Dear Traders, After graduating from college in 1997, I went straight into trading with a boutique investment firm. After much punishment, I ended up with a small team within the company trading risk arb. I traded deals like SBC/BEL, AIG/SUN and MOB/XON. It was a profitable for me and the company. Times were good. Then, what seemed like overnight, we quit making money. It was terrible. In 2000, I ended up leaving that firm and going over to a high-frequency equity trading startup that had a developer to trader ratio of like 2:1. Times were good again (think fast cars and expensive vacations here). They were really good. Then something happened. I started making less money and I got burned out. I caught an entrepreneurial bug from a friend and who convinced me to start a company complete outside of trading. I took my winnings and went. Over the next five years, I ran this company did quite well. It wasn't as rewarding as trading but it was a good living. Fast forward to 2009. This recession has destroyed our company and our customers are filing bankruptcy left and right and leaving us with nothing (think construction industry here). I have learned that trading, in my opinion, is no more risky than being in business for yourself. All the above being stated, how the heck do I get back into it? All my original winnings have been zapped by my failing business. So I am looking for some sort of funded trading opportunity. Would anyone have any insight? I WAS fairly skilled, consistently profitable. I still believe I have a good temperament for trading. Would any of the TRUE props be interested in an experienced trader making a return to the business? I would prefer going back to work for someone. Thanks in advance to anyone who can provide insight. Respectfully, Xicaju
Xicaju, You sound like a decent trader and business man. I'm sure if you have a solid background and trading record, you should be able to land a prop-trading position quickly. But why are you seeking help through this website? It's a cess-pool bro (there are a few good souls) You're lucky... I'm going to pass you a great link, with a huge list of prop firms you can apply to. http://www.tradersnarrative.com/list-of-proprietary-trading-firms-735.html Enjoi (you will notice most jobs are in NY, Chicago, London or big market centers)
Jaytrade, Thank you for the website link with the list. I will go through them. Any suggestions on which of these might be expanding their trading room?
If you are into options one of my friends just took a spot at IMC in Chicago, and they are hiring. http://www.imc-trading.com/site/about-global-chicago Catered lunches everyday and you can workout in the gym anytime among other things! Sweet deal.
Great story. Your story is more like a "heads up" because it can happen to anyone in any industry. You lived through the good and the bad and you are still full of energy to keep punching. I am sure you will find what you are looking in no time. Best of luck....
I appreciate your responses. The websites have also been informative. I have been through the lists and already bookmarked the one's of interest. There were many that weren't even on my radar. Thanks again, Xicaju P.S. to Brazilianwonder for his encouragement: Quem não tem cão, caça com gato. Eu estou aberto para qualquer oportunidade. Forte Abraco!