Interviewer : So why exactly does your job have a reputation for being stressful ?
Financial trader : Stress is generally driven by the feeling of er being out of control of a situation and the feeling of a situation controlling you. Trading financial markets combines both these scenarios. Your erm financial position can change in a matter of seconds and what changes that position is generally a situation beyond your control as a trader. It is possible to lose in… in seconds what may have taken you a year to make. It’s the feeling of uncertainty, being out of control, that causes the stress.
Interviewer : How do you relax in the evening?
Financial trader : I very rarely do anything work related so it’s easy to escape 'The markets'. I generally go to the gym or go for a run, especially if I’ve had a bad day. I always cook a meal rather than have a take-away to do something my brain would regard as creative. I find it quite therapeutic! More often than not I will watch some TV before going to bed as I find it helps me to wind down. If I go to bed straight after work it’s harder to sleep.
Interviewer : What do you do to beat stress at the weekend?
Financial trader : I like to be busy and active. I like the feeling of having achieved something over the weekend and it being productive. I definitely don't like wasting days. Most weekends are a mixture of household jobs like fixing something, shopping or gardening and socialising with friends. I also go to watch Arsenal at least once a week.
Interviewer : Do you think what you do to relax is an effective way to beat stress?
Financial trader : I don't think there is a specific rule about how to beat stress. I generally find that what I do is effective for me.
Interviewer : Would you consider changing your job because of the high stress factor?
Financial trader : I have considered leaving my job due to stress related factors. I do however think that an element of stress is a good thing and if used the right way can er actually be a positive thing. It can lead to a change in direction, erm success and, and stimulate you to do something new.
Interviewer : What do you enjoy about the stressful aspects of your job?
Financial trader : Having said all that, I do actually enjoy an element of uncertainty. It keeps you on your toes! I enjoy a mental challenge. Trading triggers a very wide range of emotions second by second. How you deal with and manage those emotions dictates short, medium and long term trading performance and success.
Interviewer : Do you become less stressed the longer you do the job or does it become more stressful as you go on?
Financial trader : I would say it remains constant. The source and the nature of the stress changes and how you deal with it changes due to experience, but, but, it's always there.
