There are definitely a lots less positions available for people working in actuarial field, than say CFA or CPA. Hey, every company needs an accounting department, but maybe 1 in 50 (that’s probably an overly generous assumption) companies needs an actuarial department.
As for the exclusivity/the grind, my theory is much more machiavellian. However, I don’t think the current AO is the right platform to discuss it, so I won’t go there.