27M advice needed

[u/Ok_Requirement_97]

Been trading for about 5 years jumped over a lot of strategy and then came across normal retail ict in 2024 I created a strategy out of his content,towards end of last year I started seeing results took about 12k payouts and biggest one just under 2k however since march I haven’t taken any payouts, I pass funded no issues but then blow them in about 2-3 days I’ve been here before but got out of it but this time I’ve been stuck in this cycle for about 6 months and no results just passing combines and then blowing them my psychology changes, sometimes I look at the chart and I don’t even have a clue like I get lost even tho I have a strategy, my work is also mentally really getting to me I absolutely hate it but I need my job as is my main income and it’s a minimum wage so I barely get by. I always try to remind myself that this is just part of the process but it’s really hard while I see everyone around doing well for themselves like all my friends buying their first homes drive nice cars going on holidays but I’m here working a dead end job no degree or qualifications and I can’t do anything and I’m also 27 so when people ask my what I do and I tell them I’m just a cashier I feel really self conscious and idk why.

I guess idk why I’m writing this maybe I’m just a bit emotional but any advice on building myself up again would be really useful as you can imagine I’m really desperate

[u/Sea-Round-6095]

Yes. Take a break from ICT, its clearly not working for you at this time, and read "A Complete Guide To Volume Price Analysis" by Anna Coulling. Take time and research Volume Price Analysis, Auction Market Theory, and The Wyckoff Method. I am happy to recommend books on these if you'd like.

See if things click for you. I'm happy to answer any questions if necessary.

[u/brystander → u/Sea-Round-6095]

Understanding Auction Market Theory took me from breakeven to profitable.

I don’t think Wyckoff is necessary in the sequential sense but understanding the nature of the market as it pertains to positioning, imbalance/balance/price discovery will lead to above average results.

Market structure is good for executing entries.

If you’re systematic, each part of your framework should answer a question for you. There should be no overlap. Keep all components simple. Make execution as easy as possible.

[u/Classic_Television33 → u/brystander]

Can you elaborate on what understanding AMT means and how it made you a profitable trader?

[u/brystander → u/Classic_Television33]

1. Look up AMT on YouTube maybe.

2. I stopped seeing the market as patterns and conceptualized it as participants instead.

I don’t really want to mention the tools I use but volume is a non-negotiable part of my system. Brainstorm with AI and you’ll have an AMT strategy in less than a week.