Hi. I work as an actuary for a life insurance company.
First off, I think it is a great job for someone who likes math and also wants a family life/learning time. My work hours are literally 9 to 5. Very rarely do I ever have to stay late or work extra hours (maybe 5-10 days a year, and even those days I am only staying until the latest 7). I do not have my FSA yet and am still studying for exams. It is true that the exams take up time outside of work however, I have a set seder at night for about 1.5 hours and never had to miss that because of studying. If you are serious about your learning you can definitely keep a seder and study.
Additionally, you are not always studying (if you do your exams quickly you can finish within 5 years).
In terms of the learning for a few years before work, I had a similar situation to the earlier poster. I learned after high school for 7 years and then went to Touro, took a couple exams, and got a job.
The actual job is enjoyable and it does require actual thinking/problem solving. I have never worked in consulting so don’t know much about it, but life definitely has its mental stimulation.
I would definitely recommend looking into the actuary profession as I think it is a great way to have a work/life/religious balance.