Full time trading versus part time...

IMO it's ridiculous to say that trading part time to build an account is not a possibility. I mean, come on, use some common sense - You're either profitable or you're not. If you are then you can build an account, it's really quite straight forward. And don't start going on about screen time, it's perfectly possible trading EOD too - you would just need a larger acccount to make anything worthwhile.

In my opinion I think you are being very sensible. I trade "part-time", although rather than say "part-time" I would say my trading strategy only requires me to make a couple or so trades per week and a quick check of positions at lunchtime and close. When the FTSE is making a big move like the last month I just watch my positions grow, I haven't entered a new trade for a month, but my account has grown over 20%! stress free!
And I think people are foolish to think you can't make a decent return this way, admittedly on a small account I've made 140% this year with this method (18% max drawdown) on a mere 67 medium term trades. I would look to 30-50% on a larger account.
so take the easy option...
although a lot of guys here will disagree with what I said!

For many people it's also matter of circumstances. Some people choose the wrong career and realise 10+ years down the line that what they are doing isn't for them but might be 'trapped' due to financial or family commitments.

By the way, I highly recommend this movie (If you haven't seen it)

It's called 'Floored' and you might find clips on youtube and other video sites. It really is worth a watch.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1326220/

Yes if you want to succeed at trading you must quit work/school immediately - they are irrelevant anyway - and sit in front of a screen all day everyday until charts scream KISS at you. This is the only way anyone can ever become a profitable trader. Anyone who disagrees with this fact is just a sore loser and should give up anyway.

Liam, you must distance your own personal prejudices and pre-conceptions of what you may or not accomplish from part time trading from the hard stats/data. The attrition rate for those entering this profession (as a new start career, full time fully commited) are off the scale, multiply that by a considerable factor by those 'having a punt' as a part time hobby.

No one is personalising or demeaning your individual attempts to have a go at FX trading whilst keeping down a job, but this road is undoubtedly littered with wrecks who thought they could start off EOD part time and move into full time, for most it simply doesn't cut and the millions of zombie trading accounts are no doubt testament to this.

My suggestion (fwiw) has been steadfast for part time trading; if you can keep your job and not be stiffing your employer and earn perhaps an extra 10K (just on the cusp of most personal tax allowance) per annum then why change? Simple position trading out of just about any basket/combo of currencies from folks' Sterling savings would have reaped rewards over the past 24 months, no reason why part time currency investors couldn't take advantage of currency movements moving forward in that manner/method..

I'm just speaking from personal experience. I dont know a single profitable part time trader. Think about it, if you where profitable part time, why on earth would you choose to work for an employer ?

Dont say lack of funds, there's no shortage of money available for anyone with a track record.

I agree a firm mental commitment, concentration and focus is needed as a prerequisite for success in just about any venture, the odds will be better if you focus on one objective at a time I'd say.

That said you can commit to success in trading without being glued behind a screen the whole day, which will in fact increase the odds in your favour even more.

Billionaire trader through 15 minutes work / day !

This isn't a valid argument at all. The question is, can someone studying the market in their spare time (or any opportunity they get) learn enough to become profitable in the markets. I say yes, they can. But it all depends on how they go about their 'studies' and whether they get enough opportunity to practice what they have studied. But, I would say it's mostly about ability than simply time even though I'm not putting a time limit on it. It may take someone 10 years but they still may 'get there' so to speak. Also, you may unexpectedly be made redundant, so if you have been studying the market you at least have a head start.