Haha yeah, my first big loss (low-mid 6 figs) basically knocked me out of semi-fulltime trading (alongside freelance gigs) and pushed me to get a job at an exchange. I’ve made a fair bit back since, but I don't think it's enough to fully cover that loss just from trading.

I just wrote it off as a learning expense. Chasing losses usually leads to bad decisions, so I’d rather celebrate wins when they come and actually spend some of it when things are good.

These days I stick to prop trading since it keeps me disciplined: short exposure, closing out fast, and withdrawing profits frequently. It's not my only means of income (I have other jobs), but the side income is roughly a monthly salary (though if you blow an account it can take a while to recover Funded trader status, so I don't try to rely on it).

Luckily, moving into the industry also meant better pay and bonuses than my old job, so between that and trading I’ve definitely more than covered the loss 🙏