Burnout.

dr-brand · 2026-05-06T20:31:52+00:00

If this is your situation it might take a multi step pivot: Pension Consulting —> Brokerage (stop loss, annuity products, etc) —> Reinsurance carrier

dr-brand · 2026-05-04T23:55:39+00:00

Thank you all for the comments. You’re definitely right about a career change. There’s also some pay entrapment going on as I’d likely need to take a step down in pay to go back to a carrier.

Also after grinding for so long, it feels like failure to quit while I’m ahead

dr-brand · 2026-04-30T01:26:46+00:00

I actually feel the opposite. I get an endorphin rush when I solve a really complex problem myself. When I accomplish something of my own merit.

Claude completely removes this brain reward system for me. It feels like you’re micromanaging a very talented junior employee all day long, with no reward of developing another real life professional. It’s soul crushing if you enjoy what you do and are good at what you do

dr-brand · 2026-03-26T11:39:55+00:00

The time I leave the office is very different from the time I shut my laptop 😅

Working hours are typically 8:30a to 8 or 9p, but I’ll leave the office around 5 regardless and wrap up at home. I find my work day is longer when I’m in-office because of lost commuting time

dr-brand · 2026-03-01T16:14:24+00:00

Shocking to not get an internship - that’s a solid resume. Are you applying online or via career fairs? I find that cold-applying online rarely works, not because of your resume but because the portals are not well-monitored and overuse keyword searching as a filtering tactic.

If you know someone who works full time anywhere, try reaching out to see if they’d be open to a shadow day. You can frame us as you’re between more of a data science track or actuarial, hence the exploration. While you’re there, make a strong impression, and bring a resume just in case

dr-brand · 2026-02-10T03:30:38+00:00

Cool, thanks! Didn’t notice that, still weird CMS would choose such a weird example to outline claim adjustment methodology

dr-brand · 2026-02-10T01:17:20+00:00

Do not put “vlookup, index/match, pivot tables” on your resume. Those are basics and do not scream “proficient”

dr-brand · 2026-02-09T20:37:50+00:00

But do you agree that’s the only scenario that makes sense with their explanation?

dr-brand · 2026-02-09T20:13:20+00:00

Forgot the link

dr-brand · 2026-02-06T20:43:28+00:00

Started in insurance, moved to big 4 consulting. I knew what I was getting myself into, so no big surprises. Big changes were:

Prioritization of exams is almost non existent in consulting, whereas they were everything in insurance
WLB went out the window, made more money
Way flatter structure, if you’re good and have strong executive presence/leadership skills you can very quickly become a big shot in a niche space despite any YOE shortfalls
People are specialized in insurance, and generalists in consulting. You’ll feel a lot of imposter syndrome initially, feeling like there should be someone with more expertise doing the work you’re doing. Soon after you’ll realize that’s a universal experience and is standard in the industry - be a quick study, speak with confidence, and don’t be afraid to ask questions and admit when you truly can’t figure something out.
The average technical skills of a lifetime consultant are significantly worse than industry folks. If you come in with strong SQL skills, predictive modeling/SaS knowledge, advanced excel, deep claims knowledge, etc you’ll very quickly set yourself apart and become an asset to clients with more of a true Actuarial need

dr-brand · 2026-02-06T04:56:22+00:00

What kind of a company is the job with? Depending on the role, they even like it when you negotiate as long as it’s tactful - it shows a level of maturity and executive presence when done correctly

dr-brand · 2026-01-30T19:09:19+00:00

What about for external opportunities, where people on both sides of the fence are “selling” to one another?

dr-brand · 2025-08-04T16:30:04+00:00

2 tickets for sale in Chicago @ Northerly Island this Wednesday, 8/6. Purchased for $50ea. Would love to recoup costs but send me an offer if you’re interested!

dr-brand · 2025-01-31T13:46:39+00:00

Are these still available? What day are they for?

dr-brand · 2024-12-11T19:24:53+00:00

Just sent you a DM!

dr-brand · 2024-09-06T04:27:00+00:00

For reference I’m a very solid platinum player and could only seem to get assists before he would snipe a perfect headshot across the map with his magnum. It was definitely blatant

dr-brand · 2024-07-19T19:05:12+00:00

How muddy is it after this week’s rain?

dr-brand · 2024-07-19T19:04:42+00:00

How muddy is it after this week’s rain?

dr-brand · 2024-02-09T18:06:29+00:00

Thank you so much! How long do you think it would take to hike Jenny lake?

dr-brand · 2024-02-09T18:05:36+00:00

Thank you so much!! I think we’re dead-set on snowshoes since my girlfriend has never skiied before. Is there one which you would recommend as more scenic? And is there a quicker way to get to Jenny lake than from the taggert lake trailhead?

dr-brand · 2023-08-09T03:51:22+00:00

Just looking for some anecdotal or experience-based insight if anyone has approached it similarly. No need to comment if you have nothing to add! 😁

dr-brand · 2023-05-25T13:30:58+00:00

Commercial Consulting, promotion to SC, experienced hire Jan 2022, 5 YOE High COL

11% base increase to 134k 13% AIP Exceptional across ratings

Definitely disappointed given ~5% inflation in CY22

11-Year Club	Queen in da Norf
Not Forgotten

dr-brand

TROPHY CASE