2020 Career Counseling Update (Part 1)

I have experienced increased frustration lately finding others with whom to collaborate on trading-related projects. The time is ripe to update my career path.

I’m about one year into my algorithmic trading journey, which includes months taken in 2019 to begin learning three different programming languages (Python, VBA, and TradeStation EasyLanguage). The road has not been smooth. I have been through two different software platforms. I have paid a pretty penny for education. I have undertaken a handful of statistical studies that leave me with questions about what part of the financial roulette wheel I am likely to land by becoming an algo trader: red or black, anyone?

I have more research questions to pursue, but it gets somewhat stale not having others with whom to collaborate or to critique. I would ideally like to work with a group like this. Reasons for a team approach are discussed in the sixth paragraph here as well as here.

I find negative results to be eye-opening and insightful due to the sheer volume of promising blog posts, articles, and products available purporting to teach profitable trading/investment techniques and approaches (e.g. this post, second paragraph here, and here). The positive claims and compelling marketing contradict the harsh reality of negative findings.

Given the recent political climate, a brainwashing hypothesis may appeal to some.

I do not subscribe to conspiracy theories, however (see second paragraph here). I also do not find the negative approach (e.g. avoid X and Y strategies because they won’t work and can lead to loss) to be marketable when diving deep into the details. I discussed this in the third- and fourth-to-last paragraphs here and in terms of the “worst sales pitch ever” (see two of three final paragraphs here).

My outlook on the asset management industry has been dynamic over the years. I had a negative outlook when I began trading full-time for a living in 2008. In the last few years, my outlook has turned positive. Some of my thoughts on this topic can be found here and in paragraphs 2-3 here.

After 12 years, I view the asset management industry with respect and humility. The investment landscape can be very rough.

I remain largely alone, on an island, managing assets for myself.

Ever heard the saying “if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em?”

I will continue next time.