Tough break 65, I hope things get better for you. Hopefully anything I post will be helpful to you but don`t have too much to offer as I am just breaking into this field myself. I pondered trading as a profession for several years . Although I did dabble a bit as a hobby in 01' and didn`t do to well. I read a few books and opened small account with one of those 7$ brokerages. The worst thing happened, I made a few "lucky trades" and I was hooked. It was all downhill from there. I eventually lost about 4K. Hows the saying go...."A fool and his money..........."
I have a very physical job and I am getting too old to enjoy it anymore so have made the decision to begin my education in trading, only this time be much more patient about it. I`m still not sure if I have what it takes to be a successful trader. I`m pretty sure that I have the ability to learn the techniques, it`s the emotional mindset that is in question. Is that something that can be learned? or, Is it something that you either have it or you don`t. I`m not sure.
I have been self employed for several years and doubt if I could ever go back to a punch the clock job. I also don`t want a ceiling on my income.I handle loss pretty well as it relates to business and have had my share of sucesses. I tend to thrive on the "thrill of victory, and th agony of defeat" Not sure if this is good or bad. One thing is for sure, I am intimidated enough by the stigma (get rich quick pipe dream) associated with this profession, and the fact that it kicked my ass a few years back, to be extremely cautious. And it begs some serious questions that i have to ask myself. I am also convinced that there is such a thing as a mid income, consistently profitable trader who found success by working hard and being dedicated.
From what I have heard and read about, combined with plain conventional wisdom (what little I have) is that this business is no different than any other. A good business plan, alot of training and experience,good mentoring,persistance,hard work, proven technique,emotional maturity,and a burning desire to succeed is what is necessary.If I`m right, maybe you will hear me gloating on this sight a few years from now. I`f I`m wrong, I can only hope my losses end up as profits in the accounts of the kind gentlemen on this site and others who genuinely try to help those that are new and struggling.