I don't see any business where you don't have to bet money. Unless you are an employee.
What is the difference between making a risk conscious bet in the market and opening a company, store, etc.
Unfortunately I haven't found a way to make money without risking money.
Well for one, professionals do not make a bet when they get an education and go out and start a practice, i.e. Doctors, Lawyers, Accountants. Secondly, if everything is viewed as a bet then you are correct. If its a prudent investment that requires diligent effort to grow your business, why is that the same as a dopamine hit from a 5 minute trading position. Lastly, does your risk consciousness factor in emotions? I'd venture to guess no.
Look, I lived your life over the last 15 years. Been there done that. For me the results were disastrous. Prison, insanity and thoughts of death. See
https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=86975.0 for more on that.
I cant tell you whether you are like me, a compulsive gambler, or just a bad luck investor who cant control his emotions and is trying to learn how. Just putting the info out there.