Don't give up. You should also consider going to work for an insurance company as an underwriter. Depending on the company, you still would have marketing opportunities and a licensed underwriter gives credibility to the company.

I have both, also. I finished my CPCU first, then did my ARM. I would have to agree, too, that I find myself using the ARM in both personal and professional life more so than the CPCU. However, I do recommend going the distance and getting your CPCU at some point because of its broadness.