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My Career Coach

 "Stop talking," she says, for the hundredth time. "Just give a succinct answer, and stop talking. You think you need to fill the air with nervous blather, but you are wrong."


I sometimes feel that I am a space alien, or the Act One version of Eliza Doolittle; this poor career coach has a mountain of work.

Having changed the subject, I mention a particular choice from my recent past. "The person on the phone quoted a low, low salary--and I said I'm not concerned about remuneration, because I just appreciate the job....."

The career coach breathes out slowly. "Here is a sentence to remove from your repertoire. I am not concerned about remuneration...."

I think that I have no coping skills. Things sometimes seem difficult, and I just shudder, with dread. I mention that August frightens me, because the kids are home from camp....

"Then get them in another camp," says the career coach. "An August camp. This is Maplewood. Write a check....and let them collect bugs for several weeks...."

It's never too late to learn.
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