Persevere, Carry On

by Randall Andreola, Managing Editor
aka “The Man from P.S.G.C.N.J.”    
This month we transition (pun intended) from our continuing theme of .Marketing Yourself. (see our rousing Committee Spotlights) to .Perseverance,. which can manifest as Determination (see our latest landing story in Hired Learning) or Outside-the-Box Thinking (see Healthy, Wealthy & Wise).
Perseverance is the message in this often misquoted, stirring charge given to a body of students by United Kingdom Prime Minister Winston Churchill in 1941:

“Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in, except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.”  

 We can personally take these words to heart, even today. What do we perceive to be our enemy? A bad economy? Rapidly changing technology? It is more likely a distorted perception of oneself due to a bruised ego, low self image, or a lack of self confidence. Or, as .Pogo,. a comic character created by Walt Kelly also in 1941 (don‘t ask me how I make these connections), more succinctly expressed it, “We have met the enemy and he is us.”
If frame of mind was my greatest enemy when I hit transition, then the relational aspect of my PSG experience has been my greatest ally. Encouragement has come from every side, whether it was from our Marketing Committee chairs who lauded the modest contributions of a new member, or from fellow committee members who repeatedly encouraged me to step up to a leadership role—and then respectfully followed my lead. Though they may not have realized it, their validation—and a lively time of productivity—helped to reshape my self-image. Thus, only a few days ago (as of this writing), when an employment opportunity found me, a few quickly well-chosen words turned an entry-level inquiry into an upper management offer of employment. I could never have foreseen this bold change in outlook when I lost my job one year ago to the day.
As I gratefully take my leave, management of Transition to Success and completion of this issue shifts to the very capable hands of yet another new committee member. May he find the humble role of serving as Managing Editor as rewarding as I have. Thank you, PSGCNJ.
Featured Stories In This Issue:

• “HIRED LEARNING” – Steps to Landing by Robert Tannebaum
• “COMMITTEE SPOTLIGHTS” – Reviewing Your Resume by Denise Sawitsch & David Calderone
• “PSGCNJ EVENTS” – SCBP Business Networking and Card Exchange by Paula Costlow & Congratulations for New Emeritus Members
• “INTERVIEWING INSIGHTS” – Don’t Fear the Dreaded Phone Interview by Maureen Koenen
• “SUBMIT YOUR BIO” – Handy link to PSGCNJ “how to” webpage
• “HEALTHY, WEALTHY & WISE” – Blessings in Disguise by Rob Wederich