Don't give up mate. You have only ever lost at anything when you...

Don't give up mate. You have only ever lost at anything when you give up. Perhaps a change of formula would work (less enthusiasm and more research).

I have been in the market 20+ years and lost money for the first 10. The market is definitely rigged as you point out...but that is lesson number one.

There are two rules in the share market that I try to live by:

1. Protect capital
2. Refer to rule 1

Sorry to hear of your loss, I have been there and do not wish it on anyone. Not sure where the 14 years comes in but I wish you better luck.