I went to a day trading meetup and spoke to people with dreams of getting good enough to quit their 9-to-5

Core Insights - There has been a significant increase in interest in trading education and mentorship, particularly following the pandemic retail-trading boom, with online trading course enrollment on Coursera rising by 213% from 2019 to 2024 [2] - The demand for trading-related services has surged, as evidenced by a 700% increase in global search interest for "day trading class" and a 572% increase for "day trading group" over the past quarter [3] Group 1: Trading Education and Interest - The rise in trading courses and groups is attributed to a growing number of individuals seeking financial independence and the ability to quit traditional jobs [4][6] - TraderDaddy, a trading education company, has reported a notable increase in interest in their courses, with many attendees being beginners eager to learn [5][8] - The trading community is characterized by a strong desire for financial freedom, with many individuals investing significant amounts in trading courses and mentorship [14][15] Group 2: Trader Demographics and Motivations - The demographic of aspiring traders includes a mix of younger individuals who feel lost in their careers and are seeking alternative income sources [16][19] - Many traders express a desire to transition from traditional employment to full-time trading, viewing it as a path to greater flexibility and financial security [16][17] - The trading environment is often filled with enthusiasm, as participants engage in discussions about market trends and potential trades [10] Group 3: Challenges and Realities of Trading - Despite the allure of day trading, the reality is that success is difficult to achieve, with studies indicating that 97% of investors who traded for over 300 days lost money [11] - The emphasis in trading education is on developing independent thinking and technical analysis skills, rather than relying solely on instructors for guidance [12][13] - Many aspiring traders are motivated by the potential for financial freedom but face challenges in navigating the complexities of the market [18]