You might want to look at trading (stock) options. That's where the serious money is. Doesn't matter if the market goes up, down or sideways. It does take a while to find a strategy you are comfortable with, but the time investment can be worth it. Up at 8AM, make food for the day, market opens at 9:30, work online until noon, make a few trades, could be calls or puts, off to the gym. The rest of the day is mine.