Opinions Solicited on Part Time Jobs

[chic squirrel]

Hello Everyone,

I am a new mother and working full-time right now. I would like to switch to a part time job to spend more time at home with my baby.

Do you think there is a market out there for part time actuaries?I have 7 exams -done it in 3.5 years and 2.5 years of work experience as an actuary. I am also an international but leaving this point aside do you think someone would hire me for a part-time position?

I am working in NYC currently but the people here are quite bad-dont believe in giving any guidance or be positive in any way! But before changing jobs, I would like to explore all options.

Thanks in advance for your views!

[SirVLCIV]

Originally Posted by chic squirrel

Hello Everyone,

I am a new mother and working full-time right now. I would like to switch to a part time job to spend more time at home with my baby.

Do you think there is a market out there for part time actuaries?I have 7 exams -done it in 3.5 years and 2.5 years of work experience as an actuary. I am also an international but leaving this point aside do you think someone would hire me for a part-time position?

I am working in NYC currently but the people here are quite bad-dont believe in giving any guidance or be positive in any way! But before changing jobs, I would like to explore all options.

Thanks in advance for your views!

I've seen several NYC companies in the forefront of the 'work/life balance' (utilizing part-time jobs, telecommuting, etc.). I'm one of three in the past three years to be hired on in a sort of full part-time role (I'm officially an intern, although that may change shortly - the other two were 'permanent part-timers' and are now full-time) at my current firm, and I know Ernst & Young has had several big campaigns with respect to 'work/life balance' (I don't know about E&Y's actuarial jobs, however).

I would suggest it to be easier to convert into a part-time role when at a company that already knows and respects your output, although I imagine career progression would slow down considerably.

[DW Simpson]

Originally Posted by chic squirrel

I am also an international but leaving this point aside

I wouldn't leave that point aside. That is almost entirely the point, unfortunately.

We do occasionally see part-time roles. We're working on a part-time P&C role in Illinois currently, for example.

Your most likely part-time option is your present employer, especially with your visa situation gumming up the works.

[tommie frazier]

with visa issues, you may need to try and make it work with your current epmployer. hard to get hired in part time and have sponsorship needs. what is in it for the company?

[sayhey]

Originally Posted by D.W. Simpson Webmaster

I wouldn't leave that point aside. That is almost entirely the point, unfortunately.

And if you can get past that point you need to consider health benefits. I currently have a part-time temporary (read: no benefits) actuary working for me. A part-time permanent (with benefits) employee would have been much harder to get approved and nearly impossible if it was a new hire.

Still I think it is a worthy goal and would suggest discretely asking someone you trust at work if its ever been done before.

[chic squirrel]

Originally Posted by sayhey

And if you can get past that point you need to consider health benefits. I currently have a part-time temporary (read: no benefits) actuary working for me. A part-time permanent (with benefits) employee would have been much harder to get approved and nearly impossible if it was a new hire.

Still I think it is a worthy goal and would suggest discretely asking someone you trust at work if its ever been done before.

I dont care if I dont get benefits-I am covered under my husband's health care plans.. Healthcare is the major benefit that I care about.

[sayhey]

Originally Posted by chic squirrel

I dont care if I dont get benefits-I am covered under my husband's health care plans.. Healthcare is the major benefit that I care about.

Well that makes it easier. Try talking to people you know inside or outside your company.

Also consider alternative and small employers that might be more flexible. Good Luck.