Is active trading a viable job for an individual?

[ironchef]

Buffett and Soros are 87. Icahn is 82. I'm sure there's hundreds of others that aren't so widely known. How old is T. Boone Pickens?
The key to long life, or at least one key, is to constantly challenge one's brain. I know of no other endeavor that that can do that so well. Let me know when you figure it out Illini.

And Charlie Munger is 94.

 

[eesnz]

ridiculous question so likely you got a ridiculous answers. trading IS a job on Wall St. so many people have the job 'trading' and they are individuals. What you really want to know I think is - Is it viable to trade from home, with limited capital, no analysis, based on your own 'skill' and the answer is NO, probably not, unless you are a polymath or have a friend that works on the street who can give you good tips. No, not happening, don't waste your time, if you want to trade for a living get a job as a trader at a big hedge fund or bank.

 

[newwurldmn]

As far as I recall, Mr. Surf left the forum because it no longer "suited his/her" needs. I think he went over the top when he posted supposed pictures of himself eating greasy cheeseburgers in his $200,000 Porsche or whatever.

He never left. But he has toned down and become a constructive member of the forum.

 

[jinxu]

Bottom Line: NEVER ever play the losers' game with them. If they are really as bad as how you describe them then they are already losers. They have nothing more to lose while you DO.

I totally agree. The more time you spend with loser the more of a loser you become. Too bad 95% of population are losers. Hehe.

 

[Zodiac4u]

I wonder if more sociopaths traded the markets if that win% would go up? After all our brains are hardwired to protect us from harm like affecting our perception when we are trading real money.

 

[JSOP]

I wonder if more sociopaths traded the markets if that win% would go up? After all our brains are hardwired to protect us from harm like affecting our perception when we are trading real money.

Sociopaths does NOT equal to good traders.

 

[JSOP]

I totally agree. The more time you spend with loser the more of a loser you become. Too bad 95% of population are losers. Hehe.

I would say 20-30% depending on how depressed one feels when calculating that percentage. LOL

 

[CSEtrader]

Hi all. I'm new to the board. This is my first post.

I've been in IT for 25 years. I may be ready for a change. What are the odds of an old dog like me (46) actually making a living as an active trader? I know there are tons of variables and this is a borderline stupid question, but let me provide a bit more info about myself...

I have a good intellect - not in MENSA mind you - but I do ok. I've always found that I picked things up faster than those around me most of the time. I'm a naturally analytical person and have no problem immersing myself in something complex. I also have a decent amount of savings that I could use to get started with. From a work ethic perspective I will put in the work as long as it's taking me somewhere. Are there any others out there like me? If I couldn't make at least $150K/yr I probably would not be interested. I'd love to hear stories from those who may have tried this and how it worked out. Thanks in advance.

Hello BYoung,
certainly, you can! But as already suggested, keep your job and start slowly. And invest in education, practice - the age is nothing, the devotion and discipline are everything. And you can do any money at any time, it will depend on your skills.
Limit your losses, once you will be successful on your sim, just make a plan how much you can lose a day, week, month, and never move from that. So the profit will come.
Our story is long and suffered but we still determined to win our legal battles and re-start to make profits.
You have to be determined, you will have your ups and downs before you will be constantly profitable, are you feel ready? So surround your self with like-minded people, avoid those who will say that trading is always losing, and keep going! All the best!

 

[Carlll]

I agree you don't need to be a genius to trade. I know from the example of my acquaintances who has never been that clever, but now trade well enough and make money.

 

[Muffhands]

I agree you don't need to be a genius to trade. I know from the example of my acquaintances who has never been that clever, but now trade well enough and make money.

Ahh so you know a guy who knows a guy who trades and makes money. Totally believable.