Work + study hours?

[Incredible Hulctuary]

It's me again, who posted the question in the "Feasible to become an actuary now (http://www.actuary.ca/phpBB/viewtopic.php?topic=1646&forum=14&21)" thread.

I am also wondering about how many hours per week to expect to be occupied with work and study as an actuary. Approximately how many hours per week do you work and study? I realize the hours probably vary with the stage of your career, so it would also be helpful if you would say what career stage are you at ... pre-Associate, Associate but pre-Fellowship, or post-Fellowship? Did your hours increase, decrease or stay the same as you advanced through the ranks?

If you consider your own hours to be significantly more or less than typical, what would you consider typical?

And do the consulting companies that make you work long hours usually pay you extra for those hours, or are most consulting actuaries just on a fixed salary regardless of the hours billed? Thanks.


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: techguy on 2002-01-16 21:55 ]</font>

[Anonymous]

I work in pension consulting (pre-ASA). During non-exam season I usually work 45-50 hours per week. When studying, I work 40-45 hours per week and study on average 10-25 hours per week (obviously the closer to the exam date - the more I study). I also get 120 hours of company paid study time to help offset my study hours.

[Minerva]

Insurance company, almost FSA

Non-exam time - probably 50-55 hours a week is the norm, with some occasional spikes as projects heat up.

Exam time, work + company study time stays about 45-50 - with an occasional spike, but much less frequent and much less severe. (This last is under current management, we don't want to delve too far into certain past administrations!) Personal study time increases from 10 hours a week several months before the exam to 40+ the last month (including weekends), but that's what it takes to pass.

Work hour expectations have increased with experience, although the increase is really more related to responsibility than to years. In that, it's likes any other job and any other company - those who do, get.

[Maine-iac]

Insurance company. Work hours generally about 40 hrs. per week. Occasional spikes for deadline projects. If you are in a reserving position, no vacation from 1/1 until 3/1 and steady extra hours until the Annual Statement is filed. For a pricing job, extra hours are erratic and tied to the schedule of rate filings, hearings, etc.

Study time - Varies by person. I average about 11 hours a week for 18 weeks, and 15 or more for the last two. Twice a year. Not counting an extra 100 hours or so company study time.

Oh yeah. After my FSA, all those exam hours went away. Responsibilities increased in my position, so my work hours picked up slightly (3 - 5 hours per week), but less than the exam hours forgone, and almost all weekends free.

I'm a student again now on the CAS side, but that's a weird situation you are unlikely to encounter.



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Maine-iac on 2002-01-17 08:41 ]</font>