I know, because I’ve lived it.
When I introduce myself as an actuary, I often get blank stares. Then I try to explain, and somewhere between “risk” and “financial consequences of uncertain events,” I lose them. So let’s break it down simply, mom-to-mom, career-woman-to-career-woman.
So, What Exactly Is an Actuary?
In short, actuaries are the people who use math, statistics, and financial theory to make sense of risk.
According to the Society of Actuaries, we analyze the financial consequences of uncertain future events (like illness, accidents, retirement, or natural disasters). We don’t have crystal balls, but we crunch numbers to predict and prepare for the “what ifs” of life.
Think of us as financial risk detectives.
Where Do Actuaries Work?
Basically, anywhere risk and money exist. That means we pop up in:
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Insurance – creating policies so companies can actually pay when claims happen.
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Pensions – making sure retirement funds don’t run out.
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Investments – helping manage portfolios while balancing risk.
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Consulting – advising on mergers, acquisitions, or big financial projects.
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Government, universities, labor unions – yes, even there, because risk is everywhere.
What Skills Do Actuaries Need?
Well, besides being able to explain to your family what you actually do (trust me, that’s a skill), actuaries need:
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Math skills – probability, statistics, calculus (don’t panic, calculators exist).
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Business savvy – finance, economics, accounting, and current affairs.
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Communication skills – because what good is a number if nobody understands it?
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Persistence – because exams, life, and work don’t always go as planned.
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Problem-solving – creativity isn’t just for artists; it’s for math nerds too.
Why I Felt Like a Sore Thumb
Here’s the thing—I didn’t exactly choose actuarial science. It kind of chose me.
In high school, I thought I’d be a lawyer. But after some family conversations and the realization that I wanted nothing to do with blood (bye-bye, doctor dreams), I stumbled into actuarial science. Honestly, all I knew was that it didn’t involve chemistry or physics, and that was good enough for me.
But from day one at university, I felt out of place. Everyone around me seemed brilliant—asking questions in class, I didn’t even understand. I struggled, barely scraped through, and was this close to voting myself “least likely to succeed in Act Sci.”
It wasn’t the first time I stuck out. As a kid, my brothers nicknamed me “Vyda” (after a madwoman back in our parents’ village) because I wore patchwork outfits made from scraps my aunt gave me. They saw rags; I saw fashion innovation. That’s been my life: never quite fitting in, but always figuring it out my own way.
From Struggles to Surprises
Fast forward: I ran away from actuarial science in graduate school, choosing a Master’s in Management and Finance instead. I thrived, graduated with distinction, and thought I had finally closed that actuarial chapter.
But life had other plans.
I was offered an actuarial job I didn’t even apply for. At first, I was terrified—I had no idea what I was doing. But like many of us moms juggling kids, work, and bills, I learned to figure it out as I went along. I discovered I learn best by doing, and slowly, I carved my place in the profession.
The Lessons I Carry
If there’s one thing I’ve learned on this journey, it’s this:
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You don’t need to have all the answers.
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It’s okay to fail, stumble, and feel like the odd one out.
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What matters is persistence, accountability, and the willingness to keep going even when life piles on.
Being an actuary has been more marathon than sprint. Like motherhood, it required juggling, sleepless nights, and a whole lot of resilience.
Where I Am Today
From the girl my brothers teased for wearing scraps of cloth to an Associate of the Society of Actuaries, I’ve come a long way. To date, I've mentored and trained actuarial assistants, lectured on calculus at a university, and am still juggling my roles as mom, wife, author, and professional.
Not bad for someone who once thought she didn’t belong.
To My Fellow “Sore Thumbers”
If you’ve ever felt out of place—whether at work, at school, or even in motherhood—know this: sticking out is not a weakness, it’s your strength. It’s the beginning of your unique story.
So here’s to us—the ones who don’t quite fit in, who stumble but keep walking, who learn as we go.
Let’s toast to sticking out like sore thumbs…and owning it.
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