Quant gurus,I need some career advise. I did my bachelors in engg from the best school in India. Inearly qualified for maths olympics but didnot make in the last round. After doing my enggI went into software. Have worked in software for 9 years. Got sucked into the gold rush( i mean the dotcom boom .....) as it turned out my timing and options were wrong andI failed to make my millions and retire. I donot see any big boom im software anymore so I want to be a quant now and make some quick dough. I have been working in software in wall street for last three years( i guess i made a mistake here if i would have gone for dotcom may be i could have made my million before the bust ...... timing is important in life ......). Anyway mymain strength is software. i am very good in mathematics but as i have not done ms or phdi am not in a position to compete with the quants who have phds but I think I can beat them pants downwhen it comes to software and programming. From the discussions in the message board I believethe investment banks are looking for phd s. I just crossed 30 and I must say I hate the number.I have lot of things in my plate ( to go for NYC marathon in 2005, learn ballet , piano and guitarand take acting lessons) and simple I donot have the time and inclination to go for a phd. there are too many wonderful things in life to spend all the time reading some abstract books in the corner of a library.Gurus as you can see mine is a delicate situation, I want to be a quant but I donot have timeto do phd. this is what I plan to do:get a MS/MA in financial engg/mathshardsell my software skillsget to know some insurance( take and clear those actuary exams I have been told they areeasy to clear)if possible get a CFAmy target to make my money and retire latest by 45( 14 more yrs). i need more time to dedicate on my extracurricular activities.do you think my plan will work? i would like your suggestions and possible shortcuttechniques to reach my goal.

" What is up with this acting crap? If you are having trouble getting lucky, just buy a hooker or meet an ugly girl, and stay focused on the things that matter!" Excellent! I liked that! -- MP, You should have become a counsellor.

Probably the funniest ever dialogue in this forum !!!!

This has got to be a piss take. If not, then you have some serious issues - why have you planned so far ahead already! If it is a piss take, then bravo, you had me in stitches. P.S.Anyone want to run the London Marathon with me 2014?

No, but I'm running the 2003 London Marathon.