Quote from Don Bright:
(May think I'm bias, but I have also been on both sides of the equation over the decades).
"Trade Firm's Capital" - OK, you don't put any money up. Firm allows you trade for a while on their nickel. If you make money, you can stay...if you don't you're gone (think about it, would you let someone else play blackjack for you if they lost money?). If you do make money, say $10k per month, you leave your money with the firm each month (4 months - $20K of your money, left with the firm. They "may" allow a $2K draw or something... So, in 4 months, you have $15-$20K up with the Firm....and they have already made and taken their $20,000 plus your commissions.
One exception that I know of: First New York Securities. Good people, long training program, trade "their way" - a good salaried position plus bonus.
So, trade your own money: Well, since it takes a lot of money to make a good living at trading (heck, $550k min just trade opening only orders, correlated pairs etc.)....not a bad option. But you are limited to either 2 or 4 to one of your actual cash. And, not a part of an organized large trading organization, and subject to all the retail trading restricitions.
The "stock exchange floor trading model" that my brother and I enjoyed from the "other side" for decades seems to make sense as a "hybrid" business model for traders.
You keep your $half million or more in the bank. You put up $20K or so....you use our money for your actual trading. You keep $100% of your profits, become part of a very tight knit organization of 400-500 licensed professional. You have access to many groups, mentors, training etc. AND if you make $10k per month for 4 months, as in exampel one above, you keep all $40,000 vs. giving away your money to the firm. You do pay commissions, you may trade to be involved in various training programs...but you're "safe" with a firm (owners) that has been exchange members since 1978, and doing business in this form since 1992.
To be honest, each example may have some "pros" and "cons" - our model tends to appeal to the more "entrepreneurial" types who want to run their own business (not for everyone of course).
(Now I sit and wait for the few naysayers to comment, LOL.... but just wanted to share from my perch).
All the best in whatever you choose, or whatever appeals to your best interests.
Don