Investing in Stocks this Summer: Is it a Good Idea?

[Null_]

I'm taking a class, and I want to get a job. I've pretty much decided I can't get one related to my major (going into second year of chemE) due to my fairly remote location. If I get a job, it'll be selling burgers or something.

I'm thinking about trying to sit at home and play the stock market. I have no experience other than about a week of playing a simulator game. I'm very frugal with my money even in the simulator, and I have gained money.

Is this a horrible idea? I'm thinking I could also dig into the mathematics of it all, which interests me greatly.

 

[KingNothing]

It might be fun, but you may also find it incredibly disappointing.

 

[Null_]

How much time would it theoretically take? If not too much, I suppose I could do both.