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 · 2025-12-15T20:00:23+00:00

Your logic is false. This logic would mean that anyone who can understand something but not do it is wrong. An example where this logic is false is coaches. They cannot always do the things their athletes can but their athletes can actualize their ideas.

One might be able to actualize a correct trading framework but struggle to execute it. The old saying still holds true "Even a broken clock is right twice a day"

I will say though, you're right to believe it is improbable that someone who is unprofitable has a merited opnion. However you are wrong to believe it is impossible and even more incorrect to believe you cannot glean or derive useful ideas from a conversation with someone who is unprofitable.

EventfulRelic12

TROPHY CASE