RE: Neodymium14 Jan 2026 20:08
Ha! Sounds like we're cut from the same cloth, esduk! Gamblers and alcoholics abound in my family. Funny you should mention leverage trading - I know, a very seasoned commodities trader (35+ years in the game) and even he has been stopped out of accounts while trading with excessive leverage (I believe in 2022/23 gold and silver had him at a false start). So even if you are exceptional, trading with money you don't have is a dicey game.
It's a salient point you make about meaning and purpose. I've been in sales most of my life (Software mostly) and it has been a drudgery going into the office. Although, as you mention, the social aspect isn't to be underestimated. I think the human condition always tries to convince us the grass is always greener. BUT, I never found the grass is not particularly green in a 9-5 (or 8 to 6 as it often is).
There is definitely something addicting about this game, so I try to "bank" money into physical metals where it's harder for me to roll immediately over into new trades.
Sounds like your not far from realising the dream! Understanding what the dream really is is the hard part!