VIX is just 19 , This is not too much volatility ! 2008-2009 is the real time. I never had chance to try out options at that time, but who ever was profitable selling options at that time must have deep expertise and would have minted lots of money in low VIX period like from past 3-4 years ! If we cant survive at 19 , think what will happen when VIX goes to 30+ which was very normal ?? This criticism applies to me also . I cannot survive in VIX of 20 , I will die in VIX of 30+ (Only selling options considered ) Options buying is directional play and it requires luck and correctness about the direction