Take Care, Finance and WSO. It's been a good run. Thank you.
Hi Everyone ~ it's been awhile since I've been on here. I've only told one person from WSO about this but many months ago, there was post that I've posted under an unknown user and in the post, I was contemplating of committing suicide. Patrick Curtis was the first to respond to my post and made a comment that he was here for me and even provided me his number via private chat. I thanked him...
My dream was to become a Navy SEAL
I lost my job as a trader at a hedge fund, mainly trading natural gas. Prior to that, I was working in front, middle and back in NYC. I've worked my way up... came from nothing. Hell, I didn't even graduate college. I did horrible in high school, coming from an abusive father, where all he did was drink and beat me everyday. My dream growing up was to become a Navy SEAL... I have a buddy of mine, who wanted to become a Marine but I told him back in high school to become a SEAL and he did. I recently found him on Linkedin and just seeing his picture, as a SEAL made me so envious.
I asked myself, do I really see myself working in finance? I've worked at Barclays on their equities floor in front office in NYC. Coming in every morning at 7am, hearing the sales people talk about their research on the loud speaker, seeing the sales trader on the phone, though traders hasn't come in yet... it was fast pace and dynamic... I loved it but after being there for 5 months, I asked myself... What is so fucking great about this? I'm constantly on the phone, talking trades, staring at 3 monitors and my eyes are starting to bleed (Not Literally).
Leaving finance...
So after all these years and watching my friend fulfill my dream, I've made a conscious decision to leave finance (for now). I'm getting shipped out to the Army for Special Forces. I've been in the Navy for 8 years now to become a SEAL and the current rate is overmanned for my year group, hence why I'm transitioning to the Army. I'll be leaving soon and I wanted to thank everyone for helping me over the years to get where I want to be in finance. I may not be a hot shot trader pulling in millions but someone like me, who came from nothing was given the opportunity to work in front office and actually trade for a hedge fund and all of the learning that I've gathered over the years was from WSO.... From you guys.
Take care everyone and follow your dreams. The worst thing a man can do in life is to regret. No body wants to be 70 years old and ask what if... hence why I'm making this decision to go into the military to serve with high flying guys.
You control your own destiny
For those who are lonely and don't have a clear path in finance. DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. Don't sit around and feeling sorry for yourself. I've spent years alone without family and friends because all I ever wanted to do was "make it". I took on python classes, read countless trading books on derivatives. it was literally non-stop. No one owes you anything in life. You control your own destiny. So make a move. I don't the know what that move is but do something. For me, I've realized I will regret not being in special operations when I get older hence why I'm making this move.
Hell, it may not be finance but I can always go back to it afterwards or who knows? Maybe go into the agencies or go to medical school after being trained as a SF combat medic. Decide your own path. Don't think money is everything because it was for me, initially. Hence why I wanted to be a trader so bad. But as I got older, I've realized money isn't everything. Family and friends will get older and some day, they won't be around anymore. Make yourself happy and don't take time for granted.
I remember that post - really glad to hear things are looking better for you. Be well my friend and best of luck serving us in your new role; it is much appreciated.
Good luck! SF will be awesome
Whatever you do. don't quit
You're my hero.
What I wouldn't give to be able to live in a country where going to the military is respected... Has always been my childhood dream. Instead, I live in a country where the government has been intentionally destroying our military with budget cuts for over 30 years and where you're labeled as a fascist if you would enroll. Not to mention ridiculously low wages and practically no benefits, which is very suspicious in a socialist country where they throw with benefits to everyone... except those risking their lives to protect your freedom apparently. Anyways, I guess the grass is always greener on the other side. Good luck man! This really made me think since my goal at the moment is to become a prop trader...
You could join the US military if you got a green card...
Wanted to emphasize this. Every branch has the process outlined on their websites. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard.
good luck, and thank you for your service
Thank you for your service. I have friends who also serve, and getting involved with the military community. SEAL is tough training, and I am sure you will enjoy Ops.
Why didn't you just sign up for BUD/S before going into the Navy? You were trying to get an officer slot or enlisted slot?
Op - Good Luck
All the best. Your openness is appreciated. Thanks for passing on the wisdom.
Good luck. DFQ
Awesome, have fun!!!
Best wishes and success in the future. Thank you for sharing.
"The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with weary feet,
Until it joins some larger way,
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say." - JRR Tolkien
I gave you an SB, very nice to see you are doing better. I spent time in 3rd Ranger Battalion, and have had many friends go on to group. I have personally been in contact with recruiters about going the 18x route, for like you I am tired of trading.
I would keep all of your mental health issues to yourself if you believe this was a one off event that happened due to an extreme turn of events. On another hand I would think hard about the journey you are about to embark on as well. Assuming you are granted an 18x the road is at least two years, most likely longer if you get your choice and are given 18D (SF Medic). Selection is just the beginning, the qualification course takes no prisoners, so times will be tough, you will be in lose/lose situations that you really have no control over and will be at the mercy of your cadre shitting on you. Life doesn't get any easier once you're there and have your long tab and beret.
Pick up a copy of 'Get Selected' and 'Chosen Soldier', don't tell your recruiter anything. Do your best and don't quit.
Thanks, ABitAnxious. I have a question, not sure if you know the answer to this but after SFAS, why do 75% of the candidates fail phase one of the Q course? I wanted to do 18D but my biggest concern, this MOS has a huge attrition rate relative to other MOS so most likely, I'm going to go with 18C. Well... it would be my preference.
I have not served but my understanding is the Q Course is not just physical and mental toughness, but also tests your land navigation, swimming, and other skills.
I read Breaking BUD/S a while back and something stuck with me- focus on helping other classmates and your own misery goes away/ lessens. It’s hard to sit and feel sorry for yourself when you’re focused on helping someone else get through a run or something else tough.
Good luck OP, really happy to hear you're in a better spot.
I remember the thread. Often wondered who that person was. Glad to see you are doing better buddy. Good luck with everything.
You are brave. People tend to get too comfortable or scared of change, but you’re making no excuses, so best of luck! and maybe we’ll hear from you again in the future.
Awesome story man. Mental health and happiness is everything. Great introspection and thanks for sharing this story! Hope you post again in the future recapping your experiences.
Good luck.
Practice rucking and land nav.
On the star course- stay the hell out of the draws. Go around- the energy and effort wasted aren't worth it.
Good luck
Thanks. I'm curious why draws are such an issue, particularly in land nav? I'm currently in the process of getting my paperwork finalized and waiting for a ship date.
The land nav course is a long distance (15ish mile) night into day, solo endurance/competence test.
There are distinct terrain features on the course and the way your points are aligned (no coherence, criss cross, star pattern) lend itself to shortcuts through draws.
The landscape is very dense and the draws are nearly impenetrable in summer. Barely passable other parts of the vear.
The temptation to 'shortcut' via the draw versus hand-railing the feature is a high risk, low reward (imo) bypass to shorten your Trek from point to point.
I saw people get stuck, come out the same way they entered, and lose gear (major no no) by getting tangled, twisted, and generally exhausted by fumbling in draws.
.
I didn't go the SOF route, but likewise made the jump from finance to the military. I had a previous thread on here on Army OCS.
For what it's worth, I think you made the right call with a lateral transfer to the Army if SOF stuff or combat arms stuff is what you want to do. Obviously you're going to go in with a no-fail mindset, but let's say worse comes to worse, something unexpected happens. At least in the Army, if you don't make it through SFAS or the Q Course, or RASP if you want to do the 75th, you can still be regular Infantry, Armor, a Combat Engineer, Field Artillery, etc. Same with the Marines if MARSOC didn't work out. In the Navy...I'm not sure what it would look like. You got SEALS, SWCC, and that's it.
Good luck! Finance isn't going anywhere so after you ETS, whenever that may be, you can always come back.
Well, to be fair, it IS harder to get back in once you're out. But military is a compelling story, so MAYBE finance will still be here. I say that as someone who made a minor switch - from IBD to PE - and have seen it be nearly impossible to get back in. Just my experience tho - but felt it might help to share it.
Nonetheless, it does seem OP is sick of trading and military is a better option at present. So no need to sweat getting back into finance anyway.
Navy EOD and Seabees. But your point stands, if you fail MARSOC (now called Marine Raiders) training you can theoretically try for BRC and go the Reconnaissance route. This is under the assumption they allow you personally to do this. Needs of the Marine Corps (or any other branch) > what you want.
good luck!
if you have not already, check out the team never quit podcast, headed up by marcus luttrell. lots of good interviews on there with highly successful folks, many with military backgrounds, who have/had hit lows at which time they considered suicide...then they bounced back.
You have great courage. So many people live lives of quiet desperation. It is so "easy" to clock in daily, doing the same dis-satisfying thing. You have the courage to pick up, step away from the dreary comfort, and follow your dreams. That's incredibly admirable. And thank you for your brave service to the country, sincerely.
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