This past September, I began working only part-time last September to enable more focus on my trading and hopefully determine whether I could be a successful day trader before giving up my job as an engineer. I would strongly recommend this to others considering a career in day trading. Most people lose money day trading.
Most people lose money day trading.
Do not burn any bridges at work, or even leave your full time career unless you are confident you can succeed at trading. Propose to work part-time, or take a leave of absence, if possible, to allow yourself to explore day trading. Respect the fact that the odds are against you to succeed. With this in mind, explain to yourself why you think that you will be able to succeed despite the odds. If you don't have some reason or edge that will help you succeed, then you will probably fail.