/Ed Pell

My grandmother left me some money when she passed and I was a young man. I could have bought a sports car, had some fun and blown the whole wad. Now if I had bought a Ferrari 375mm I'd be sitting on millions, had a blast and driven my fantasy. Instead, being a dutiful grandson (my nonna had scrimped and saved for my inheritance) I embarked on a career in the markets. There was something so fascinating about a place you could go and pick various financial instruments -- and if you were correct (and lucky) you would reap your reward. No boss, no commute, no special skills -- just you and your wits versus the market. How could that be? I was hooked. So I bought Japanese stocks when Japan was an emerging economy. I made multiples on my investment so I quit my editorial job at the Conde Nast Publications and never looked back. Goodbye 9 to 5 and welcome 24/7. Live free or die. EP