I have often noted to my friends who aren’t into boating that the difference between a power boater and a sail boater is that power boaters usually use their boats to go somewhere, whereas sail boaters are already there once they step onto their boat.In our goal driven, management by objec...

Job search is in many ways a unique experience.In contrast to the world of work where we have had folks reporting to us and have had folks that we reported to, the world of job search can tend to be a lonely place.Back in the day, outplacement facilities with their rabbit warren of cubicle...

Although by and large, the one thing we make more often than anything else for dinner on our boat is reservations, there are times when the fog giant descends upon us and if there is nothing else to eat, we make fog sandwiches.To make fog sandwiches, of course, you need fog. To this one sh...

Since not all of the members of The FENG are sailors, I really need to start this editorial with the idea that you can’t sail directly into the eye of the wind. In fact, you generally have to be about 45 degrees off the wind to make any headway. However, this is only a real nuisance at tho...

Have you ever wondered who is that guy/gal in the mirror? I’m sure we all stare at that familiar face from time to time, but the real question is who are you and what do you do best?You would think that if you just took a few minutes and read your own resume, you could solve this one, but ...

Let’s be honest, even though the unemployment figures suggest a strong job market, things are still challenging for members of our “well experienced” membership. This always being the case, many of our members consider opportunities that are well below their previous levels of responsibili...

I suppose that feeling sorry for yourself feels pretty good. The problem is that it doesn’t do you any good and doesn’t benefit you in any way, shape or form.In this era of long job searches, it is easy to fall into this pattern of self abuse. Frankly, I don’t encourage it.While the light ...

There are several folks who claim credit for it, but one of the things I have been heard to say from time to time that I didn’t make up is that “90% of life is just showing up.” (Okay, perhaps it is only 89%. Whatever!)As we begin the months of the so-called summer doldrums, I would ask al...

I guess the old saw is that free advice is worth what you pay for it. The other popular expression I use from time to time is “consider the source.”There is a whole “guy thing” about the giving of unsolicited advice. In much the same logic as the old saw about guys not asking for direction...

I often wonder if people really want to be found.It ranges from the lack of an outgoing signature with your FULL contact information on the emails I receive to voice mail that repeats your phone number when I call, but doesn’t indicate whose phone it is. The latest wrinkle in the past few ...

Although this problem was more common many years ago when there were more corporate layoffs, I still from time to time see members waste the first 6 months of their job search. It’s not that they “goof off,” it’s more that they feel they have the luxury of time.As a sailor, I can assure yo...

I have often been heard to say that it’s always better to be working.Being overqualified for most of the jobs published out in the world can be a little unsettling. But, I think you just have to accept it as a fact of life that once you have 20-30 years of work experience, you have probabl...

Like the classic fable of the 6 blind men standing around the elephant, The FENG means a lot of different things to individual members.In part it is dependent on where they are in their career, whether they are active in a search, or if they are currently employed. It can also vary on any ...

I don’t know what the weather has been by you lately, but here in Connecticut we have had a very cold and windy spring.One thing you learn if you are a sailor is that there really isn’t much you can do about the weather. The wind is from whatever direction it is coming from and at whatever...

There is nothing more important to an effective job search than a positive attitude.Sure, building an effective resume, a pithy 90-second announcement and a library of cover letters is always a good idea, the fact remains that positively focused dogged determination tends to win the day mo...

Whether you are currently working and hate your job or are currently in active search mode, the most important job you have every day is maintaining an optimistic view of the future.The stresses and strains of a job that is winding down may at times seem beyond bearable. Back in 1991 durin...

Conducting a job search, whether working or not currently employed, can be a difficult time. You tend to go through phases. (I don’t know if I like the phrase “in transition,” but it seems to continue to be well accepted.)At first it can be kind of exciting to be away from the daily grind ...

One subject that comes up all the time is the importance of having an explanation as to why you are looking for another job.I have always felt that it was a waste of your valuable time to provide an explanation in your 90 second announcement, and I still feel that way. Unless you were arre...

Even though the job market seems to be holding its own, I thought I would repeat a thought I mention to those who ask. Plain and simple, it is always better to be working.The strategy you take early in your career has to be one of growth. Each job you take has to move you up the ladder of ...

As the sailing season begins here in Connecticut my thoughts more and more turn to sailing stories and how they might apply to job search and the management of your career. (Of course, I think about and read sailing stories all the time, but I digress.)One of the great perils of sailing is...

I don’t know about you, but at the age of 77, I still have more than a few miles left on my odometer. The thought of retirement is still something far off into the future. I imagine I will get to that point in my thinking someday, but it isn’t now.When members call me for advice, I always ...