Trading as a side hustle is, of course, very real and can earn money over the long term. However, there is no get-rich-quick method of trading, and you will be disappointed if you think this. So, here are 5 facts about day trading, from being hard to master to preparing for risk.

You Will Lose Money!
It needs to be said, you will lose money. No honest trader has ever kept winning. If they do, then something is definitely wrong. As a side hustle, trading can be a source of income, but it relies on knowing what you are doing, and it isn’t recommended for beginners because of the risk. However, you can hopefully reduce loss with the right resources, like prop firm discounts and practice accounts. Just remember that you won’t get rich quickly by trading on the side!
Trading is Easy to Do but Hard to Master
Yes, you can trade right now, but it takes time to master. Movies like Wall Street make trading look like fun and games, but it is a serious vocation. Playing with large sums of money on the stock markets and exchanges is more akin to gambling than anything else. Of course, some people have an excellent intuition for trading. But they have usually spent their time in the trenches learning about each market and knowing the ins and outs of individual companies.
Trading as a Side Hustle Requires Time
It is estimated that between 70% and 95% of day traders lose money. While you can trade as a side hustle, it will require more time than other side hustles you might have done in the past. It is unlikely that you will enjoy a quick trading session and grow your funds, just quit while you are ahead, as that’s not really how it works. Of course, you can get lucky, but correct day trading also requires market analysis, trade execution and personal performance reviews.
You Need to Prepare for Serious Risk
Are you sensitive and emotional? If so, then trading isn’t for you! Seriously, if you can’t handle losing, then walk away right now. When you make any trade, there is always serious risk, and this can be overwhelming for some people. This is why it is recommended that you only use money you can afford to lose. Many people make the mistake of using personal cash reserves, and this means you have an emotional attachment that leads to poor decisions when investing.
It’s a Mental Marathon, Not a Sprint
One thing most movies and TV shows get right about trading is that it is very high-pressure and extremely stressful. Films like The Boiler Room and shows like The Industry show the toll that trading can take on a person. Unlike most side hustles and jobs, trading is very inconsistent and is drastically different from one day to the next. This can be a massive mental load that can be hard to separate from personal life. So, only engage in trading if you know you can handle it.
Summary
You will lose money when trading as a side hustle! That’s just the nature of the game. It also takes time to complete correctly due to extra work such as market analysis and performance reviews. Trading is also very stressful and can be like a mental marathon for your brain.








