Quitting my job, am I stupid??

Thinking of Quitting My Job – Am I Making a Mistake?

I’m facing a big decision and could use some advice. I didn’t finish college during my senior year, but I’ve been working as an actuary for nearly two years now. I currently earn around $100k, and my salary is expected to rise to about $130k next year if I stay in my current role. While my job is fairly straightforward (apart from the tough exam requirements), it offers great stability and clear paths for advancement every 1.5 to 2 years.

On the surface, I know my job is one that many people would envy. Despite this, I’m considering quitting to return to school for a year (Spring and Fall 2026) to finally complete my math and Economics degrees. I find myself bored at work, mostly spending my time cross-referencing Excel documents and PDFs, with minimal interaction with others. I believe there’s a world of other careers out there that would be much more engaging.

I’m looking for a career that can help me earn a six-figure salary within a few years while providing more intellectual stimulation. My goal is to transition into finance once I resume my undergraduate studies, with a particular interest in quant trading, even though I know that’s a long shot. If I don’t secure a solid finance position after returning to school, I plan to pursue a master’s in computer science or consider going back into actuarial work and potentially getting an MBA down the line.

I do have the option of taking a few community college courses while continuing to work to obtain a degree in actuarial science. However, attending school full-time would not only allow me to boost my GPA for grad school but also give me an extra summer to aim for internships and earn degrees in Math and Economics, which should enhance my marketability. Plus, since my parents are willing to cover my tuition, I would only be sacrificing a year of job experience and income. I could always return to my actuarial career if things don’t pan out.

I have a couple of questions:
– What other career paths within finance could I explore with a Math/Econ background, aside from quant trading?
– Does my plan sound reasonable, or am I making a mistake?

It’s completely understandable to feel uncertain about such a significant decision, especially when it involves leaving a stable and lucrative job. You’re certainly not stupid for wanting to pursue a more fulfilling career path. Many people reassess their career goals and seek new opportunities, and it’s commendable that you’re taking the time to think this through.

To address your questions:

Career Paths in finance with Math/Econ Degrees:
Risk Management: This area focuses on identifying, assessing, and prioritizing risks. You could leverage your actuarial experience in this field.
Data Analysis/Business Analytics: With strong math skills, you can work as a data analyst, helping businesses make informed decisions based on data.
Investment Banking: While demanding, this field could provide you with both a rewarding career and the opportunity for high earnings.
Financial Planning/Advising: Helping individuals or companies plan their financial future could be a more client-facing and dynamic role compared to your current position.
Economist or Financial Analyst: These roles involve applying economic principles to real-world situations, which could match your interests in Economics.
Portfolio Management: This involves managing assets and investment funds, which could be both challenging and rewarding.
Actuarial Consultant: If you enjoy aspects of your current job but want a change, consulting could provide varied projects and client interaction.
Your Plan:
It sounds reasonable and well thought-out. Given that your parents are supporting your education, you have less financial risk, which is a significant advantage. Your focus on improving your GPA and gaining relevant experience through internships is also a solid strategy for enhancing your employability in a competitive field.
If you’re feeling unfulfilled in your current role and can afford to take time off to pursue your education and interests, that can be a worthwhile investment in your future.

Ultimately, it’s important to follow your interests and what you find fulfilling. Every career has trade-offs, and what might seem like a “dream job” to someone else may not feel the same to you. Trust your instincts, plan strategically, and remember that you have options! It’s okay to seek a path that excites you and aligns with your goals. Good luck!

One response

APAdmin

9 March 2025 at 9:28 AM
It’s completely understandable to feel uncertain about such a significant decision, especially when it involves leaving a stable and lucrative job. You’re certainly not stupid for wanting to pursue a more fulfilling career path. Many people reassess their career goals and seek new opportunities, and it’s commendable that you’re taking the time to think this through.

To address your questions:
1. Career Paths in finance with Math/Econ Degrees:
2. Risk Management: This area focuses on identifying, assessing, and prioritizing risks. You could leverage your actuarial experience in this field.
3. Data Analysis/Business Analytics: With strong math skills, you can work as a data analyst, helping businesses make informed decisions based on data.
4. Investment Banking: While demanding, this field could provide you with both a rewarding career and the opportunity for high earnings.
5. Financial Planning/Advising: Helping individuals or companies plan their financial future could be a more client-facing and dynamic role compared to your current position.
6. Economist or Financial Analyst: These roles involve applying economic principles to real-world situations, which could match your interests in Economics.
7. Portfolio Management: This involves managing assets and investment funds, which could be both challenging and rewarding.
8. Actuarial Consultant: If you enjoy aspects of your current job but want a change, consulting could provide varied projects and client interaction.
9. Your Plan:
10. It sounds reasonable and well thought-out. Given that your parents are supporting your education, you have less financial risk, which is a significant advantage. Your focus on improving your GPA and gaining relevant experience through internships is also a solid strategy for enhancing your employability in a competitive field.
11. If you’re feeling unfulfilled in your current role and can afford to take time off to pursue your education and interests, that can be a worthwhile investment in your future.
Ultimately, it’s important to follow your interests and what you find fulfilling. Every career has trade-offs, and what might seem like a “dream job” to someone else may not feel the same to you. Trust your instincts, plan strategically, and remember that you have options! It’s okay to seek a path that excites you and aligns with your goals. Good luck!
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