The True Value of Liquidity (Confessions of a Jane Street Trader)

"You're just trying to cope with your job."

I glared at the therapist. I had come to him for help, for guidance. And all he could tell me was that I was just trying to cope?

I shook my head and stood up. "I don't need this," I said, storming out of his office.

I had been doubting myself for months. Ever since I started working at Jane Street, I had been questioning the usefulness of my work. Buying and selling equity options didn't seem like it was doing much good in the world.

And then I met Esteban.

It was during my paid time off, and I had gone to Bolivia to visit my girlfriend's family. We were touring a coffee farm when, to my surprise, a man came up to me and started praying on his knees. Tears were welling in his eyes.

"You saved my life!" He screamed.

I was confused. How could I have saved this man's life? I didn't even know him.

But then he told me his story.

He explained that due to Jane Street's liquidity, he was able to sell his coffee beans 2 milliseconds faster, which was all the time he needed to take out a loan and save his mother in an emergency situation.

That's when I realized the true power of my work. I was doing good in the world. I was making a difference. Since that day, I have walked into work every day with a new sense of purpose. I am proud of the work that I do. And I am excited for the difference that I can continue to make in the world.