Emotional Actuaries

Contrary to popular stereotypes, actuaries are not emotionless robots. That’s the domain of tax collectors.

Here’s a listing of some feelings/personality traits that actuaries have.

• Valuation actuaries are reserved
• Cash flow testing actuaries have several sensitivities, and are sometimes shocking.
• Pricing actuaries are marginal.
• ALM actuaries will feel balanced on most days.
• Annuity actuaries are a mixed bunch, some are rather stoic with fixed feelings while others can be quite variable.
• P&C actuaries are rather protective.
• Pension actuaries are eager to make contributions.
• Life actuaries can be selective, ultimately.
• Health actuaries are highly adjustable.
• Disability and Long Term Care actuaries are morbid.
• Investment actuaries are interesting, but hedging actuaries can be exotic.
• Reinsurance actuaries share everything.
• Experience study actuaries are occasionally incredulous.
• Regulatory actuaries are very formal.
• Governance actuaries are controlled.
• Academic actuaries are collegial.
• Retired actuaries, if all went to plan, will be untaxed.
• Chief Actuaries get bored of directors.
• An Appointed Actuary is opinionated.
• Finally, actuarial students are testy. These are fragile creatures, often on the brink of mental breakdowns, so please treat them with a lot of love and care!

On the topic of emotions, a new tool for understanding how actuaries are feeling is now on the market.  Introducing the Actuarial Mood Ring!