Life after actuarial exams

[question]

I have spent more than 10 years to finish all my SOA exams and I got my FSA in 2006. During all these years I had already been so used to having a goal, i.e. to get the FSA, even I was not really enjoying my actuarial work (because I didn't really know what else I could do to earn my living). Now I have the FSA title in my name card, and I realize that I don't know what else I need to do, i.e. no goal and direction in my life. I don't have family myself, I have no motivation to do anything, especially at work, everyday (I think I am having an after-exam depression). I think I need to setup a goal for my life now, otherwise I will be going nowhere. Having a lot of money is not something that I am looking for, but a meaningful life is. Actually I would like to work for some non-profit organizations, i.e. don't really want anything to do with actuarial anymore. Am I normal, am I stupid? Did I waste all my time in getting the FSA? I am struggling of what I should do for the rest of my life. Can anyone give me some comments? Thanks very much.

[yanz]

post-partum?

[asdfasdf]

I've had the same feelings (not done yet), just find some volunteer work you find rewarding, get married and have 5 kids, you'll feel like you have a purpose, and the kids will ensure you don't have that pesky problem of too much money

[Kaia]

Do you want a family? That could be a goal.

If you wanna try non-profit work, maybe volunteer to test it out first. Jobs in the non-profit sector aren't as easy to get as you might think. I have a friend who has a masters in higher education and works mostly with service projects. She has tons of experience, especially for her age, and has always had a hard time finding work at non-profits. The people looking for those jobs usually have extensive resumes of philanthropic endeavors, so it's tough to compete. (This is just what she's found to be true.) But volunteering is not nearly as difficult to do.

Americorps? Peacecorps? Teach for America? etc. All would give you a long break from actuarial work and give you time to think about what you really want to do. Plus as an FSA, you should be able to afford to live for a year on the below minimum wage "salary" they pay you in those kind of programs.

[djtrifecta]

Take the CAS exams.... DO IT!

Ok... perhaps that's an awful idea.

[_BullDog_]

Originally Posted by asdfasdf

I've had the same feelings (not done yet), just find some volunteer work you find rewarding, get married and have 5 kids, you'll feel like you have a purpose, and the kids will ensure you don't have that pesky problem of too much money or too much time.

IATYP.

[L. Mo]

you'll be amazed how much bad TV you've missed in the last 10 years. All those shows are out on DVD - get cracking!

on a more serious note, I've been meaning to do some volunteer work, but the most I've done is be a water chick at mile 19 of the LA Marathon last year, and be a course marshall for the Tour of California this year.

[tbug]

http://www.actuaries.org/AWF/index.c...=AWF&ACT=INDEX

[FattyMcGee]

Originally Posted by question

...Having a lot of money is not something that I am looking for, but a meaningful life is. ... Am I normal, am I stupid? Did I waste all my time in getting the FSA? I am struggling of what I should do for the rest of my life. Can anyone give me some comments? Thanks very much.

Here's some things you should do in the rest of your life. As an actuary you should have a good salary, plus considerably more free time now that you're not studying. The things below should help you find some satisfaction in life outside of work. Note - they may take you the rest of your life to do them all.

1) Read at least 1 book each month.
2) Run a marathon.
3) Start and keep writing in a journal.
4) Go to Europe. Keep your pants on.
5) Hike the Appalachain Trail all the way.
6) Patronize your local arts cinema. You won't understand the movies, but you'll appreciate them.
7) Spend an hour sitting in the mall watching people go by, then do it again.

8) Get married. Remember your vows.
stricken because that implies the other things in the list cannot be done if you are married.
8) Donate a big sum of money to a charity anonymously.
9) Donate a big sum of money to a charity.
10) Start a business.
11) Get a pen pal.
12) Take up chess.
13) Set yourself the goal of having the most posts on some arcane message board that only about 30 people actually know about.
14) Never use "I'm fine, how are you?" in response to "How are you?" Make it a real answer, such as "I've got pain in my knee from falling down last night. Any suggestions?"
15) Hide random $20 bills all over your house and so you can find them years later.
16) Organize a party for your neighborhood. Create personalized invitations.

Okay, that should get you started.

[IHateExams]

Originally Posted by question

I have spent more than 10 years to finish all my SOA exams and I got my FSA in 2006. During all these years I had already been so used to having a goal, i.e. to get the FSA, even I was not really enjoying my actuarial work (because I didn't really know what else I could do to earn my living). Now I have the FSA title in my name card, and I realize that I don't know what else I need to do, i.e. no goal and direction in my life. I don't have family myself, I have no motivation to do anything, especially at work, everyday (I think I am having an after-exam depression). I think I need to setup a goal for my life now, otherwise I will be going nowhere. Having a lot of money is not something that I am looking for, but a meaningful life is. Actually I would like to work for some non-profit organizations, i.e. don't really want anything to do with actuarial anymore. Am I normal, am I stupid? Did I waste all my time in getting the FSA? I am struggling of what I should do for the rest of my life. Can anyone give me some comments? Thanks very much.

What will make you feel better is giving up alot of money to the poor. Hold on, I'll PM you my address....