How do you go from having options trading as a side hustle to trading full-time? And what will it require from you?
Kirk Durbin from Pennsylvania, USA is the man behind the Speaking Greeks trading community. His life was turned completely around. A few years back he was in prison after getting himself into a vicious circle of crime and drugs. Trying to build a new future for himself and his family, he realized he was “the least employable person” there was.
The answer became options trading.
In this video interview Kirk tells both his personal story as well as delving into the mental battles, financial risks, and strategies that helped him survive as a full-time options trader.
Watch the interview with Kirk Durbin
The video was produced with Streamyard – an easy-to-use and amazing tool for live streaming and recording.
The turning point: No other choice
After leaving prison, Kirk Durbin faced a harsh reality—he was unemployable. His background made it nearly impossible to secure a job, no matter his qualifications. Every interview ended the same way: rejection due to his criminal record.
Feeling trapped, Kirk realized he had to create his own path. He had dabbled in crypto investing and knew about the stock market, so he turned to options trading as a potential way to make a living.
From crypto gains to market losses
Initially, Kirk made money in cryptocurrency, buying Bitcoin at $11 per coin and later profiting from Ethereum’s explosive rise. However, transitioning to trading options came with a harsh learning curve.
One of his biggest early mistakes was overconfidence. He sold high-probability SPX iron condors—which worked until they didn’t. A major market move wiped out six figures in profits overnight.
This painful experience forced Kirk to rethink risk management. Instead of chasing profits, he learned to size trades properly, build a stable strategy, and protect his capital.
The realities of full-time trading
Most traders underestimate what it takes to trade full-time. Kirk shares the biggest challenges:
- The mental strain of relying on trading for income
- Income fluctuation—some months are great, others are red
- Staying disciplined and avoiding emotional trades
- Separating work from life—not obsessing over the market 24/7
Kirk doesn’t follow the typical “trader routine” of waking up at 5 AM, meditating, and journaling. Instead, he structures his day to fit his lifestyle, spending time with family and working from anywhere.
Kirk Durbin’s key lessons for aspiring full-time traders
If you’re considering going full-time, prepare yourself. Kirk Durbin shares three crucial lessons:
- Stabilize your finances – Don’t quit your job until you have a financial cushion. Cover at least 6–12 months of living expenses.
- Master emotional discipline – Full-time trading is mentally exhausting. Without discipline, you’ll second-guess your trades and make emotional decisions.
- Treat trading like a business – Keep detailed records, track performance, and continuously refine your strategies. This isn’t a hobby—it’s a profession.
Click here to join Kirk Durbin’s trading community Speaking Greeks
He did not really share any of his strategies in this video so did not learn much 🙁