Eat. Sleep. Trade. Repeat.

As my sabbatical comes to an end and I prepare to walk back into the world of trading, I felt that it was important to take note of all the lessons I learned from my time away.

And if you let me, I want to share those lessons with you….

But first, I want to share how I reached the point of needing a break in the first place.

Burning out — how did I let this happen?

For the last 7 years, trading has been my life. My all-encompassing life, for which I’ve put everything else in second place.

Why? You ask. What about work-life balance?

Well, I say, when you’re trying to survive, you do every single thing you can to make that happen. And that’s exactly what I did. It took many long nights, and a few tears, but I never questioned the amount of time or effort I  put into trading. After all, I started off in trading for the sole purpose of taking care of my son, Leo. I wanted to financially provide for him on my own while still being able to spend time with him. I was bound and determined for that to happen.

And so, I traded and never stopped for seven. straight. years.

The irony of my actions

Over those years, trading began to carry as much importance to me as eating and sleeping. I loved it, but what I didn’t see was the irony of my actions. I started this journey in the first place to feel the freedom of a trader. To be financially free, to have more free time, and to live life with a little more cushion. But in actuality, by not allowing myself a break, I’d lost the freedom I was seeking in the first place. And that’s when I knew something had to change.

Change is a process.

My sabbatical was life-changing but initially difficult to adjust to. At first — I felt completely disoriented. I’m a trader at heart, after all. What happened to eat, sleep, trade, repeat? I felt lost and uncomfortable. But, now, almost 5 weeks later, I’ve grown through that and the lessons I’ve soaked up throughout this time are simple but life-changing.

Throughout this series, I’m going to talk about balance, love, nutrition, hobbies — and most of all, what we all want and how to get it and maintain it — the trader lifestyle.

Be on the lookout for next Thursday’s episode, where I’ll be talking about lesson one: balancing the constant pull between personal and professional life.

4 thoughts on “Eat. Sleep. Trade. Repeat.”

  1. Hi Danielle

    Hope you’re really doing well. I was thinking of emailing you and then I got this. Good for you for taking time for yourself and your family. My firm wants us to take 2 days off a month and take at least a week off over the summer. The covid thing affects everyone differently and mental preservation is important. I haven’t been consistent but I’m trying to meditate at least 5 minutes a day. I’m sure you’re doing this stuff to headspace and calm are pretty good apps. You’re a great mom wife and trader! Btw-I’m the guy who u spoke with in ny at Carolyn’s meet up. All the best Neal

    Reply
  2. I feel the same as you did in the beginning. I’m 70 and trying to keep my home and through a wonderful mentor discovered Options Trading, and actually, you! I spend 8-12 hours a day learning, practicing and loving trading. I may burn out too, but I have a sense of accomplishment and excitement and I so enjoy and identify with your style and mindset. God bless.

    Reply
  3. Danielle,

    Big fan of yours, glad to see you took a break. I have a Leo too, 1 of 3 kids I have & they are my life. Enjoy the little one because they do grow fast. Have a good weekend.

    Reply
    • Hey Bruce,

      Thank you so much. I can’t believe how big he is already! People always say that it goes by in the blink of an eye – it didn’t seem so true during the baby stage and sleepless nights, but now it sure does!

      Have a great weekend,

      Danielle

      Reply

Leave a Comment

Up Next...

NFLX: Taking Profits (A Follow Up)

Hey traders! Last week, I posted a bullish Netflix (NFLX) setup at Five Star Trader. At this point, this trade is making targets, and I’m taking profits. What does that look like? Well, Netflix has hit just below my price target of $730. My put credit spread, and my butterfly has two days remaining. One could … Read more

Read More

A Bullish Trade in Netflix (NFLX)

Relative Strength, Squeezes, and Earnings Netflix has been at the top of my radar for the past few months due to its trend and relative strength. This is primarily for trading only versus investments because I don’t invest in stocks at new all-time highs. With this ticker, I added some put credit spreads and bullish … Read more

Read More

The Post-Fed Break Out Continues…

Relative strength stocks continue to break out after the Fed cut rates. When semiconductors (SMH) break higher, along with Microsoft (MSFT), Amazon (AMZN), Netflix (NFLX), Meta (META), Tesla (TSLA), and Broadcom (AVGO), this relative strength is a bullish sign for continued upside price action. There’s also a difference between where traders and investors should focus. … Read more

Read More

Subscribe Today!

Want my up-to-date analysis, setups, top trading tips, and more? Be a Five Star trader, and join my free newsletter today!

Sign Up Now
all-as-seen-on-logos