Maybe. Maybe not. I think it depends on the general political orientation of the individuals social circle(s). Up here in Canada, most people are socialist/left-wing, who have no understanding of economics, are decidedly anti-capitalist (despite earning their living from capitalism), and hold a general disdain for 'making money' as a selfish or parasitical pursuit. America is different, in that regard. The almighty dollar reigns supreme and if you're getting paid, you get respect.
When People Ask "What do you do for a living" What say you?
- Thread starter JesseJamesFinn
- Start date
Maybe. Maybe not. I think it depends on the general political orientation of the individuals social circle(s). Up here in Canada, most people are socialist/left-wing, who have no understanding of economics, are decidedly anti-capitalist (despite earning their living from capitalism), and hold a general disdain for 'making money' as a selfish or parasitical pursuit. America is different, in that regard. The almighty dollar reigns supreme and if you're getting paid, you get respect.
That is a good point, it would depend on your social circle.
But I have to wonder, how many people really live on capital gains alone year after year? That's pretty hardcore.
I would say that unless trading is the sole source of income there is no need to mention it if it makes you uncomfortable. When asked simply give your other occupation: job, business owner, freelancer, or whatever it may be.
But I have to wonder, how many people really live on capital gains alone year after year? That's pretty hardcore.
I would say that unless trading is the sole source of income there is no need to mention it if it makes you uncomfortable. When asked simply give your other occupation: job, business owner, freelancer, or whatever it may be.
I wonder if one said the truth, simply trader, and then started to talk about the trades that were a loss, what effect that would have in the conversation. 
As far as a living from the markets, I think that goes back to the circle you run in.
I like to fly under the radar, so my response has always been:
Quantitative Analyst
Even if they are fine with me being a trader, I've just come to discover that many people just can't handle the markets, and I'm doing them a service by not steering them towards it.
Alternatively, another saying would be Financial Analytics. lol
Scaleout.Scalper
Guest
Technical analysis of financial markets.
When I meet new people and get asked, I do say I trade stocks for a living, but I make it a point to mention the number of years I've been doing it. I don't think I come across as unemployable, so I assume they'd rule out that I'm making an excuse for being in-between jobs or something.
My wife tends to playfully say stuff like "yeah he's a daytrader, basically sits around the house all day and does nothing", and I get the distinct feeling some people take her seriously, especially the ones that clam up and are probably feeling sorry for her.
Anyway, I used to be more self-conscious about this stuff when I first started, but much less insecure about it these days.
My wife tends to playfully say stuff like "yeah he's a daytrader, basically sits around the house all day and does nothing", and I get the distinct feeling some people take her seriously, especially the ones that clam up and are probably feeling sorry for her.
Anyway, I used to be more self-conscious about this stuff when I first started, but much less insecure about it these days.
I had a trader once tell me that as he made more and more consistent money he cared less and less about what anyone thought.
