Pros: if you are the hard working, emotinally stable type = access to unlimited $$$, limited only by your desire... Cons: who cares about it if you're doing it right. (I guess the cons are that, most likely your sorry ass couldn't cut it as a trader).
+'s: + You get a 'feel' for your markets quicker + The more time in the field, the shorter the learning curve + You act like a business owner -'s: - Trading full time requires much more than the 'standard' 40 hr work week - If you don't make it, a lot of time is gone
The pro's are pretty obvious, although not easily attained. An unlimited upside earnings potential and the freedom and independence of a true entrepreneur, all without buying a "franchise" (with big $$) or having to deal with employees or the public...not having to have your "game face" on all the time. You have a very limited downside compared to most business ventures. But, it does take work, and lots of it. You need to be trained well, associate yourself with a winning group of people who already make a living trading - and sift through all the nonsense spouted by those who have tried and failed. And, trading is fun and challenging at the same time - keeps your brain working! Don
Pros - Great hours (on the west coast). I'm done by 1:30pm and have the rest of the day to play with my kid - No pffice politics - Don't have to kiss up to anyone - Zero commute (assuming you work from home). That alone added back 2hrs/day to my life - Better earning potential - Being self-employed opens up all kinds of deductions Cons - Can be very emotional on a daily basis - Can collapse and fail at any time - Causes huge trepidation when you hit the inevitable rough spot - If you trade from home, tough to come up with work excuses to tell the wife to stay out late or go on trips - All those damn taxes to pay!