Part-time trading is working better for me than full-time trading crypto

Mining and Staking
1

Over the past 3 months, I’ve had my highest crypto trading volume of the year, but it’s also been the least profitable time I’ve had in two years. Even my newsletter subscribers have noticed the difference, so I’ve decided to go back to full-time work and just trade on the side. This really proves that trading as a side gig works better until you have mid-6 or 7 figures in capital.

I’ve been swing trading and sometimes day trading for a few years, mostly while working full-time (I’m a scientist, but finance and crypto are my true interests). In May 2024, I graduated from grad school and started making more money trading than I would have from any job offer, so I stopped job hunting and became a full-time trader. Since then, I’ve lost 40% of my account, which is a lot considering I never lost more than 20% month-to-month while part-time trading in the last five years.

I realized that having something else to focus on during the day helps me step back and spot better trading opportunities instead of constantly staring at the screen. I’ll be going back to full-time work in October to regain my focus and stick to part-time trading. Has anyone else had a similar experience? Which works better for you?

2

I agree with you completely. When I was unemployed and day trading, my account didn’t go anywhere either. Like people always say, and even research supports, day trading is tough to profit from. Swing trading and investing are more likely to work, but most people lack the patience for that. Everyone wants to get rich quick. Also, who wants to be stuck in front of a screen all day? Only a few can stay focused long enough to succeed at that. I went back to investing most of my portfolio and just do some swing trades here and there. Good luck to you!

3

The more you stare at it, the worse it gets.

4

I think the biggest challenge with full-time trading is wanting to make moves even when it’s not the right time. Patience is key, but hard to maintain.

5

It all comes down to having a solid system and knowing when the market is right for your strategy. For example, Bitcoin usually gives about two trade opportunities a month during the summer, and sometimes only one every 45 days when it’s trending strongly.

6

What’s the difference between day trading and swing trading?