I'm a fresh college graduate, and I graduated with two degrees: The first in Music with a concentration in Professional Guitar and Audio Engineering; The second is in Applied Mathematics with 3/4 of a concentration in Actuarial Sciences.

I say 3/4 of a concentration because the program was eliminated during my 3rd year. Anyways, finding a music job (or any job) is tough right now, and my dad suggested I still pursue the Actuary career path.

I took the P Exam class and did well in our multiple practice exams from the SoA, and feel I could become an adequate actuary.

That being said, my dad spent 20 years as an insurance underwriter, and when he finally changed jobs (to being a teacher), he couldn't have stressed more that I need to find a job that is more stable than music, and is one that I enjoy as opposed to tolerate.

I also have heard a surprisingly small number of pros to being an actuary aside from the 9 to 5 hours and potential salaries. My girlfriend's dad (who was an accountant) told me a joke about actuaries:

Q: "What happened to the actuary that became an accountant?"

A: "He went back to being an actuary. Accounting was too intense and exciting for him."

...needless to say, no one has really given me hope for it as a career as more than being better than trying to play guitar.

So, r/actuary, what do you feel are pros and cons of the job, and what do you enjoy?