Multi year profitable trading futures yes but for the first 2 years my returns were not on par with those following as I was not full time trading (and learning to some degree). Then I went full time. I Trade my own funds. Yes I have a decent account size (and profit size). I primarily trade ES. Im not going deep on my account/stats as it doesnt serve me any benefit but my adjusted sortino since I went full time would be classed as outstanding if I traded for a firm. If you mean would it have been safer putting money in an S and P tracker then yes it would but I have the ability to make a lot more in futures . I scale into bigger trades so have a buffer which keeps my downside risk lower than it would otherwise be. I am also happy to risk big on what I see as major opportunities. These account for the majority of my returns.
I've been reflecting on this. I did change my strategy about 2/3 into the year where I stopped trading more marginal spots. Not only did I trade much less, it was easier to concentrate on positions when I had them as my limit and stop were much more clear, and I often wasn't trading, which is nice because I do this on the side and don't like the feel of needing to watch the screen at all hours. So appreciate your comment. I have done significantly better in all ways since I traded less frequently. So good reminder to not overtrade.