I think what it comes down to is if you have to ask if it's something you should do, you probably don't have the drive/determination it takes to get over the hump.
Maybe the OP just wants to see what our experiences are and get a "feel" for what it would be like to jump off the ledge and "dive in". Getting the input of others who have been down this road does not mean that he doesn't have what it takes to do it on his own ... if he gets enough intelligent input, it could cut down substantially on the lag-time it takes for him to become successful, if he chooses to go this route. One thing fer sure from the posts on the thread and input I've received from other guys who are involved in trading ... we definitely don't want to see him fuck-up a good thing to satisfy his "trading jones". Most of us are only beholden to ourselves (and maybe, maybe a partner, but that can change on a whim) when you have children, your life and responsibilities do change.
Very common for many executive level professionals across the board in american business ... investment banking, law, media and entertainment, etc.
I'd guess at that point you're right, it wouldn't be for the money. It may be for the long range experience. Money only compensates for the negatives.
Thanks for your input. I know 100's of professionals (and more coming up the ranks every single day) who would disagree with you ... Just so the OP can get some background on exactly who he is soliciting information from, exactly what is your professional background?