I applaud your work ethic and dogged pursuit - that is a very fine attribute. One of the unfortunate side effects of the electronic markets is the dispersion of traders (the breaking apart of trading groups), the end of the open outcry pits, and the remaining futures prop firms heavily invested in quantitative (automated) trading strategies. Gone are the days of the Chicago, London, NYC, and Singapore prop electronic futures firms mentoring newbies - that disappeared in the early 2000's. Might I suggest that you research and learn the requisite programming skills that these prop trading firms are looking for, and get on as an analyst or programmer ? (Python, MatLab, whatever they're asking for in the careers postings) IMHO that would open up a sustainable career path for you in the business. If that's out of the question, then please change markets and strategies - 4 years IMHO is long enough to prove out that what you are doing and where you are doing it has no future. As an aside, if I'm not seeing satisfactory progress (good to sexy paper trading metrics; discussions about the timing for going live) with clients by month six into my program then something is amiss. I truly wish you good fortune and the very best of luck in your endeavors ! Stay strong and remain positive.
My comments in this thread were mostly geared to US equities The book I mentioned covers a bit of what you have been trading, however... I would listen closely to whatever Tommo says.
because neither the founders of the props nor their clients know how to trade for a living nothing to learn there, and from no one
I agree and in a more general sense I've learned that 99% or more of this industry, at least retail facing is complete BS. Everybody lies, it's ALMOST all a scam. Whoever has replied to this OP in PM and offering to help is prob just a big time suck and rabbit hole unfortunately.
i rarely talk on forums about myself, and how i know what i know disagree with my opinions - your right
Nearly all of the proprietary futures trading firms that I'm familiar with are run by principals who for the most part are somewhat legendary in their trading prowess. The equity prop business model I understand to be vastly different though - I have no experiences in that regard.