Drawbacks of being a trader, and how old is too old to get into trading?

<p>Hi all, I am completely new to IBs but trading for some reason is catching my eye greatly, because of how your performance is completely quantifiable - no BS - and if you're good, you're richly rewarded. I understand that only the very best rake in the big money though, so I hope I'm not being too deluded. </p>

<p>I'm wondering about something: if the potential returns of being a good trader are that big and the hours are better than other IB such as M&A, why isn't everyone rushing to be a trader? From what I've read so far, perhaps it's because trading is a very stressful job and also very risky. Is there anything else that turns people off from trading?</p>

<p>Also, I'm in college on a government scholarship that will mandate me to work for my government for at least 4 years post-graduation. After that, with 4 years of irrelevant public sector experience, would it be difficult or impossible for me to get a job as a trader? Or are most traders hired straight out of college? I do intend to obtain an MFE before my government work if possible, if that helps.</p>