Prop firm or work on the floor

Quote from dblumie:

I knew I would get a remark like that but you are right. However, I am young and willing to take those chances and if doesn't work out I'll go searching for the better non-trading opportunities.

Then in this case you have your own answer ... a bird in the hand .... good luck!
 
Floor = genuine fat edge (one of the best ways to go from 10k to $1 mill+ in a few years), a stimulating environment, you are surrounded by experienced profitable traders of all varieties, and a lot of the people are young and fast-living. Downside is you have to stand all day, can't trade multiple markets, can't trade in your underwear or play music, and floor traders aren't exactly the most cultured group of people.

The other major reason to do it is that it may well be gone in 5-10 years time. This could be one of the last chances to sample that unique environment. Although I have traded mostly "upstairs", I spent a year on the floor and it was an extremely interesting and valuable experience.
 
I would give anything to have had a job on the floor of an exchange in my younger days. I say take it based on the fact everyone I met in this business with some great trading minds had floor experience (not that floor experience is a pre-requisite but take it if you have an oppty).

Not to be rude but you are also assuming that it is easy to get any floor job so you are asking which floor job would be better for you to look for. Others may know better to tell you but I assume that a floor job is impossible to get and you are in no position to write your own ticket. If you are lucky enough to have an oppty with the guy in Euro options, thank your lucky stars, kiss his ass and take it. I bet a year there will teach you more about options and trading than years and years sitting at some desk in an office.
 
Quote from Cutten:

Floor = genuine fat edge (one of the best ways to go from 10k to $1 mill+ in a few years), a stimulating environment, you are surrounded by experienced profitable traders of all varieties, and a lot of the people are young and fast-living. Downside is you have to stand all day, can't trade multiple markets, can't trade in your underwear or play music, and floor traders aren't exactly the most cultured group of people.

The other major reason to do it is that it may well be gone in 5-10 years time. This could be one of the last chances to sample that unique environment. Although I have traded mostly "upstairs", I spent a year on the floor and it was an extremely interesting and valuable experience.

I'm not at all surprised you have floor experience. I could sense it. LIFFE I presume?
 
Quote from dblumie:

Thank you all for the advice. How does someone go about getting a job working on the floor if they do not know anyone that works there. Also, is there a better place to start compared to others. i.e. euro options vs. gold.

My main concern is making sure I start in a place that will teach me a lot and provide me an opportunity to start trading. What would do you guys recommend/ if you know anyone needing assistance let me know.

is this a trading group or will you be a clerk for one guy. has this guy ever backed anyone and how long would you have to wait to actually trade (dont waste more than 18 months). As for great traders down on the floor, its 2008 not pre-2000

The better places careerwise are the obvious ones: prestigious hedge funds or banks

Also, learn to program but dont become a programmer :)
 
Quote from optioncoach:

Not to be rude but you are also assuming that it is easy to get any floor job so you are asking which floor job would be better for you to look for. Others may know better to tell you but I assume that a floor job is impossible to get and you are in no position to write your own ticket. If you are lucky enough to have an oppty with the guy in Euro options, thank your lucky stars, kiss his ass and take it. I bet a year there will teach you more about options and trading than years and years sitting at some desk in an office. [/B]

By all means I do not believe getting any job in this economy is easy. I only wanted to know which area would be the best to start in because I would do anything in my power to get that position. I am a very driven and aggressive person. I also like to learn which prompted me to ask more about what else was out there.

In response to Rosy, I do not know the particulars yet. I am meeting him next week. My understanding is that I would clerk for someone but I can get back to you next week with the full low down.
 
Quote from dblumie:

By all means I do not believe getting any job in this economy is easy. I only wanted to know which area would be the best to start in because I would do anything in my power to get that position. I am a very driven and aggressive person. I also like to learn which prompted me to ask more about what else was out there.

In response to Rosy, I do not know the particulars yet. I am meeting him next week. My understanding is that I would clerk for someone but I can get back to you next week with the full low down.

That is OC's point. Without knowing someone, you are virtually POWERLESS. Aggressive & driven guys are a dime a dozen.
 
Quote from hilojack:

That is OC's point. Without knowing someone, you are virtually POWERLESS. Aggressive & driven guys are a dime a dozen.

I do know people that trade all different things but I do not know if they have any jobs available. My question was focused on whether it made a difference if I traded options or something else. Since I have no experience I was hoping this forum would provide some guidance as to where people thought would be the best place to start. Basically, If you were to start over what area would you want to learn to trade?
 
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