Aj... first off... congrats on deciding to trade... But there is nothing wrong with digging ditches for a living... hey i did it for years, its an honest living... its what funded my trading costs, accounts and education. i suggest you keep a day job until you have become a consistent trader... learning to trade with money you need to have for the bills is bad idea emotionally. this was a post i made on another forum website that ill just copy and paste. But first ill give props to shanghai... he is 100% right on with his answer!
The question on the other forum was... how long does it take to be a good trader..? i feel it will serve good purpose here though
Great Question... well to hit the subject on a brief note... there are 5 musts to not only be a good trader but a consistent trader... everyone can be a good trader... have you seen the etrade commercials there right a baby can place trades...but to be consistently profitable is another story..
1.A trading method(system). you obviously need to know pattern, charts, and behaviors of markets, to find entry and exit points of trades.
2.Money Management... No brainer, if you don't you'll blow your account.
3.Control Emotions. Keep your greed and fear in check.
4. Discipline... ability to ALWAYS... not sometimes... but 100% of the stick to your method, money management, and controlling emotions...
5. And of course. Practice, practice, practice.
the biggest hurdle for most is #3 and #4... many novice traders especially after a loss assume that they need more market knowledge to conquer the markets... but in reality they need to start within themselves they need to get control of there mind and emotions. if you are new to trading or if you have been doing it for years, if you have a hard time not detaching yourself from the markets and your mental and emotional state is up and down as you trade with the markets... my first suggestion... GET A MENTOR... i did... or work with someone you may or may not know that trades everyday with discipline...
So back to the subject of how long it will take you depends... how disciplined are you to stick and do 1 2 3 4 & 5 EVERY TIME you sit down to trade...
good new is everyone can learn... its obtainable if your deticated... I mean i only have my high school diploma and i make money every week trading... if i can do it you can to... stick in there dont let anyone tell you different.