To tame a shrew

Back in 2008, I was a newbie in the cut-throat world of NYSE and was still learning the ropes. Back then, it was not uncommon that I lose money for my portfolio.
On bad days, and there were several, the manager would advise me to take the time off after I lose my positions. On those days, I would ponder on my minute existence in the big global network that emanates from Wall Street, and wrote on my previous blog, perhaps out of frustration or learned helplessness as psychiatrists would say.


To Tame A Shrew at Wall Street


I apologize, Mr Shakespeare, for bastardizing your poetic genius.


It only fascinates me that 400 years later, your literature took on a new meaning. Day traders like me can only smile in bemusement, perhaps bewilderment bordering insanity.


In this art of war, I am no warrior of Lancelot. I was not properly trained in the academia of finance or economics. My formal teachers, if I may say so, were Leeuwenhoek, Schleiden, Schwann, Watson, Crick, and Craig Venter, to name a few.


Battlefield was only a vague concept, until they threw me in. Wall Street trampled upon me. Mother Market was a difficult shrew to tame.


Bruised and naked, I was surprised! I had been taught to fish for around 7 days before, but no one told me that fishing was more difficult than textbook drama.


Thus, for the next few days, weeks, months, or even years if I’m still alive, I will build my armor for this war. I will ready my helm and visor (to think logically), chain vest (to control my emotions), and gauntlets (to be quick with my hands). I am still a squire at this stable, ready to obey at will.


Someday, I will be a successful knight of Wall Street, and this is my tale.



Will Smith starred as a salesman turned stockbroker in The Pursuit of Happyness (2006).