Thats right. Its as difficult to become a licensed plumber as it is a doctor or lawyer. It takes about 10 years to become a licensed plumber. http://www.dllr.state.md.us/license/plumb/plreq.htm I do not believe most people who are "traders" would have the skills or the fortitude to become a plumber. If you can get your plumbing license, then your guaranteed a six figure salary, that is, if you last. Pipes, sewers and drains tend to be very nasty. The workday of a plumber is manual in nature and work doesnt mean sitting behind a desk, but being out in the elements and dealing with real people and hazardous/cancer causing chemicals.
Lesson one for a Plumber apprentice. Don't bite your nails. On a more serious note, I was one of those genius traders during the 99, early 2000 bull run. I made the tragic mistake of thinking I knew the game hands down. It has taken many years and tens of thousands of dollars to get my ego back in check. Small steps Cash, small steps!
This probably isn't 100% relevant, but when it comes to what hard work actually is, I found this very interesting. http://www.fastcompany.com/online/69/sgodin.html