Ready to Quit Your Job? Here’s How to Get Started in Futures Trading Today!

If you’re tired of the daily grind, sitting at a desk for hours, and dreaming of a life where you can be your own boss, futures trading might be the answer. As someone who is transitioning from the 9-to-5 life into full-time futures trading, I know exactly how liberating (and challenging) it can be. Futures trading offers a flexible, exciting way to make money, but before you make the leap, you need to be prepared because this is NOT for everyone.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to get started in futures trading, how to make the transition from part-time to full-time trading, and whether or not you’re really ready to leave your job for this new venture.

Why Futures Trading is a Viable Career Path

Freedom and Flexibility

One of the biggest appeals of futures trading is the freedom and flexibility it offers. No more punching in at 9 AM or answering to a boss. As a futures trader, you control your own schedule. Futures markets are open almost 24 hours a day, five days a week, which means you can trade when it suits you—early mornings, late nights, or even during your lunch break if you’re transitioning from part-time.

When I first started trading, I was balancing a full-time job. The flexibility of the futures market allowed me to trade in the evenings after work and as well as early in the AM before I started work. I’d study market trends at night and jump into trades during the volatile sessions that occurred after hours or right at market open. It didn’t take long for me to realize that, with the right strategy, I could actually replace my income and eventually quit my job.

Leverage and Liquidity

Futures trading offers something most other markets don’t: leverage. You can control a large contract with a small amount of money. This allows you to amplify your gains, which is why many traders find futures markets so attractive. Just remember—leverage can work against you as well, so learning proper risk management is key. There are also prop firms to get funded accounts for even less. We will talk about this later in the blog post.

Futures markets also have high liquidity, meaning you can easily enter and exit trades quickly, which is particularly important if you’re interested in day trading or scalp trading. For someone like me, who loves fast-paced action, liquidity ensures that I can make quick decisions and execute them without worrying about slippage.

Are You Financially Ready to Leave Your Job?

Do You Have Enough Savings?

Before you decide to quit your job, make sure you’ve got a financial cushion. Trading is unpredictable, and it can take time to become consistently profitable. Having at least six months to a year of living expenses saved is crucial, so you’re not pressured to make risky trades just to pay the bills. So spend time going over your finances and what that dollar amount would be for you to give yourself a good window of time to stack profits to start paying for your expenses and truly be able to live from your futures profits.

For me I made sure I was debt free as well so I could actually use all my income from trading to be used for my living expenses and of course save money for taxes! Nothing worse than getting to tax season and you have no cash set aside to pay for these taxes. What I do is put 30% from every payout to a High Yield Savings account and let my tax money gain around 4% for the year and let that compound month after month. By setting up this account for my tax money, it kept me motivated to set aside money for taxes as it would continue to grow for me.

The Right Mindset for Trading

Trading can be an emotional rollercoaster, and having the right mindset is critical. As a day trader and futures trader, you’re often dealing with fast market moves, and if you can’t handle the stress or setbacks, it’s easy to burn out. This is the hardest part of trading. This is something 90% of traders struggle with and I, myself still battle most weeks of trading. If you need more training on this topic, visit our YouTube Channel and as well as many other great channels out there. We also have a free course on YouTube here: The Mindset of a Trader Free Course

Build a Strong Foundation in Futures Trading

Learn the Basics

Before quitting your job, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of the futures markets. Take time to learn about futures contracts, margin, leverage, and how to trade in both rising and falling markets. There are tons of educational resources out there, including YouTube channels (like my own!) and courses that can help you master the fundamentals. If you do not have any idea of a trading system or have an edge in the markets you have traded, please go practice in paper accounts and back testing on Trading View. There is no need to give into a challenge account or use your money just yet. Take the time to practice before you step into the big leagues… 

Price Action is Key

A crucial element of futures trading is understanding price action—how prices move on the chart based on supply and demand. As a futures trader, especially if you’re day trading or scalp trading, being able to read and predict price movements is essential to making profitable trades. We have a full playlist walking you A to Z for new traders here: Becoming a Trader Free Course

Get Set Up with the Right Tools

Choosing the Right Broker

Not all brokers are created equal, so you’ll need to find one that offers low commissions, fast execution speeds, and access to key futures markets. When I first started, I wasted a lot of time and money with different prop firms that didn’t meet my needs. Don’t make the same mistake—research carefully, or ask for recommendations from experienced futures traders. I myself have been using Apex Trader Funding and have received multiple payouts with no problems. Again, do your research and see which one will work best for you. And make sure you are ready!

Master Risk Management

Risk Management is Key

To survive and thrive in futures trading, you need a solid risk management plan. Set clear stop-loss orders to protect your capital, and make sure you never risk more than 1-2% of your account on any given trade. This rule helped me stay afloat when trades didn’t go my way. And once I am in a live account with APEX, I only risk 0.50% as I want to focus on compounding and pulling out consistent profits. Once I am in a live account, the goal is to keep it and get more accounts.

Transitioning to Full-Time Futures Trading

Easing into Full-Time Trading

Before quitting your job, ease into trading by starting part-time. Spend a few months or even a year proving to yourself that you can be consistently profitable before relying solely on trading for income. When I made the switch, I traded part-time for 2 years and built up a track record of successful trades before leaving my job. You need to be in this for the long run and take the time to do it right. Rushing will only hurt you and end up in losing lots of money like I did myself. I was so anxious to get in live accounts that I blew up many accounts and wasted lots of money.

Conclusion: Take the Leap, But Do It Smartly

If you’re serious about quitting your job and becoming a full-time futures trader, know that it’s possible—but it requires preparation, discipline, and patience. By building a strong foundation, mastering risk management, and transitioning slowly, you’ll be in the best position to make trading your new career.

So, are you ready to take the plunge? Start by learning the basics, opening a demo account, and developing your strategy. Who knows, your next trade might be the one that lets you say goodbye to the 9-to-5 grind for good. But in all honesty, take the time and do not rush. Home runs will never allow you to do this as a full time job, you need consistent wins to compound week after week, month after month, and year after year.

Explore Funded Futures Accounts

If you’re looking for a funded futures account, check out Apex Trader Funding to start your journey today. They offer excellent opportunities for traders to get funded without risking their own capital.

Another great option is Fast Track Trading for instant funded futures accounts, where you can quickly get funded and start trading right away.

Disclaimer:

Trading futures and other financial instruments carries a high level of risk and is not suitable for all investors. Make sure you understand the risks involved before engaging in futures trading, and only trade with money you can afford to lose. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Always consider seeking advice from a licensed financial advisor.