Will it be worth for me it if I pursue a career in quant ?

I’m at a career crossroads and looking for honest advice. **Background:** * \~5 years experience as a full-time software developer * Active **options & stock trader** in US markets (SPX, SPY, etc.) * Focused on **options strategies, research, backtesting, and automation** * Some experience with algo/quant-style trading systems I’m considering whether I should **seriously prepare for quant interviews** (math, stats, probability, DSA) and target firms like top banks and prop shops — **or** continue as a developer and keep trading/algo research as a serious side pursuit. My **long-term goal** is to become a **consistently profitable, independent trader**, not necessarily to build a long-term corporate quant career. So I’m wondering: * Does working as a quant meaningfully help with becoming a better independent trader? * Is the time and effort required for quant prep worth it given the opportunity cost? * How much does non-elite academic background realistically limit chances? * Would staying a developer + building trading systems independently be the higher-leverage path? Would love perspectives from current/former quants, independent traders, or anyone who faced a similar decision. Thanks 🙏