Praise for Robin Ryan and What to Do with the Rest of Your Life
Robin Ryan is the hottest career expert in America today. If you are looking to find a great paying job, shell show you how.
Susan Cowden, TV anchor, Northwest Cable News
Hey, its tough out there! So what a perfect time for a book that will help you land the job you want. Read this book, do what it recommends and you will not only survive, you will prosper.
Vince Lombardi, author of Coaching for Teamwork
I knew I needed to make a change. By following the techniques outlined in Robin Ryans book I was able to see the opportunities and found the position that focused on what I truly love to do while providing a higher salary and a better life balance. Do you want to do what you truly love? Do you want to make more money? Do you want more time for family and friends? Well, I sure did and Robin Ryan showed me how, and that is why I think this is a must-read book!
Tracy White, director of human resources, Clark Nuber
Theres a reason why Robin Ryan is Americas #1 career coach. She knows exactly what it takes to get hired.
Mark Tranter, founder, America4Hire
Theres no greater challenge than finding a job you can really love. By following Robin Ryans thorough, thoughtful advice, youll greatly increase the odds of succeeding in your quest.
Tony Lee, editor in chief, CareerJournal.com
In my opinion, Robin Ryan has done a superb job in assisting others in their search for employment.
Jay Brubaker, corporate recruiter
Ive worked with two big national outplacement firms, and we recommend Robin Ryans proven strategies because they are the most successful.
Suzanne Noonan, corporate outplacement counselor
Robin Ryan knows exactly how to motivate you to create a better life with more money, success, and meaning. I enthusiastically recommend this book!
Cynthia Kersey, author of Unstoppable
Youll find its easy to be happier and more successful living a life of passion and extraordinary meaning once youve read this book.
Victor Boschini, president, Illinois State University
Robin Ryan
A FIRESIDE BOOK Published by Simon & Schuster
New York London Toronto Sydney Singapore
FIRESIDE
Rockefeller Center
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New York, NY 10020
Copyright 2002 by Robin Ryan
All rights reserved,
including the right of reproduction
in whole or in part in any form.
FIRESIDE and colophon are registered trademarks of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
Designed by Bonni Leon-Berman
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Ryan, Robin.
What to do with the rest of your life : Americas top career coach shows you how to find or create the job youll love / Robin Ryan.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references.
1. Vocational guidance. 2. Career development. 3. Career changes.
4. Job hunting. I. Title.
HF5381 .R7997 2002
650.14dc21 2002066883
ISBN 978-0-74323-410-8
ISBN 0-7432-3410-3
This publication contains the opinions and ideas of its author. It is intended to provide helpful and informative material on the subjects addressed in the publication. It is sold with the understanding that the author and publisher are not engaged in rendering medical, health, or any other kind of personal professional services in the book. The reader should consult his or her medical, health, or other competent professional before adopting any of the suggestions in this book or drawing inferences from it.
The author and publisher specifically disclaim all responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of this book.
Visit us on the World Wide Web:
http://www.SimonSays.com
To my husband, Steven, whose partnership enriches my life, and to my four-year-old son, Jack, who delights me daily and is the best blessing God ever gave me.
To my clientsnothing has been more rewarding than helping you find better jobs. May your lives prosper and your success continue to grow.
Acknowledgments
My mission has always been to help others find meaningful work, and many people have helped me in my pursuit of that goal. I owe a big thank-you to all the top executives who took time from their hectic schedules to complete my survey for this book. Im particularly appreciative of the efforts made by CEO Debbie Coleman, who generously offered terrific insights into how top managers think and build multimillion-dollar businesses and brought me into her world to meet other women CEOs. I also thank Rochester Institute of Technology president Al Simone, who provided key assistance in recruiting other executives to participate in the top executive survey. Jim Medzegians help was incredibly valuablefirst in creating the survey, then in securing other executives to complete it.
Additionally, I am thankful to all of my clients who shared their stories so you could learn from their experiences. They are and always will be my reason for working.
Many experts made time for me and provided resources and referrals. I thank them all, but I must send a special word of gratitude to Azriela Jaffe, Joan Stewart, Diana Mandell, Paulette Ensign, and Sandy Dehan.
Sarah Lopez Williams has always been an insightful supporter of my career and proved to be a great friend and resource when she connected me with Paysha Stockton. Paysha was a godsend in helping me to better organize this book and improve it while typing it, too. Paysha, this book will help more people because of all your efforts. Thank you.
Janet Nelson skillfully translated many of my written pages into typed words, and I value her contributions.
Patty Lowe is by far the best nanny on the planet. For all of her love and the attentive care she gives to my son and our whole familyI offer a thank-you from the bottom of my heart. This book could never have been written without you and all you do for us, Patty.
Caroline Sutton encouraged me and gave me creative freedom to develop this book my way. She offered valuable insight that shaped the end result in the most positive of ways. Shes been a terrific editor to work with, and I appreciate her efforts and support.
My mother, Jo Christiano, is and always has been a very devoted and loving mom and a key supporter who keeps me going in good times and in bad.
My work was most dramatically influenced four years ago when my son, Jack Michael Ryan, was born. He and my husband, Steven, taught me the true meaning and value of having and being a family. It is through loving them and being loved by them that I am a better person, mother, and career counselor.
Preface
Getting the Most from This Book
You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them.
MICHAEL JORDAN, BASKETBALL SUPERSTAR
You are probably wondering if this book can help you. The answer is, absolutely. If you are contemplating a change, Ive provided this guide to make it much easier for you. Ive worked with thousands of clients during my years as a career coach and have seen them experience so many circumstances or reasons for wanting something better. They, and even I, have been in the boat youre in, but with one obvious differencethe results. My clients ended up with careers they loved and were well paid to perform.
I wrote this book to team up with you as your career coach, to help guide you to the same positive, successful results. Ive divided this book into three parts. Part 1 Figuring It Out, is designed to help you evaluate your career choices and options and the quality-of-life issues we all face. You define your skills and ideal job. It will aid you in determining if you should stay, move on, press for a promotion, open a business, close your business and become an employee again, relocate, and how to better blend your career and family life. It includes strategies and help in prioritizing that will assist you in your decision-making process.