Rewards, and the risk/reward paradigm is different for each individual, and I don't want to get too philosophical here. So off the top of my head I'll say there is no greater reward than the attainment of a Goal - achieved through desire, will, hard work and persistence. But I'm now referring to some of the amazing benefits of succeeding in this career field.
1 - Work from anywhere in the world provided you have internet access. Be in NY today, and on the beach in the Caribbean tomorrow, you can still get your work done. No 8-6 corporate job with 2 hour commute for you... like you are some ant in a colony with other like minded drones.
2 - You play a game for a living - A challenge you love..a brain teaser. You also get to bet.
3 - Opportunity to make a really nice living - You are better paid then many lawyers, doctors, teachers, policeman...you name it. In this game you actually can make a tremendous amount of money in a relatively short period of time due to the explosive leverage of futures markets. Potential gains are readily available by playing the game when odds are in your favor, but then betting on it like they are not!
Most traders simply can't bring themselves to do this however. They want to be in on every hand, foolishly whittling down their precious chip stack, as opposed to simply waiting for a great starting hand like pocket Kings or better before betting. They also can't help themselves when it comes to controlling their bet size. Since they "know" what is about to happen, they bet too large a percentage of their chip stack on a single bet. - I digress though, so let's get back to the topic of reward.
4 - You don't need to saddle yourself with ruinous debt for a College, So Called Education. No need for MBA, CFA, CPA or any other piece of paper or certificate that supposedly makes you qualified to work.
5 - You can be a semi-pro. As End of Day strategies can be utilized, and Futures markets are open 23 hours a day - You can keep a day job if it makes more financial sense, and then supplement your income with your Futures Trading business.
If these things appeal to you, which I imagine they will, then please continue to read on.