Actuary to Medicine

[Taten]

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Hi everyone - I'm an Actuary and for a while I haven't felt fulfilled by my career. Four years ago, I thought about getting into medicine but the fear of starting over was too daunting for me. Wish I had followed my dream then because I still have a strong desire to become a doctor. I am simply tired of the office environment, sitting in front of a computer from 9 to 5 and spreadsheet type projects. The Financial industry does not interest me anymore. It's no longer challenging to me. I want a career that's continuously challenging, where I actually get to work with people and have a direct impact on their health not finances. It's really not about the money for me because I earn a very decent salary.

I am trying to gage the similarities between the effort it takes to become an actuary and a doctor. As an actuarial student, you pretty much don't have a life while taking exams. You work from 9 to 5 maybe even later then self study until late hours into the night. Same routine mon through fri and you study throughout the weekends. Am I correct in assuming that this is similar to the life of a med student?

Is there anyone who's made a similar transition, financial to medicine? What's your personal opinion and are there any regrets?

Also, I'm married with no kids. I know this means I may have to delay having kids. How soon can you entertain the idea of having children with a career in medicine?

Your thoughts and advice are greatly appreciated...

 

[Tatiana3325]

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[chicagoryan]

You might find more information in the MD section of the forums rather than non-trads. I think this section is mostly viewed by pre-meds. For what it's worth, I recall seeing comments from more experienced members that med school could be similar to a 60 hr/week job. I have two cousins in y2 and y3 of med school right now that have told me it's not as bad as most people make it out to be, and of course it's usually much better than residency. Becoming a certified actuary is no small feat, so I'd wager that you're going to be just fine if you decide to go to med school.

I also just met a 2nd year medical student a couple months ago who is pregnant. I've definitely heard other success stories of people that are able to continue to have lives while going through MS and residency. It's definitely something that needs to be discussed with the significant other, though - I've also heard plenty of break up stories.

Again you might get more responses elsewhere in the forums. My advice is purely anecdotal so it's probably not worth much.

Side-note: I suggest you go for it, or you'll always wonder. I have a background in finance and just finished my first year as a post-bacc. So far so good and I'm more interested in med school than ever before. No regrets. See if you can keep the day job and take night school.

 

[Taten]

Thanks so much...I appreciate the advice.

 

[Esquire]

1. Most jobs have largeaspects that suck. That’s why someoneelse is paying you to do it. Medicinehas its paper work, insurance companies, rude staff, dirty, ungratefulpatients, bad bosses, lawsuits, etc. etc.

2. You underestimate howlucky you are to be one of the few who (i) only work 8 hours aday to earn six-figures (ii) in an economically secure career. You have plenty of time for family, friends,and hobbies. If you want to be a parent,a well-paying 9 to 5 gives you a lot of freedom. Most people who earn six-figures work 60+hours a week, have no life, never see their family, and are constantlystressed.

3. 40hours a week give you much more time than the average person. Are you using your time to seek fulfilling& challenging avenues beyond a career? Volunteer, make new friends, take up newhobbies, learn to play a musical instrument, get a sailboat, travel abroad moreoften, learn to sky dive, have some kids, get a new husband, etc.

 

[Chilaquiles]

I'm assuming you have to take pre-reqs,get research & volunteer, and do the MCAT. Doing all this while working full time will take you 2 years maybe less or more, all of that really depends on what kind of classes you are able to register for. But you can have kids at anytime really, preferably before residency, as long as you can handle the coursework. I imagine the time you have to put in , during medical school would be the same as you did for actuary maybe more or less that all depends on you

Then you have to take residency into account which is even more time consuming (esp. in surgery).

I basically restated what everyone else said i think lol...
I think if you want it bad enough, than nothing will stop you.

 

[startingover84]

Regarding having children, forgive me but are you female? I can't tell from your post. If so, it'll be a little bit harder, I imagine. I'm planning on applying in two years, and I want to have our first child before then. Then if we decide to have more children, I think I could swing having another one in MS3 or MS4. I'm the woman, though. I think it's harder for us. 😉

 

[Taten]

@Esaquire - it's not as simple as it sounds. Yes, an actuarial career pays 6 figures but it's not always 40hrs a wk. U definitely put in more but that's not my issue. I don't enjoy being an actuary. I believe if u enjoy what u do, u won't mind putting in the extra hours. I see that in my husband. He can work for 12 hours straight coz he loves what he does.

Me on the other hand, I'm starting to dread every morning I have to wake up to go to work coz I simply don't enjoy it. Yes, I would like to have kids but I also want to be happy career-wise. It may take a year or more to obtain my prerequisites and take the MCAT but that's ok. When it comes to passion, nothing is unattainable.

 

[Taten]

Yes, I am female. It's definitely harder being a woman. My plan is to get a job at the university I plan to do my postbacc this fall. I'll finish next summer then take the MCAT right after so that puts me at 2014 admission. Luckily, my husband is supportive. However, my mother thinks I should have my first child now, before med school them plan on having the rest later. Sound easy but, I don't think I'll entertain the idea.

 

[startingover84]

Yes, I am female. It's definitely harder being a woman. My plan is to get a job at the university I plan to do my postbacc this fall. I'll finish next summer then take the MCAT right after so that puts me at 2014 admission. Luckily, my husband is supportive. However, my mother thinks I should have my first child now, before med school them plan on having the rest later. Sound easy but, I don't think I'll entertain the idea.

I think a supportive husband is the most important piece of the family puzzle. 🙂 I'm glad we decided to try for a child before starting medical school. I'm five months in and no baby yet. 🙁 Who knows how long these things can take?

Best of luck to you, and I look forward to reading your updates on your journey. 🙂

 

[pmont]

Just saw this thread- wanted to let you know that I am in the exact same boat. I have worked as an actuary for the past 3 years, and have been deeply unsatisfied with my job. I'm sending in my primary this week! Let me know if you have any questions.