doing. No offence just think again why you would want assurance from ppl on this site. Anyone can give you any number to make you happy.
I see what you're saying. The problem is that i'm confident in myself and my abilities but i'm in graduate school with no other income and i'd be using 5k out of 7k to my name to trade with. Clearly this isn't something smart to do but i've been trading and learning for 6 years now and i really believe i can do it. But i do know that it's not uncommon for even great traders to have 4-5 losing small trades in the beginning. However, for a 5k account those 4-5 losses would amount to a huge obstacle to overcome.
The safe path would be graduate and work a few years to save up a real trading stake and give it a go. So maybe i'm just being young and anxious but i know trading full time is what i want to eventually do.
Yeah, you lost money, but gained knowledge. Welcome to the (unfortunately painful) learning process. If you can combine enough knowledge with that emotional strength you mentioned, you will make it (may take a couple more busts first though).