I made a lot of money in my corporate years. Wore fine Italian suits, drove German cars, Swiss watches, had collections of pre-Colombian pottery, collectible guitars etc etc. But it was just an accumulation of "stuff" which masked a dissatisfaction in my life. Despite the affluence, I looked more forward to Fridays than Mondays, more to going home than going to work.
Like many toward the end of the tech bull, I put on some trades which invariably worked. When I made the decision to resign from the firm and corporate life, it was like getting freed from a minimum security prison. This was the end of 1999 and through Feb of 2000, the money flowed. When the bear hit, I was completely unprepared and had no idea that I had no idea. Bottom line was aside from the considerable losses came some naked realizations about myself and deficiencies which could not be disguised by politics, finesse or past achievements.
Subsequent years were spent learning what I should have learned prior to have ever having risked a dime and the money got largely pushed back and forth. The experience led me to practices of martial arts, Zen meditation, Chinese health practices and other critical parts of my life more important than money.
Now after considerable dues paid, lessons learned and changes made, I wouldn't trade a minute of any of it for any amount of money. I make more money than I need and do it on my own terms. I have no desire to make millions a year nor the need.
If you measure "waste of time" by currency, then trading may not be the path for you. The sad cases are those who lose, fail and come to the erroneous conclusion that it can't be done, PA doesn't work, markets are random, only the bigs win, HFT etc bla bla bla, then yes you wasted your time, you learned nothing. To each ones own.
