The life of a full-time trader often looks glamorous from the outside — sitting in front of multiple screens, making split-second decisions, and potentially earning life-changing profits with just a few clicks. But behind the scenes, it’s far from easy. In this deep dive, we explore what it truly takes to become a professional trader, the psychological resilience required, and how real traders like Anson Tan navigate the highs and lows of full-time trading — especially in the volatile world of cryptocurrency.
👉 Discover how top traders manage risk and stay profitable in uncertain markets.
The Reality Behind Full-Time Trading
Contrary to popular belief, being a full-time trader isn’t about constant action or instant wealth. It's a disciplined, strategic profession that demands emotional control, continuous learning, and a well-defined trading plan. Many people enter the space thinking they can “get rich quick,” only to face significant losses due to overconfidence, poor risk management, or lack of experience.
Anson Tan, a seasoned crypto trader, shares that his journey wasn’t built on luck — it was forged through years of trial, error, and relentless self-improvement. He emphasizes that trading psychology, risk management, and consistent strategy are the real pillars of long-term success.
How to Become a Full-Time Trader
Becoming a full-time trader doesn’t happen overnight. For most, it starts as a side hustle while maintaining another source of income. Anson explains that he didn’t go full-time until his trading returns were consistently covering his living expenses for at least six months.
Key steps to transitioning into full-time trading:
- Start small: Begin with capital you can afford to lose.
- Build a track record: Prove consistency over time, not just one lucky trade.
- Develop a trading plan: Define entry/exit rules, position sizing, and risk tolerance.
- Keep a trading journal: Review every trade to identify patterns and improve decision-making.
- Scale gradually: Only increase position sizes after demonstrating sustained profitability.
👉 Learn how professional traders structure their daily routines for maximum focus and performance.
Where Does the Initial Capital Come From?
One common question is: How do traders get their first trading capital? Anson reveals that his initial funds came from personal savings — money he had set aside after working full-time in another field. He stresses that borrowing money or using emergency funds is extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.
For young aspiring traders with limited capital, Anson advises focusing on education first. “You don’t need $10,000 to start. You need knowledge, discipline, and patience.” He recommends practicing on demo accounts and mastering technical analysis before risking real money.
Earning the First Profitable Milestone
Anson recalls that his first major win wasn’t from a high-leverage gamble — it was from patiently following his strategy during a strong market trend. His "first bucket of gold" came from identifying early momentum in a trending cryptocurrency and riding the wave with proper position sizing.
He warns against chasing big wins early on:
“One profitable trade doesn’t make you a trader. Consistency over months and years does.”
Building sustainable profits requires avoiding emotional decisions, cutting losses quickly, and letting winners run — all within a structured framework.
Luck vs. Skill: What Really Drives Success?
Was Anson’s success due to luck or skill? His answer: “In the short term, luck plays a role. In the long term, only skill survives.”
Markets are unpredictable. Even the best strategies experience drawdowns. But skilled traders survive because they:
- Stick to their rules regardless of emotions
- Continuously analyze performance
- Adapt to changing market conditions
- Never risk more than 1–2% per trade
Luck might get you one win. Discipline builds a career.
Facing the Darkest Moments: Biggest Losses
Every trader experiences losses — some devastating. Anson admits his largest loss came during a sudden market crash when he failed to set proper stop-losses. “I held onto losing positions hoping they’d recover… they didn’t.”
That experience taught him one of the most important lessons in trading: preserving capital is more important than chasing gains.
He now uses strict risk controls:
- Automatic stop-loss orders
- Diversified exposure across assets
- Regular portfolio reviews
Losses are inevitable. But with the right mindset and systems, they don’t have to be career-ending.
Who Is Suited for Full-Time Trading?
Not everyone is cut out for full-time trading. According to Anson, ideal candidates share these traits:
- High emotional resilience
- Strong self-discipline
- Comfort with uncertainty
- Ability to work independently
- Passion for continuous learning
If you're easily stressed by volatility or seek immediate results, this path may not be right for you. Trading is a marathon, not a sprint.
Advice for Aspiring Traders with Limited Funds
For young traders starting small, Anson offers practical advice:
- Focus on education — Understand chart patterns, indicators, market cycles.
- Use simulation tools — Practice without financial risk.
- Avoid leverage early on — It amplifies both gains and losses.
- Treat trading like a business — Track expenses, taxes, and performance metrics.
- Join communities wisely — Learn from experienced traders, but don’t follow blindly.
👉 See how beginner traders can access real-market data and practice risk-free strategies today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can you really make a living as a full-time trader?
A: Yes, but only with consistent profitability, strict risk management, and realistic expectations. Most successful full-time traders take years to reach income stability.
Q: How much money do I need to start full-time trading?
A: There’s no fixed amount, but you should have enough to cover 12–18 months of living expenses plus trading capital. Many recommend at least $30,000–$50,000 depending on lifestyle.
Q: Is crypto trading more profitable than traditional markets?
A: Crypto offers higher volatility and 24/7 markets, which can mean bigger opportunities — but also greater risks. Success depends on your strategy, not the asset class.
Q: Do I need formal education to become a trader?
A: No formal degree is required. However, self-education in finance, technical analysis, and behavioral economics is essential.
Q: How many hours per day does a full-time trader work?
A: It varies. Some spend 2–4 hours analyzing and executing trades; others monitor markets throughout the day. Quality of analysis matters more than quantity of time.
Q: What tools do professional traders use?
A: Most rely on charting platforms (like TradingView), order flow analysis, news feeds, and journaling software to track performance and refine strategies.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a full-time trader is not about flashy profits or overnight success — it’s about building a sustainable system grounded in discipline, logic, and emotional control. As Anson Tan’s journey shows, even experienced traders face setbacks. What separates them from amateurs is their ability to learn, adapt, and persevere.
Whether you're drawn to crypto trading or traditional financial markets, remember: success isn’t measured by one big win, but by long-term consistency.
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