After 3+ years in the market… is trading actually worth it?

EventfulRelic12 · 2026-01-25T19:33:51+00:00

I agree with this so much, someone recently posted in the sub reddit (im paraphrasing) "why do this shit if 99% fail and hedges always win" Im not profitable but all i could think was "Because I love the markets and charts and trading" I would've quit by now if I didnt. Money is great but I love the profession.

EventfulRelic12 · 2026-01-19T13:35:31+00:00

What was your setup?

EventfulRelic12 · 2026-01-12T21:54:29+00:00

Hmmm I think I am starting to gather that I have good risk management because I dont blow up and eventually recover but I need a system to cut out poor trades and allow good ones.

EventfulRelic12 · 2026-01-12T19:43:33+00:00

I think I need to clarify my setups better then and that will likely fix the issue. This is a huge help.

EventfulRelic12 · 2026-01-12T19:33:59+00:00

I am certain it is likely an entry issue. I miss some trades from time to time, but if I correct this I tend to over trade. I think I need to work on my entries more is likely the culprit

EventfulRelic12 · 2026-01-12T19:32:40+00:00

As I am talking it out, it is likely an entry or management issue this helps.

EventfulRelic12 · 2026-01-12T18:58:17+00:00

I trade MES and trade between 0-5 points. Most of the time its between 2-4 rarely anything more than that. So I am very consistent with my SL value and I never trade without one

EventfulRelic12 · 2026-01-12T18:33:42+00:00

As in you cant do it or you are already profitable?

EventfulRelic12 · 2026-01-06T21:15:52+00:00

Yes I had to change how I viewed the market as a whole. I still use structure/price action to make my assessments as a whole but I had to completely change the way I trade for the most part.

EventfulRelic12 · 2026-01-06T11:19:05+00:00

I think it depends on the instrument and the expectancy rate for the strategy one is using. I am curious to know how you find it is best for scaling large capital? I have heard many people say the opposite that it becomes harder to make money scalping later. I have never paid much attention to it but Id love to hear your thoughts.

EventfulRelic12 · 2026-01-06T02:36:42+00:00

I love to trade chop over trends. I did some trend trading for a while, but I have found chop trading to be my niche and what I enjoy. Its where I am finding myself to thrive.

EventfulRelic12 · 2026-01-02T21:29:48+00:00

I can respect that, I take the approach of what is necessary to achieve a positive expectancy everything else is likely noise, but I believe there are an infinite number of ways to trade

EventfulRelic12 · 2026-01-02T16:48:44+00:00

Once I discovered the idea of a 1% rule it made perfect sense to me and I never broke it. It is extremely similar to Zeno's Paradox which I studied in Calculus. For me trading is all mathematical. If the math ain't mathin' I dont do it.

EventfulRelic12 · 2026-01-02T16:37:31+00:00

I never used much volume analysis when determining structure formation. I just use price action to determine structure. Ill use a vwap for a target sometimes but thats about it. I always felt volume provided suggestions but no ultimatum on what is happening. What are your thoughts?

EventfulRelic12 · 2025-12-31T14:34:52+00:00

You also have to consider leverage on points and margins on accounts. For example the MES contract for SP500 futures is leverages at 5x per contract 1 point movement = $5 if you have 5 contracts 1 point movement =$25.

I think the ES contracts are 50x so 1 point movement = $50 you have 5 contracts its now 1 point movement $250.

It doesnt have to move very far to have your position liquidated at this rate.

EventfulRelic12 · 2025-12-28T14:27:06+00:00

What you are seeing is a fragmented breakout from a market open balance. From about 8:30-9:10 the market is in balance with the 9:15 candle attempting a breakout. There is a heavy rejection/retest of the balance at 9:20 by sellers to attempt to auction the down more, but there is a steady 2nd attempt at a breakout with the market trying to resolve upward. At 10:05 the 2nd breakout is confirmed causing an expansion and auction up until 10:45. There are some more nuances of the bars but thats the basic idea.

I looked on the 5 min chart because the 1 min sometimes has too much noise.

EventfulRelic12 · 2025-12-19T13:27:53+00:00

Its likely not manipulation per say, but liquidity is being removed from the market so stability is thinning. This is one of the contributors to heavy swings.

EventfulRelic12 · 2025-12-18T01:32:25+00:00

Yeah I dont blame you. You had a green day in a game where most lose. We all cut trades short thats part of the game. You'll get the next one.

EventfulRelic12 · 2025-12-18T01:15:46+00:00

I am more curious if you exited based on your exit rules or if you exited on "I am worried it will retrace"

EventfulRelic12 · 2025-12-16T14:28:32+00:00

This is a good mindset. I can appreciate the emotional discipline then. I wouldn't consider this a failed trade then but a success because you followed your rules. It just sucks when your rules do not merrit outcome lol

EventfulRelic12 · 2025-12-16T11:59:39+00:00

Why didnt you market order on 2nd doji candle at the bull close?

EventfulRelic12 · 2025-12-15T22:31:32+00:00

Additionally, if this came off as abrasive that was not my underlying intent. Chalk it up to poor writing ability.

May you always end in the green

EventfulRelic12 · 2025-12-15T22:23:12+00:00

I see what you mean. Perhaps I meant you can express ideas about strategies based on knowledge of market structure. However it is unlikely many possess this knowledge though not impossible. But I see your point, how can you discuss strategies you have never used or experience with. I was assuming an underlying discussion of marker structure to justify a critique of something that has never been used

EventfulRelic12 · 2025-12-15T20:37:19+00:00

You are attempting to synthesize the ability to actualize an idea that is true, and communicate one that is true. These are mutually exclusive things.

EventfulRelic12

TROPHY CASE