What Made You Become A Share Trader?

[cordelia]

Last year my husband died suddenly without a will and no insurance leaving me with 1.5 million in debt....and three children in private schools....

My original occupation was a school teacher...no one has to be a rocket scientist to work out that a teacher's salary was not going to fund all that....and I hate teaching....

Fortunately I had my own savings which I had used investing/trading for a hobby really but I needed an income..I had around $60000 in my broking account. I decided to bite the bullet and trade for a living...

I put my three children into boarding school and did nothing else but focus on learning to trade....

I lost a lot of money to start with but have found my niche....

I only trade four or five stocks. I trade in and out of them often taking small profits.

Books are important but I found the best education was just watching the market and of course losing money......That really hurts

Most important rule for me is focus on protecting capital not on how much you are going to make....Without capital you can't trade.......

 

[strudy]

Many thanks for all your honest answers. It is surprising the different reasons that came up.
But one thing that is common is that we do it for the money or what that money can provide.

But I must admit I loved Sam's 76 answer is "He did it for the chicks."

 

[nunthewiser]

the market was the only place that would hire me

 

[justasx]

The share trading attracts me for several reasons:

1. It's a business which has no customers.

2. I love the mathematics behind it.

3. Uncertainties and risk management appeal to me.

4. I like taking control over my own financial future, or at least feel as if I have control

5. I'm a bit of a loner and there are few jobs out there for people like me. Team-work stresses me out.

6. It can be as lucrative as I want to make it; and did I mention no customer hassles

I am not yet a trader but I am educating myself until I'm ready to become one.

 

[OzWaveGuy]

Last year my husband died suddenly without a will and no insurance leaving me with 1.5 million in debt....and three children in private schools....

My original occupation was a school teacher...no one has to be a rocket scientist to work out that a teacher's salary was not going to fund all that....and I hate teaching....

Fortunately I had my own savings which I had used investing/trading for a hobby really but I needed an income..I had around $60000 in my broking account. I decided to bite the bullet and trade for a living...

I put my three children into boarding school and did nothing else but focus on learning to trade....

I lost a lot of money to start with but have found my niche....

I only trade four or five stocks. I trade in and out of them often taking small profits.

Books are important but I found the best education was just watching the market and of course losing money......That really hurts

Most important rule for me is focus on protecting capital not on how much you are going to make....Without capital you can't trade.......

Great attitude and great to see you take the bull by the horns (no pun intended) - many people aren't able to figure a way out and become really lost and depressed. One thing I like about this forum are the many stories and insights that folks have shared with others in order to build success!

 

[white_crane]

Hats off to you cordelia! :bier:

Hope it goes well for you.

 

[Sean K]

My brother has always been in finances and is currently GM of an analyst division in a stockbroking firm. I got back from Rwanda after service with the UN in 94/95 with a pot of gold and had to stick it somewhere. He signed me up to his stockbroking firm at the time on mates rates and encouraged me to buy GUD, GIO and LHG (LGL). They all went OK, and I was hooked. Now I'm full time investing/trading because I am unemployable. Considering buying a taxi though...