Description: This presentation is a panel discussion from the 1991 Annual Meeting of the Society of Actuaries, held October 20-23 in Toronto. The panelists, discussing their own experiences in Canada and the U.S., present their views on why they chose to leave insurance companies for a consulting career. Their individual experiences include joining existing firms, as well as starting a practice as an independent consultant. The panelists discuss the tradeoffs between an insurance company career and consulting, and how to start a consulting practice, including skills needed, marketing, financing, and finding a niche. Discussion from participants is included. From the Record of Society of Actuaries, Volume 17, No. 4B.