Should You Tell People You’re a Trader? How to Read the Room

In some circles, you’d get a warmer reception admitting you’re a bank robber…
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You’re instantly the villain who “caused the financial crisis,”
…a heartless wan*ker in a Porsche, (aka Jerk for my non-Brit friends)
…plucking pennies from pensioners and laughing all the way to your offshore account.
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In other circles, though?
You’ll get a genuine chat about the economy, markets, and even someone telling you their uncle made a killing on Bitcoin.
(Side note: did every uncle make a killing on Bitcoin? )
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So, just like reading the chart… you’ve got to read the room.
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If someone asks what you do, don’t immediately hit them with “I’m a trader.”

That’s like going all-in on the first ignition candle.
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Instead, put out a little feeler position first:
​“Oh, I’m involved with the financial markets… how about you?”
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​Nine times out of ten, they’ll just start waffling about their own job. Great. Bullet dodged.
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But if they probe further, that’s when you’ve got to read the tape:
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If they hit you with: “I tried Forex once… it’s rigged!”
​ Exit immediately. No liquidity there.
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If they say: “Trading? That’s just gambling!”
​ Fade the move, no edge in that conversation.
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If they smirk: “Well, if you’re so good, why aren’t you richer than Jeff Bezos?”
​ Maximum stop-out. Abort.
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Truth is, I don’t love talking trading with non-traders anyway.
We both know how hard it is to explain. I’d rather talk markets with a real trader like you than some stranger at a BBQ.
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But once in a while?
You’ll find someone who’s genuinely curious.
That’s a high-quality setup.
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And here’s the thing: if you’re still a “developing” trader, those moments often make you realise just how much you actually know…
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You’ve got more edge in your back pocket than you think.