Depending upon the situation and the effect I want to have on someone: * I'm retired. Means anything and nothing. Doesn't give a clue to real $$. Implies at least enough money to prevent dumpster diving for the next meal. Usual effect is zero. And, since most people love to tawk about themselves, shift over to them: "I'm retired; how 'bout YOU, baby?" * I'm unemployed. And luvin' it. Watch 'em run...great for losing leaches. Ask them if they're done with the appetizers, could you have a bite or two? * I invest in the stock market. Outside of NYC or Chicago, that doesn't mean much to most people. Tell 'em to buy a Prius, cuz oil's goin' to $200 soon. * I make $BIG$ in the stock market. Watch their eyes light up. Piques interest level in some types. Good way to add a little 'mystery' to your 'persona', cuz some will wonder just how much do you make. This one is best done in a supporting environment: Party, nice clothes, nice car, cleaned up well, etc. Only do this if you can walk and chew bubble gum at the same time. Geeks with lack of social skills need not apply here; try one of the above instead. Really, it's more about confidence and your self concept. If you think you're a grimy guy in three day old underwear, you probably are. One thing I plan on doing when I can upgrade my location and digs is to force myself to shower every day and get outside the house a bit after the market closes. Works wonders for your attitude.
I never lie to someone I am dating, but that does not mean I have to hand them the combo to the safe either. I now always tell them I have a Lawn Care business and have one employee. They don't ever ask how many clients, as I am the only client and I am full up as far as taking any more business. Women, I think, just need to know you are working steady, are not going to be another mouth to feed by them. But then it also depends on the type of woman you are interested in dating. If you are interested in a shallow woman, get a great lawyer for the pre-nup and tell them how much you paid in taxes. I, however, am interested in a healthy gal with a sweet charming personality, like the "girl next door". And by all means, put everything in trust.
I just say "I buy and sell commodities". Sometimes they think I have a physical operation which is kind of respected...LOL. For the most part I live in a place where almost nobody trades, so they find it "funny". They start to wonder when I tell them there is no way I would do anything else. Interestingly, I have better reception from my "main street" friends ( sport friends for the most part ) than from the rich kids I was at school with. They view it as something open to anyone and want to know more while the others are now established in corporate sales gig and criticizing me as unemployed... Whatever , in the end, I have the best job in the world and don't care about what others are thinking.
I get the impression most women want security (already been said in this thread.) Having said that: 1) Alot of their impression has to do with how you present yourself, and your occupation. If you come across ashamed or "hiding something" they will pick up on it. 2) Present a backup plan in case things turn bad. Let them know you have one. Uncertainity will eat away at them unless you are really raking it in... 3) Explain that it is no different from starting up another type of small business (restaurant, club, store, etc)
I am guessing if you live in bigger cities are better possibilities, but I have never found any in my neck of the woods. I have had women students who been single, but never mix business with pleasure. And all of the gals who I allowed to see what I do for a living have asked for me to teach them, but I have never done so. They only see the money and not the dedication and hard work you have to do even if you are taught by someone else, plus when I go out with someone, I don't want to be talking trading, it is like the last thing in the world I want to chat about. At this point in my life, trading is boring, it is like going to any other job, still have great passion for the ideas I backtest, but to sit in front of screens all day, just can't do much of any more, let alone teach anyone to do it.
What I like most about this thread is the diversity of opinions, which is what in itself answers the OPs question... society is very judgemental so if you define yourself by the opinions of others you will be one confused individual. A few facts: I have been trading successfully out of an aparment for many years and my mother only realized I can make money when I bought a house in a nice area. My Dad still thinks I am just a slacker/gambler even though I have told him countless times I adhere to the WWW theory (to do whatever, whenever, wherever) My brother is envious of the money and freedom but refuses to accept or acknowledge it. My attractive wife is just pleased I am doing something I enjoy and loves me for who I am. Half for friends think its great and admire it while some others don't get it and others think Im a bum. All in all whatever it is you do others will have an opinion based on their own experiences and societies stereotyping that you can't control
Fixed. You can just lie about results they'll believe pretty much anything as long as the story isn't full of holes. Anyway, (money + social contribution & network + some other factors)/3 roughly equals status so since you have no social contribution and you have to be lucky to have the other factors (personality, looks and so forth) you better be making a shitload of money, otherwise you have no status. Also social contribution can be negative hence some people with a lot of money still have relatively low status.