bssc
Moderator Emeritus
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2005
- Messages
- 10,125
Number 1. As mentioned, the longer hours and commute probably lower your pay per hour rate significantly.
When I was young, single and eager, and before I was jaded and sick of corporate America, I might have chosen #2 as well. But a few years of cubicle life and a lovely bride changed my perspective. Now, as long as all the bills are paid, I'll take quality of life over "opportunity for advancement" all day. I have zero desire for another promotion, because the next promotion up the career ladder would be into management.In my youth, I would have chosen #2. In fact, that's what I did. I moved my family across the country and disrupted our lives. I had EVERYTHING (or at least everything I needed and wanted) and didn't know it until I screwed it up. This was all in the name of advancement @ megacorp. I spent the next 2 years fixing it. Eventually we got back 'home' and everything was fine again. The moral to the story is there is MUCH MORE to life than career.
...if the P&C firm wants you to work 60 hrs/week and study for exams on top of that, I'd run like hell. Also, if you got the sense that they would say, "screw your free time, we need this done ASAP, and btw you're working for the next 3 weekends," I'd run like hell. If you want the ASA or FSA, I would definitely opt for the 45 hrs/week with the shorter commute until you pass the exams. At that point, you'd be extremely marketable and would probably command a big premium if you decide to job shop.
Nice Bots, that's pretty impressive. Congratulations on finishing so quickly! For those of you who are not very familiar with the actuarial profession, we need to pass a series of grueling exams which take an average of 8.5 years to get through.In the end this got me an FSA in less than 5 years, all told. This was great for pay and marketability
When I was in college I considered switching the actuarial science program. I already had 3 semesters of calculus (2 of them in HS), and 1 each of statistics, diff eq, and linear algebra. I supposedly had a reasonable enough background to take the first test. I took a look at a sample, and could barely recognize anything. Maybe I only had the background to start preparing for it. Anyway, I punted that idea. Finishing in 5 years is definitely impressive.Nice Bots, that's pretty impressive. Congratulations on finishing so quickly! For those of you who are not very familiar with the actuarial profession, we need to pass a series of grueling exams which take an average of 8.5 years to get through.
One advantage of having this commute is that it would force me to study 2 hours a day. The Co. also grants 115 hours of study time per exam sitting (twice a year), which is in line with industry norms.
The life Co. was ambiguous about their study program and working hours. The HR personnel was very unprofessional, they were pushing me to accept their verbal offer over the phone, and when I got the written offer, it was a crooked copy sent regular mail.
P&C is the industry I've always been the most interested in. This opportunity is a foot in the door, and the only real disadvantage I see is having to waking up earlier than I'm used to.
Also, I may have spoken too soon about the cut-throat environment. This was the impression I got from one of my interviewers (not an actuary) and may not reflect on the company as a whole. I guess his attitude was the one that left the biggest footprint, the rest of the interviewers were actually pretty laid back.
It doesn't make much of a difference to her. She gets home from work around 7:00pm so I will be home in either case. #2 may have me going to bed earlier, but #1 may have me studying in the evenings.Is your wife onboard with the longer day of #2?
MooreBonds said:I don't know how much experience you have or how much prep you did for your interviews, but have you done any research on how to interview? I read 2 books on interviewing (the names escape me, unfortunately) and they were INVALUABLE! Everything from how to handle sending resumes, how to conduct yourself over the phone/what to say (and what not to say), how to interview, and - MOST important - how to negotiate your offer.
P&C is much more appealing to me but I'm still debating whether an additional 2.5 hr/day commute is worth following what interests me more.
I chose #1. I finally got information on their study program and it's a great one. Their hours are good too. I just needed to talk to someone in the department and not HR. The 1.5 hr commute difference each way is what really pushed the decision.
Thank you all for your input.
I chose #1. I finally got information on their study program and it's a great one. Their hours are good too. I just needed to talk to someone in the department and not HR. The 1.5 hr commute difference each way is what really pushed the decision.
Thank you all for your input.