PJ101

Hi Mark, I hope you don't beat yourself up too badly - every trader who's been trading very long has felt that way many many times. It's not a bad thing to trade less, take some time away, keep reading and studying. I've been a part time trader for 7 years and a fulltime trader for the last 9 months. I joined a prop firm and was also disappointed with those results. I'm going back to work myself, regrettably, but then again I was missing the "human connection" that sitting behind a computer all day just can't give a person. I found watching the charts all day and paying attention to micro markets was not for me. I'm much more of a swing trader and like paying attention to more of the macro markets. One thing's for sure - you have to figure out what kind of trader you are and find your own niche. I tend to agree with the CEO of Schonfeld trading who fired over 50 traders last week. He said that with the increase in electronic trading and statistical arbitrage, basically man vs. computer, the less experienced trader simply cannot compete. Sometimes I think we're sitting ducks. Good luck to you - I think you and your family will be much better off. You can clear your head, get a handle on the macro markets, and dabble a little in a more conservative manner. I'll bet you'll find your trading results will improve. If you'd like a really good book rec, try "Mastering the Trade" by John Carter. He's awesome. Take care!