I fully agree with this view. Without additional stable source of income, uncertainty of trading returns will potentially cause a lot of stress which in turn will negatively impact trading performance. This will quickly lead to things getting out of control and possibly account wipe out. Not a good idea
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I totally Agree. Use your full-time job to fund trading, reducing pressure while learning. Once consistent and profitable, scale up and consider trading full-time. Itās a gradual process.
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It depends on personal goals. A full-time job offers stability, but forex trading gives flexibility and the potential for financial freedom. For now, I balance both, using my job for steady income while growing my trading skills on the side. Best of both worlds!
thatās a nice one to start it as a side hustle part time and grow gradually
My situation is different. Retired with disposable income. If i were needing the income stream in order to pay bills, I would lean heavily toward full time employment and side hustle the forex. Since my bills are paid with a lifetime of savings/planningā¦Im trading forex full time.
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Iām still at the stage where I am learning so cannot go forex trading full time but absolutely I would want to go trading full time (and give up the day job) if I could earn a living from it.
Iām in my mid-fifties and when you get to this age you really feel your mortality, my health is still generally good (had Crohnās disease since my twenties, but thankfully under control) and I am pretty fit. But there are so many things I want to do in my life before I cannot physically do them, see the world, go skiing, paramotoring, just do things that I either donāt have time to do now, or donāt have the money, or both!
Iāve worked all kinds of jobs since I was 18, factory work, retail, sales, driving jobs, labouring jobs and recently IT and Analyst type roles. But I am so bored now I canāt describe it, I need out.
I am very lucky that I work from home most days so I can trade as my job doesnāt need constant attention, I can work with the laptop and have my desktop next to it so I can watch prices while I work and I am busily learning all that I can so hopefully I can go full time as a trader hopefully by summer.
I donāt want to be rich, just earn a bit more than I am doing now to be comfortable, say Ā£40-50k would be fine and then to trade a couple of hours a day so I have the time spare to do things I really want to do.
One other issue is my wife and I both care for my mother-in-law, sheās 99 soon and has very severe dementia and cannot be left alone, so thatās another stressful side to our life, being able to pay for some care for her would help us both. Weāve cared for her on and off for 15 years now and it really is hard watching someone dying before your eyes, albeit very slowly.
Anyway, rant over, back to testing different strategies 
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Thatās a great position to be in. Having the freedom to trade without financial pressure is a huge advantage.
With no bills breathing down your neck, youāve got the ultimate trading edge: a clear mind and a fat bankroll. 
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You donāt have to choose between a full-time job and forex trading. Many traders start part-time, which allows them to learn and grow without financial stress. You can also become an introducing broker or forex affiliate and earn commissions by referring others. Just make sure you work with a trusted and regulated broker that offers reliable support and transparent partner programs. Itās all about building gradually and making smart choices with the right tools.
Honestly, having a full-time job while trading on the side is the move. You get steady income and still get to build up your skills without stressing over every trade. Trading full-time sounds great but it takes time to get there.
What proportion of people who work full-time while trading on the side āget steady incomeā?
I like having both for now. My job takes care of the bills and keeps things steady, while forex is this fun little side hustle Iām still learning Not ready to go full-time yet - my trades still need some practice!
It depends on the person, but many traders prefer to start with a full-time job while trading part-time. This offers financial stability while gaining experience in the market. Over time, if trading becomes consistent and profitable, some choose to transition fully. Others continue doing both, especially if they enjoy their job. Itās not about choosing one over the otherāitās about what works best for your lifestyle and goals.
Both!
I know this is an old thread, but stillā¦
@steve369 gave a great answer! This was my footprint too.
I started as an part-time trader while on college, started to do sales (cold calling), moved on, grow, ended to be a Head of Portfolio Managment Department. Now, with 37, Iām out of the industry, because it corrupts you or you get kicked out. I pick the third path - left it.
Now Iām starting my own project, trade my own money, also with prop firms.
Beleive me when I write this down - until you have money reserves for 6 months in your pocket, and no loans over your head, do not let trading be your only source of income.
As someone who transitioned from a 9-to-5, hereās my take: treat trading like a business, not a job jump. Build a steady income buffer firstāthen launch part-time. Only go full-time once youāve consistently funded your lifestyle for at least six months
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