Yep that would do it. I was a hairs-breath (five hours) from my single engine license at 19 (self-funded, not a rich kid). Life got in the way. A willingness to take on something daunting and a really excellent survival instinct probably does help.
Back in the 70’s as a teenager I caught a greyhound bus to Detroit. Went to Hazel Park Race Course and got my license as a groom to take care of 5 thoroughbred races horse. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hazel_Park_Raceway I, occasionally would wager. But I don’t remember ever betting over $4.00. Regardless of the horses running that day. Even those that I took care of. So Larry does that make me a degenerate gambler? I do like to scale into losing trades and find it to be quite profitable if done in the right manner, and correct context, with risk management.
A new potential trader needs to look at trading as a job needing an "extremely high skill set." Nowhere in the job market do people start skilled jobs and professions without a lot of education and training. "Why do new potential traders think they can just read a book, open an account and make a living trading?" It takes more than a few books, or reading trading tips from a trading forum. You need to go to a trading school that follows through afterwards and continue with online trading rooms doing live real time trades with an instructor explaining what your doing. Nobody wants to hear or read what I just said above because it expensive, time consuming and intensive, "but" it allows you to emulate success.
We know a lot of unfit traders (gamblers) are attracted to day trading for quick bucks. If we take out those folks (80%), what is the % success rate and how long does it take to be successful? Success rate (for serious traders) = 4% over 20% = 20% Years before successful = ? (1-5 years full time)
I find Don Guyon's One-Way Pockets described the similar situation as per thread title about 100 hundred years ago. Why it's hard to make money ? It's rigged and having the right mindset will be the edge. It a short book (64 pages) and easy read.
From the way a lot of stocks trade, 90% of traders are losing, but from the way people talk about their trading 90% win. Well, at least the 90% is on target.