To Whom It May Concern,

 

            I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that Phyllis Stein saves souls. When you don’t know what you want to do with your life, it can certainly feel like your very soul is suffering. Phyllis gives you the respect, direction, and space you need to find work you can be enthusiastic about.

 

            Phyllis Stein became my career counselor about six months ago. Nearly 40, I had practiced law for 5 years before staring home full time with my children for over 7 years, and I had never felt that I knew what I wanted to do with my life. I believed that the combination of my time away from work and my own uncertainties made me a tough case. I didn’t think I’d get anywhere without the help of a career counselor.

 

            From the start, Phyllis offered hope and encouragement. She immediately put momentum into my career search before I even walked in her door by requesting a letter from me, along with other relevant materials, for her careful review before our first meeting. When we did meet, it was clear that she heard me. She heard what was important to me, what I was good at, what I enjoyed. She heard, also, what made me sad and, without being dismissive, put my concerns into perspective.

 

            Phyllis demystified the overwhelming process of career searching. I had been reviewing big, fat books on the subject which set forth big, fat plans to follow toward career bliss. Phyllis, on the other hand, have me a few thin, concise handouts, a verbal explanation of her recommended approach, and made the whole thing simple, manageable, and effective.

 

            The task of finding a career requires much individual effort and can feel insurmountable and lonely. Phyllis seemed instinctively aware of this. She is a treasure trove of resources, from her own career lending library to her many, diverse contacts. I always left our meetings armed with books, bibliographies, names, phone numbers and a running start on the next step in the process.

 

            Phyllis never wasted time. It was clear that she prepared thoroughly for our meetings; every session was productive and useful. She could quickly take the mish-mash that was my thoughts, organize them, make them useable, and extend them for what needed to happen next. From Phyllis’s many years of experience came her greatest strength: Her ability to see the forest and the trees and apply it to my particular circumstances.

 

            With Phyllis’s support and encouragement, I have found what I want to begin. I hope I will see Phyllis again, perhaps for some career coaching along the way. She’s just too good to let go!

 

Sincerely,

 

Jeri Z.