you need a good chunk of change to start daytrading. i used to do it for my dad's account. i personally wouldn't start with any less than 60-70,000 bucks. i don't recommend going into this type of lifestyle. i was under tremendous stress and devouted all my time to studying charts, reading 10-q's, 10-k's, and researching many individual stocks. if you want to be successful you must put in the time. daytrading isn't considered to be a conservative style of investing, but to be somewhat successful, you have to show prudence doing it. it's not a get rich quick scheme. it can be a get broke fast tho. i learned many things - mostly the market shouldn't be thought of as a casino
i say stick with your other job. i sleep much better at night now with the companies i own, knowing they won't be going out of business tomorrow and most likely there won't be any big surprises for me or my dad