Quote from Maverick74:
I hate to break the bad news to you, but traders are regarded almost as low as fast food workers. What will impress a person more is "where" you trade. If you say you trade the e-mini at home they will think degenerate gambler in boxer shorts who surfs porn all day. You tell them you trade for Goldman or Citadel, they will respect you.
Look, 90% of traders make less then a fast food worker and the public knows this. Girls know this because if you live in NY or Chicago chances are the girl you are dating or want to date has dated several traders. She knows all too well about their financial status. Like I said, the only thing that can save you is working for a respectable firm.
BTW, this is why a lot of traders try to get on TV or into financial journalism, to raise their status a few ticks. Some go into politics, some will buy a bar. If you are trading from home, forget it. Just don't even bother bringing it up to people.