Is trading a realistic long-term career, or is a job in the financial markets a better starting point?
Many people want to become full-time traders, but there is a difference between trading personal capital, working for a proprietary trading firm, and becoming a professional trader at a financial institution.
Each path requires different skills, risk tolerance, and financial preparation.
A professional career may also involve market research, execution, risk management, and portfolio analysis rather than simply predicting price movements.
Discussion: If you were starting your career today, would you focus on developing your own trading strategy or first try to get a job in a trading or investment firm? What would influence your decision?