I'm a nail biter, too, and for the record, I successfully rushed with my mangled hands.
That said, I'm now waitressing for a living. THAT is murder on your nails. But, more importantly, my tips are a result of how I present myself... and clean & hygenic are good things to present.
I ended up getting acrylic nails for the first time EVER after I'd been waitressing for a few months, and love them. I don't have to mess with them for 2 weeks after they're done, and I get mine done short and with rounded tips. I tell myself they look natural.