what motivated the protagonist of the story to become an astrologer

The protagonist was led to a career in astrology because of the unhappiness and lack of fulfillment in his own life. He is admittedly not blessed with foresight, nor does he have divine insight..... his involvement in astrology is born in his ability to rationalize the trouble of man..... and to provide people with generalized statements that might apply to anyone. In other words... it's an easy way to make a living.