Do traders all drink alcohol?

And is it a prerequisite? I'm passionate about trading and I'm a social guy, it's just that getting drunk isn't something I like doing? I hate hangovers and I hate the taste of alcohol. I can drink a glass of wine or a can of beer but I only do it to fit in and I don't actually like drinking. Is this going to be a hindrance when working on a trading desk? Since traders go out after work and drink

 
WolfyWolfyWolfy:

it is a pre-req, I think you should reevaluate your career choices. Ever thought about a career in digital marketing?

This guy wouldn't be able to cut it in digital marketing either, where everyone's too busy getting "turnt" at some "lit af" club or whatever the fuck those guys do.

"Be the Disruptor, not the Disrupted" - Clayton Christensen
 

This is so socially awkward. If you're not a huge drinker, don't drink much when you go out. As long as you're not on some kind of moral high ground or being self-righteous about it, no one will really care. Just have a good time with them.

 

If all of them drank then it would be a matter of time until some of them met Bill W. and ceased to drink. Just be confident in your decision if it's not drinking and dont make yourself a target by being timid or socially awkward. Add to the fun of the group whether drinking or not. Also, you can joke about it. For example, "No I'm not drinking, I would steal your TV and your wife if I did." or "No my dad is a crack addict." (make them feel bad, wait for the reaction then laugh)

TenaciousExecution dot com
 

What you're really asking is if not fitting in with the non-work aspects of your coworkers will hinder your job success

And the truthful answer is: it might. But, every person you work with is different, every firm and team has a different culture, and if you're really fucking good at what you do no one will give two shits if you're drinking pink mocktails or sitting in a corner gulping down piss from a big dirty bucket

The worse you are at your job, the more you need to fit in

 

Do I think you have to drink to be good at your job, no....

That said...all the top traders I know - either on the client side or the sell side go out pretty hard, even the older guys with families. It's through those nights out they become "friends" so to speak with other traders...which fosters materially better working relationships...which leads to more nights out...better relationships...snowball. I think it would be hard to be a top trader given that dynamic if you didn't drink. Just my two cents.

 

Find a beer you can stand - this might take a few weeks, then buy that beer and hold onto it whenever you go out, as long as that sits tight in your hand/on the table you're good to go.

I would say most traders do drink alcohol, and even if they didn't before, they start after a while. Not drinking in general probably has a negative impact on any Finance stream, but it's not that hard to fake it. Good luck

 

If I had to put my money on it, I would bet that there is at least one devout muslim trader in the world. So the answer to your question is no, not "ALL" traders drink. -_________________________-

The fool thinks himself to be a wise man, while the wise man thinks himself to be a fool.
 

drinking is the epitome of male bonding. uninhibited conversations are the ultimate job/friend interview. i don't trust anyone I haven't been totally shit faced with. sorry pal - you're fucked.

"I'm talking about liquid. Rich enough to have your own jet. Rich enough not to waste time. Fifty, a hundred million dollars, buddy. A player. Or nothing. " -GG
 

Yes, if you don't like drinking I suggest getting a flavored vodka and water. Surprisingly easy to drink and the water helps with the hangovers.

Follow the shit your fellow monkeys say @shitWSOsays Life is hard, it's even harder when you're stupid - John Wayne
 

I hated drinking but eventually I acquired the taste... drink capt and coke or vodka and soda and eventually you'll acquire the taste. If you work in NYC and meet with colleagues after work at a bar and you drink soda... you're going to look like an idiot. From personal experience... Usually the drunk person is the funniest hence why people tend to want to hang out with you and you slowly build rapport. But but be careful saying something offensive...

 

Every one of the traders I know drinks, it's more of a social thing. Also, have you every tried sailor jerry's rum? It is delicious and I think you would like it if you have never tried it.

"It's okay, I'll see you on the other side"
 

while i drank a lot when i was a sellside trader...i know a bunch of traders that don't drink. The managing partner of my desk doesn't drink...neither does the top producer. The great thing about being a trader...you get to do whatever the frick you want...and either thats great..or its horrible and you get fired....but either way, you are being true to yourself. You don't need to talk about it...you just do you...and people will respect you for not bending to peer pressure.

just google it...you're welcome
 

Agreed... When I was at barclays, there was a hot shot trader who sat a couple rows from me, he was an MD. Probably like 35 years old and he was on the equities exotics desk... I don't think this guy drank at all.. But jesus how much I envy'd him... Came out of columbia doing MFE and was 1 from a class size of 86 and even had a CFA. fucking overachiever... french people are fucking ridiculous at math...

 

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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes" - Oscar Wilde
 

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