do traders like their jobs?

I know this is a stupid question, but I'm doing an internship now (not in finance) and I'm bored as hell sitting at a computer all day doing research. I'm hoping all "office" work isn't boring and "Office Space-ish."

I know a lot of people are attracted to trading because it pays a lot of money. But I have come to the realization that I cannot do a job, nomatter how much it pays, unless I enjoy it and I'm excited about going to work in the morning. That's the only way I'll be able to last. I'm just hoping trading is interesting and fun, and that all the recruiting stuff about "people have a great time at work" is somewhat true.

Any traders or trading interns who can speak to this?

 

I've interned on a trading floor before and the general sentiment is that the traders love what they do. They enjoy the fast-paced, gut-driven decision making that they do day-in and day-out. They embrace change and don't get bored. I'm now doing investment banking (sometimes I wonder what my life would've been as a trader) and those same guys shudder that I have joined the "dark side".

Long story short, they love it.

 

it's exciting, but shit.... in the end they better pay me for all this stress and job uncertainty.

it's "fun" and all, but not worth it if you're not getting PAID.

It's a very up and down job. It's fun and exciting when you're making your P&L goals. If your not on budget and your trades are not working, it's kinda miserable going to work.

In the end, I can equate trading to playing a competitive sport. Takes LOTS of discipline and constant attention. Pretty much no extended downtime, unless your P&L is way above target.

 

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