Just wanted to give a quick update to this years-long saga.
I’ve been at my new employer for a few weeks now. This is the happiest I’ve ever been in my career and, in turn, my personal life. I received a 30% raise, two title bumps, more in vacation days, better benefits, an insane 401k match, better exam support, and better exam raises. I’m actually doing a job that I like and that excites me, and I feel reenergized in my desire to get my FSA.
The AVPs and VPs at the previous employer were all when I announced my resignation. That company is severely understaffed, continues to bleed more and more actuaries each year, can’t retain good talent, and refuses to acknowledge they are the problem. So glad to be gone.
You are correct. I know a lot of my former coworkers lurk on Reddit and this forum. So even though I was one of several people to leave this year, it would be pretty easy to figure out who I am if I were to give the company name.
I would love to name and shame. I’ll just say it’s a very large insurer that’s a household name.
Wait? REALLY?
It’s not Aetna. I interviewed at Aetna and they had horrible pay.
Former employer has always been the less popular option in my area but I didn’t know they had a bad reputation. Are we talking about the same place? Lol
Current employer has a very good reputation (I think).
The individual who was chief actuary when I was there is not personable at all and is not a fan favorite among many managers and students. There’s a new person in that role and I think they are much more well received, but the damage has already been done.
But I would generally say that the Kansas City actuaries who joined the company several years ago (when Sun acquired AEB) ruined the company culture. Many have outright stated that don’t believe in cost of living or performance adjustments for salary if you’re still taking exams (I still have a hard time wrapping my head around that one). They will delay promotions even if you’ve surpassed exam and year of experience requirements, play favorites, etc.
I wouldn’t be shocked if the people you know are no longer there as there was a mass exodus in 2021-2022