Hi eBuddha,

Yes, I went through the Parachute exercises about 15 years ago and found them very helpful. I've also found the other following books helpful:

Wishcraft (I don't know whether it's still in print): One of the exercises there is to form a small list of role models -- past or present, real or fictional -- and have them write a note of their view of you. A very powerful exercise.

The Way of the Ronin (I don't know whether it's still in print): This book makes a strong case that it's not only OK, but actually advantageous, to be a renaissance person in the workplace, and not just a specialist in one discipline.

Pathfinder (in Print): Think of this book as Parachute on steroids. Both Parachute and Pathfinder take the approach that the question "What do I want to do with my life" is too big to manage by itself, so both books break down this big question into smaller, more managable questions. In both books, these questions are *numerous*, but well worth the reader's while. Very logical and straightforward, these books really helped clarify my thinking. I prefer Pathfinder myself, but your mileage may vary.

Thanks for the heads-up - I had not heard of pathfinder.

I agree with you, that the practical, more manageable steps to the "job search" are more helpful. A long time ago, as a teenager, I had read Wishcraft, and at the time, I think it was simply too impractical. I had found Parachute more helpful. But Pathfinder, I hadn't heard of.