do you know of anyone that lives off of options trading?

Question

just trying to get a idea where the options trading business is at, is it profitable, is it something you can do as a full time job??

Answer 1

I know, through message boards, some who make a living trading options. Some work for large companies trading with their money.

Most, if not all, who are independent

(1) have been doing it less than 10 years, and
(2) started with portfolios in the mid to high six digits.

I would not try to support myself trading options with a portfolio under $500,000.

Option trading can certainly be profitable, but remember it is a zero sum proposition. For every dollar you make on an option someone else lost a dollar on the same option. You have to be better than other traders to make a profit. Remember the professional traders have access to the best information and the best tools, and that you will be competing against them.

Answer 2

some folks live short term off options trading, most go broke and go to another source of income when the market does something they don't expect, which is frequently. Brokers make a lot from options, trading other peoples money.

Answer 3

It is highly speculative, and therefore unlikely to be a good way to earn a living. Even professionals employed by investment companies struggle to keep ahead in the options market. An individual will find it next to impossible.