I'm not even sure how to explain how much Dr. Nemko has helped me. He taught me so much that even his works resonate into my mind 12 years later. He has so much wisdom within his career brain but he plants pieces of gold that you will never let go of. He guided me thru the most difficult part of my life into the the most rewarding period. When everyone had written me off. He gave me advice, directed me with tangible steps and changed my life. Will never forget his beautiful dog Einstein who stay with us for every visit. This team is truly blessed and forever will be grateful. read more

I was counseled by Marty Nemco almost 40 years ago. When I contacted him recently letting him know that I was recently listed in ", Who's Who in America," and I thought he might be interested in the new studies that I had discovered on creativity and had written several books on, he vainly stated that he had no interest in discussing it with me. In other words , instead of being proud of one of his clients, he immediately took to the vain stance of seeing me as competition. The irony is that I did the opposite of what his advice was back then, because I saw what was coming down in my profession as it was then. But I didn't wanna mention that to him because I thought he would truly be interested and what I have learned. Not only was he not interested and stated so the only way I could discuss it with him is if I paid him more money . This man is vain and arrogant and in my opinion and experience I wouldn't put any weight in what he has to say. I counsel people on my on these days and when I do I always keep in mind what Leonardo da Vinci said, "it is a poor teacher whose students don't surpass him." Now I'm not claiming that I surpassed him in any way or even was in competition with him , but I cannot say it is the same for him. Buyer beware read more

I met with Marty by phone for a consultation about a family member. Marty prepared ahead of time with excellent questions and research, he created a useful structure for addressing my concerns, and helped lay out a path forward that addressed both practical and emotional concerns. He identified workable options that would not have come to me otherwise. My anxiety went from a 10 to a 1. I was particularly struck by his skillful use of time. All my questions were answered, he seemed to know just when to listen and when to speak, and he guided me so I just seemed to know (and agree!) when it was time to finish our session. There is a reason that he is considered to be the best. He is. read more

Marty helped me through a very difficult time with my career and personal life and brought a wealth of experience along with his sage advice to really guide me in my particular situation. All at a very reasonable hourly rate. I highly recommend his services. read more

I was extremely disappointed with my session. I had hoped to speak with someone who had a vast knowledge of careers and insight into the particularities of a Bay Area job search. I have a diversity of skills and was hoping to find new direction. I felt that Marty didn't hear this when I asked for it. He actually lead by misreading a line from his questionnaire (he read "My fear of death" when what I had expressed was "Fear of dying without doing anything with my life" - two very different things!) and suggested end of life suicide (kindof a downer to start on, especially when it wasn't what I had asked about). Instead of getting an idea of the diversity of jobs my skills could be good for, he really only explored the two that I came in thinking about- which was pretty much not what I wanted at all. He also kept a focus to the "deep" future- what my end goals are, and not at all what I could expect in between or what I should focus on right now. I expressed multiple times throughout the session what I wanted from the session, but he really just steamrolled me into a questionnaire that didn't give me an idea of the types of jobs available. He focused these questionnaires on the "deep future" jobs I might want without going through what it would take to get there. I don't want to go graduate school, but he neglected to listen to that until the end of the session, despite me talking about it many times. That ended up ruling out the two positions he was bent on focusing our session on, rendering it effectively useless. He would compare extremely specific random positions ("working your way up to middle management at Apple OR teacher"- teacher being the idea I had come in with). If I had an idea of what that job would be like and what the steps to get there would be, I would 1. be able to answer the question and 2. have left the interview with new information. Because I interrupted his often unnecessary metaphors and platitudes, he decided I was assertive and aggressive. I believe, however, that when paying someone almost $500 for a service they are allowed to ask for what they want from it. The session seemed very canned. Not everyone finds it useful to imagine some fantasy future and work backwards. That wasn't what I needed. I wanted an idea of what I could expect starting out in the positions I was thinking about and new ones I didn't know about yet. Despite explaining this to him, he didn't change his approach at all. If you want to be generally inspired about life, go to Marty, or a psychotherapy session, or a podcast about virtualization. If you want information, go somewhere else. The two hours I spent researching other jobs online with my mother was far more informative and fruitful than my time with Marty. read more

I stumbled upon Dr. Marty Nemko on Youtube and decided to read one of his books "Careers for dummies," which I highly recommend. After watching and reading much of his material, I thought it would be of great benefit to book a personal session with him. So I did. During the session, I was blown away at his ability to ask insightful questions and guide the conversation in a way that helped us both explore who I am as person, where I stumble in my career search, and how I should move forward. Also, his breadth of knowledge on many careers, particularly the two I was interested in, was truly astounding. Lastly, I was amazed at how much ground we covered in just an hour and how much more clarity I had at the end. If you're struggling with any aspect of your career or work-life, I can't think of anyone better for counseling than Dr. Nemko. Thanks again Dr. Nemko. read more

As an accomplished designer with a decent resume and body of work, I chose to meet with Marty after being being turned down after a dozen interviews. As he said to me, "It ain't easy for an unemployed 48 year old to land a good job..." and he was right. The timing of our meetings could not have been more critical, as I was just starting the process with Google. Our first session was over Skype, and the other two in his home office (which came with the benefit of his adorable dog, Einstein). Marty was great in helping me understand my shortcomings and my strengths, and how to leverage both to my benefit. He was also really good at helping me see my situation from an outside perspective, which was also very helpful. In the end, I am happy to report that I accepted a job offer from Google for what appears to be my dream job. Thanks, Marty! read more

FIRST AND FOREMOST: I have a job -- a really good one. It's interesting, challenging, prestigious and well-paid. I've been promoted. I use my professional skills every day. I like and respect my boss. THAT SAID: Marty is partially, if not largely responsible for me getting--and remaining--there. WE WORKED MY WAY THROUGH GETTING A JOB: After the local job market crashed in 2001, I just got spanked. Jobs were scarce, projects were few and far between, and the ones that did arise paid a fraction. I decided to work full time. So in '06 I started sessions with Marty. AND WITHIN A YEAR, I GOT A JOB: With a very large, important, well-known technology firm. BUT IT WASN'T THAT EASY: The place is tough and I wanted to succeed, so Marty continued to support me. We focused on managing upward, on dealing with difficult colleagues and challenging situations, on prioritizing and project management. AND I GOT PROMOTED: Marty helped me with that. First positioning myself, asking the right questions, knowing when to be assertive or receptive, negotiating. I've been in that job about four months and just last night--as I started whining about how hard it is--he gave me a big helping of perspective. THIS MAKES IT LOOK EASIER THAN IT WAS: And it wasn't. The process I just described was really, really hard at times. It was personal and sometimes painful. I had to re-evaluate myself, break bad habits and build new ones. Confront demons. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MARTY: -- The guy didn't attend charm school. He's blunt and unblinking. He can use very salty language. He is not politically correct. He tells you what he thinks and what years of experience and countless clients have taught him. If you don't want to confront cold, hard truths, if you're not willing to grow, if you're going to get insulted or offended don't waste your time or money. -- He cares very much. Behind the harshness and candor is a huge heart. He wants you to succeed and pours himself into it -- He's your biggest fan and harshest critic -- He's hilariously funny SO: If you want to succeed in whatever it is you do, I believe Marty can help. BUT: If you're not serious, if you're looking for hugs and affirmations, if you want an easy fix or someone to do the work for you ... don't bother. LAST NIGHT: We were talking about the tension between success on the job and personal satisfaction. "Be an artist on your own time," he said. "Iconoclasts can't pay their bills." read more

I have to admit that I was hesitant to schedule time with Marty. It was my wife who convinced me to schedule time with him. From the pre-meeting questionnaire, to the initial and subsequent meetings, Marty was a wealth of knowledge, extremely creative in his approach, straight-forward, and very much an out of the box thinker The bottom line for me was that Marty changed my way of looking at the employment world. From the interview process, to the follow-up, to the introspection of am i doing that which I'm passionate about, Marty pulls it out of his clients and then helps them reconstruct their approach to securing work. It worked for me, and the guidance and input he shared with me contributed to my securing the best position I've had in four years. Also, Marty recorded our sessions and then forwarded them to me. Listening to those sessions some time after tour meetings was very eye opening. To me, Marty gets it. And the exercises we went through helped him learn more about me. And they helped me learn more about me...the good and the yet to be improved upon! I highly recommend that you give Marty a call, especially if you're at an impasse in your job search or in your career. He'll use his communication skills, his knowledge, and his creativity to help you rethink your approach. Whether measured in dollars spent, or in job offers, it's worth it. read more

This comes almost a year later from when Marty helped me, but the effects still last today. He helped me get my first full-time position with a great company that I have since turned into my next position that really aligns with my interests and will hopefully lead to a lasting career. Marty was patient, insightful, and very good at establishing trust so that I could be transparent to allow him to help me as much as possible. Highly recommended for anyone who may need help in their life. read more

After researching career coaches I reached out to Marty and am very glad I did. I was in a low place professionally after a long struggle with depression that took me away from my career for a number of years. I came to Marty with no confidence and no direction. Marty hit the ground running. From the first minute we spoke he started working with me to hone in on areas where I had skills and interests. From there we spoke about issues that had been holding me back. It was a holistic approach that took into account all the areas of your life as they each impact your career. He is unorthodox and even a little eccentric but that's why I think he works. This isn't a formulaic process and I feel like I got advice that was suited to my needs. He is generous and motivating. I've only met with Marty 3 times but I can tell you I have made a lot of progress already. His homework assignments got the ball rolling and with a plan of attack I am feeling focus and determined for the first time in years. With Marty I defined areas of interest for me to pursue. I got great advice on how to network. I've revised my resume, created my professional story and crafted a 10 second and 2 minute pitch showcasing my skills and interests. He helped me reframe my absence from the market and helped me get back my confidence. This isn't about someone doing everything for you. This is about being given a new perspective and tools for you to do the work. I don't know where my career search will take me but I know now that I have worthwhile skills and a plan for finding a position that will benefit from those skills as well as my experience and passions. I will update this review once I secure a position. But even without a job at the moment I can confidently say that Marty was worth it. Thank you Marty from the bottom of my heart. read more

Marty has had a very positive effect on my career and my life in general. He helped me address circumstances at my existing job that directly improved relations with my boss and colleagues, and allowed me to command more respect. I am now genuinely happier doing a job that I thought I could never be at peace with. Marty is also helping me zero in on longer term personal goals and plans and he does so patiently, intently, and honestly. He gets to know me genuinely, and then helps me identify more clearly what I want and how to get it. He is agile, innovative, intelligent,practical, and fun in his approach. He is not stifled by how he should proceed as a career counselor, but is rather dictated by what works in the moment. I feel like the cornerstone of our work together is Marty discovering what specific things resonate with me individually to get me to talk and think freely in the sessions, and in turn that gets protracted into helping me "talk" more freely and act more directly in life. He hammers self acceptance with a force of sincerity that makes you truly believe that you have got what it takes to do what you need to do. IN a way that maybe you didn't see before. Oh and yeah he's not cheap, but if you're looking for someone who will truly be concerned about you and puts everything he has into his work with you because he believes in people and the power of getting it right, I think you'll find it to be easily worth it. read more

Marty is the best, most ethical, and most generous coach I know--and I know quite a few. In the past, he has supported me in going for my dream career. Because he knew that I didn't have much money at the time, and he believed that he didn't need an entire session to address my career challenge, he helped me through a series of emails we exchanged -- for free! Sixteen months later, I'm now successful in my new career, guiding people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Fibromyalgia toward optimum health and happiness. And again, Marty came to my rescue when I needed him: One of my current clients is working in a toxic career, which I advised her to leave to avoid jeopardizing her health. My client knows that her current career is toxic, but was freaked out about leaving it, because she saw no alternative for herself. I wasn't able to help her with this aspect of her situation but, knowing about Marty's unparalleled expertise, I hoped Marty could, and so I sent my client his way. She reported back to me after their first session that Marty was "AMAZING" and that for the first time in a long time she felt optimistic about her future. In addition to having helped me and my clients, Marty has also helped my wife. Yesterday, I got an email from her with this subject line: "Fwd: Check out what i got in my email...from someone you know :)" My wife, who works at one of the world's leading biotech companies, had just received an email from her company's career center that featured a quick career tip from Marty. Very much Marty's style, the career tip was about finding the position in the company that best suits her career, family, and life goals, instead of just trying to move up the career ladder. A message my wife very much appreciated to hear at this point in her career. Aside from having heard Marty's career and life advice from me at every possible occasion, she now also heard it through her company--and she liked it. It fills me with me with great joy to know that Marty is working hard to bring his useful and life-changing career and life advice to as many people as possible. It has transformed the lives of everyone around me and I believe that if you're committed enough to put it into action, it might do the same for you, too. read more

Marty really helped myself and my husband with career difficulties by coming up with some very interesting and thoughtful ideas for us. He met with us both together and asked us many questions which we pondered on and gave us the courage to make some moves and the confidence to take chances. He even invited us to bring our dogs to meetings with him and my little rescue Scottie got on great with his dog, Einstein :) Marty offers a very honest and sometimes difficult approach but he really makes you stop and take stock of your life and career choices. I had first heard Marty on NPR and decided it was worth the investment to go and see him, so convinced my husband and we are both very glad that we did! His method is part therapy, part job analysis and part tough "Dad" ;) read more

Made a Yelp account to give Marty a review. I never heard of Marty before but my parents thought it would be a good idea to see him to help me out with my new business venture. They only heard about him from his media adventures and just basically told me, "He's 'supposed' to be really good." So they had no idea how the experience would be. I went to see him in person and my overall experience was really positive. We talked about the most effective ways of getting clients, keeping them happy, etc. He suggested many things that I have already done, but tweaked them so they seem more pleasing to the public. He also suggested many things that would be low cost but also could pay off really well. He's a nice guy and knows his stuff. He paused a few times to think to make sure he wasn't forgetting anything so he gave me as much information as possible. He didn't necessarily know my field well but definitely knew how to apply it since everyone is a person and he knows what people like. The downside is definitely the price but given that it's really going to pay off for me it was definitely a small investment and easily justifiable. It was hard for me to know exactly what we were going to talk about but if you have specific questions, topics, that you want to discuss make sure you write them down so you can ask. He was nice enough that if by the end of the day I had another question I could email him free of charge, but that was it. So unless you are surely going to see him again make sure you know what you want to address beforehand. I saw him in person and I would suggest everyone to do that as well if you like in the Bay Area. Plus his dog is really friendly. read more

I began working with Marty in Aug '13 because I was changing careers from engineering to web design. I went from having my very first client in Aug '13 to being a webmaster of for two non-profits and creating close to 20 websites ranging from small businesses to Grammy-winning and Emmy-nominated musicians a year later where I'm aptly compensated. I was also able to secure a job at a web company after less than three months of searching (averaging 3-4 interviews/month before I accepted this job). Every session I had was personalized and catered to my needs. Marty showed me how to improve my weaknesses that would hinder me professionally and he also acknowledged my strengths as he saw them and how they'd be valued by others. I never had to remind him about what I was doing, where I was headed or where I've been because he actively listens and was fully invested. Others here have said that he is pricey. I would say that Marty is worth every penny because I've gained a lot of skills that I can apply in the future. Marty has your best interests at heart and wants more than anything to help you succeed at work and in life. He is a top-notch professional who's sharp as a tack, cares about you and is someone whom I highly regard as a person as well as a career coach. read more

My experience with Mr. Nemko was usefully challenging. - In essence, I found him to spend extra effort to check my motivations and customize his focus on my particular abilities and needs with respect to the current market. He also was able to modify his concentration on new information upon successive meetings. Further, he also ensured that anything said between us was clearly understood. - In my initial queries, he did not jump at the chance to consult with me right away. In fact, I actually needed to spend some time with emails back and forth with him to convince him that I did not want to repeat old patterns with him as I have done for past career assistance from other coaches and teachers. Basically, this told me that, more-so than a quick buck, he was centrally interested in my success, the extent of my motivation to improve things, and he was willing to spend quite a bit of time before initializing services. And this was certainly reflected more when we actually met. I think I will repeat here that he was able to modify focus and provide new information upon successive meetings. He has also been very blunt while having some character. While this can be very challenging, it is also refreshing. The work force is, in a big part, competitive at it's core and environment (as well as have idiosyncrasies). Yet, often with co-workers, employers, and clients, hard "truths" can be obfuscated and often thereby become walls blocking overall successes. To get his services means to go directly to the heart of some things... and that may not always feel good. Yet with him at the core has been the interest in my greater success, if not simply a more whole awareness. It's being direct accompanied by an over-all interest in a good experience. Another reviewer said it well; he can be both a big fan and harsh critic. But I think the key is that both are done respectfully in the effort for my longer-term success. read more

I have been fortunate enough to attend three workshops with Marty Nemko and realized I needed a one-on-one session to help move me forward in a new career direction. So glad that I did! Career burnout has, unfortunately, set in and I wasn't sure what direction to take; I'm someone with a lot of ideas and a variety of skills, but while I had a few ideas nothing really stood out in terms of a next step. Marty's questionnaire, to be completed and sent ahead of the appointment, and all of his well-structured questions helped me gain clarity...this was even before he did and assessment and gave me a more direct opinion of they direction he felt I should go in...which was spot on, by the way. I love Marty's direct, no nonsense style. His integrity is impeccable and communication clear and relevant. This is a person who is, himself, doing work that is in line with his natural talents and preferences, and can lead others towards doing this as well. I recommend that if you go see Marty you are as honest as possible (with yourself and him) about what you need, want, and feel regarding your work, even if you feel embarrassed to say something. It's only through your "radical honesty" (to use his phrase) that he can truly assist, and a career plan that is authentic to who you are can emerge. read more

Here is yet another reason to call Marty today. 100% True story! You could be the inspiration for one of Marty's suggestions on his radio show! After all, "What do you have to lose?" (This is not an endorsement for Donald Trump. It's just some sarcasm) About 20 years ago (pre computer for me) Marty had an posting in a local newspaper. I think it was The Montclarion for an assistant. I always kept ads (if possible) of jobs I saw in the newspaper (Sunday morning) I thought I would like to do or something about the description I thought was really well said/done (or not well said/done) and that even if the job may be filled at that time, maybe 2 or 3 months later the job may be open again after the original posting ran. Thats what happened. I called Marty several week after the assistant position post ran and I think I left my name and phone number. Well he called back. No the job was filled but he enthusiastically wanted me to appear on his radio show broadcasting out of somewhere in San Mateo somewhere I dunno lots of hills and trees. Honestly, I did not see the significance of the point he was making att. Now I see it was about Persistence. Motivated. Determined. Someone who stands out. Thinking outside of cl & monster for jobs. All in a first impression situation with an employer. -MH read more

I first heard about Marty Nemko while listening to his radio show. I thought he was insightful and real, and when I had a career challenge, I gave him a call. Marty gave me guidance that has significantly improved my career and personal life. He helped me develop concrete steps to modify my personal behavior, which has made me both more effective and easier to get along with. His advice is specific, constructive and at times challenging. He helped me see some of my own flaws, while at the same time presenting ideas to address them. I recommend Marty without reservation. His website is a valuable resource, as is his blog, and I encourage you to check them out as well. read more

I want to update my review of Marty from four years ago. Why? Because, through his guidance and support, I ended up switching careers. I had been an IT Director, which I found challenging and rewarding. But, like other "services" within a company (e.g. like HR and Facilities), IT is a "cost" and always seemed to be the area that didn't get support. So what did I do? I switched to IT consulting, where what I do is the revenue-generating side of the business. As Marty said to me, If you are helping a company get revenue, you always have a job. His advice has "legs" - my consulting work has grown over the years. I'm really glad I went to Marty when I need help making career decisions. read more

I found my recent coaching session with Marty quite useful. I am a mid-career professional exploring a career change. Also, having been out of the job search market for a long time (first at one company for a long time and then working on a start-up), I thought I needed some expert advice about how to get started in today's market. One concern I had going in was that I would get a lot of highly standardized advice, but this fear was quickly allayed. Marty had clearly reviewed my list of expectations for the session and offered suggestions that directly addressed my specific needs. I also like the fact that Marty asked a lot of questions that helped him - and me - better understand what I was trying to achieve. I came away with three or four ideas that I expect to greatly improve my career transition. Marty has a very unique way of ending his sessions - or at least the one I attended. I thought it was great technique, but I won't spoil the surprise by writing it up on Yelp! read more

My job had been vexing me for a long time, and no amount of mental jujitsu I tried to perform brought about a satisfactory result. Then, I happened upon an article Marty Nemko posted in Psychology Today about truths of working in an office. What he wrote struck me as apt, so I read more from his website, blog, and books. I hired him as my career coach. Within six weeks and three sessions, I had a new job. The process was straightforward. After my initial payment, he sent me a questionnaire about my personality, likes and dislikes. What followed was a more probing exchange between the two of us where he asked me to elaborate on many of issues raised by the survey. From there, I had my first assignment. As I began applying for jobs, Marty edited my cover letters and showed me how I was not coming across in these communications as pretentious. What I came to appreciate about working with Marty is his practice is informed by the notion that investigation into the past yields zilch. To that end, he urged me to keep my actions forward moving. This was particularly helpful as I can lean towards the ruminative. If you decide to hire Marty, I suggest you take the advice he offers in one of his posts in Psychology Today. There, he encourages potential clients to work with "zest" in approaching the suggestions he offers. I would agree. If Marty offered an idea, I saw it through and I encourage you to the same. Marty is witty, good natured and has much to offer. I very much valued our time together. read more

This has been long over due as I saw Marty several months ago. His approach is so unique I continue to ponder the work we did together. I felt so comfortable with Marty along with his style that I was able to go in surprising directions. It wasn't always emotionally easy exploring the information, however, I knew it was important and significant. With his beloved dog right by my side I am certain the work we did together will impact my career. I can't recommend him highly enough. Jennifer E. read more

Since our original phone consultation in February 2013, Marty and I have corresponded via e-mail a few times monthly. I have asked for advice about potential careers, on my strengths and weaknesses and he's always been obliged to give me some good advice. However, I am currently dealing with career anxiety issues and just a general feeling of helplessness and frustration about my current situation and to my surprise, Marty gave me a call recently, so much so that he became concerned for my well-being and general career malaise. We brain-stormed for some options and came to a few potentially fruitful options. I consider Marty a friend, coach and benefactor. Over the year he has remained dedicated and steadfast in helping me achieve my potential. read more

A friend recommended Marty to me after spending over 10 years after college and not finding a career. Lets just say there was a lot of work to do. Marty is a great guy and easy to talk to. I'm happy to say we narrowed down my career options based on my goals and I have just been accepted into the program we decided on after spending a year working on my prerequisites. Marty doesn't just take the work aspect of your life into account but your whole life. I really appreciated this approach. Thanks Marty! read more

After hearing Marty on the radio a few times, I decided to book him for business coaching several times last year after finding myself at a crossroads in my life/career. I got a lot of value from our sessions and found his advice was spot-on. He's quirky, says it like it is, and knows his stuff - I will definitely be going back at some point for a top-up. read more

It's amazing how similar my experience was to JCR's (another reviewer). Nemko promised personalized advice -- based largely on my answers to a lengthy questionnaire I completed before our two-hour initial consultation -- but I found his suggestions to be the same tired, generic advice that he provides elsewhere for free. For example, even though I am a very analytical person, and earned an advanced degree from a top university, he recommended that I consider starting an espresso cart business, one of his favorite career suggestions. In addition to the one-size-fits-all advice, Nemko's communication style put me off, too. During our appointment in his home/office, he used terms like "orgasmic" to inquire about my feelings re: certain jobs, and asked, flirtatiously, if he could "pamper me with a glass of water" (or something cheesy like that). In my opinion, the ONLY thing Nemko's truly good at is getting media attention. He holds himself out as an expert on careers, education, procrastination, men's rights, etc., but it's "all sizzle and no steak." Private consultation with him is a HUGE waste of your hard-earned dollars. Also, his web site says that "he has worked with 4,000 clients and enjoys a 96% client satisfaction rate." How does he come up with that?? Is an unaffiliated third party surveying former clients (no) or is he supposedly keeping track himself (yes)? To me this is equivalent of The Office's Michael Scott buying himself a "World's Best Boss" mug. The above is simply my opinion of Mr. Nemko. read more

I met Marty and I stopped after one session because he is very very expensive and, for the price, I was expecting much more.

I had never heard of Marty before a friend-of-a-friend mentioned his name and I decided to check him out. I emailed him on a whim, doubtful that I'd hear anything that I hadn't heard from other career counselors. I'm happy to say I was completely wrong - Marty is the real deal. He helped me more in 1 hour than other counselors had done in months! He's not for everyone - he has a very direct no BS style. He's not going to waste your time, and he'll tell it like he sees it. But he'll tell you exactly what you need to hear, and get you where you need to be to make it happen. I can't recommend Marty highly enough! read more

I met with Marty twice this summer to get help figuring out the big picture with my career. I had held two jobs since business school that had made me very unhappy due to my lack of work/life balance, and I was at a real career crossroads. I sought his counsel to answer the tough questions about myself and what I really wanted out of life and my career. I was very pleased with the outcomes of my two sessions with Marty. Were they expensive? Yes. Was he opinionated? Yes. Did I agree with him all the time? No. But that's what I was paying for - to get the unbiased insight of an objective party who has worked with many people who have been in my shoes and could share his experience-based observations with me. Marty's pre-meeting questionnaire was very comprehensive and forced me to think long and hard about who I am as a person and what kind of work environments were well suited to me. During our sessions he was very adept at striking the right balance between asking me questions and providing his opinion. He didn't rush to judgment, but was willing to offer it up when I pushed him for it and he felt he knew enough about me. He probed my answers in ways that led to additional insights, and helped drill down in greater detail to the core issues I was facing. He also helped me consider new career paths based on my personal interests and values that I had not given serious consideration to before. I did some research on these potential career paths between our two sessions, and by the end of our 2nd session I had arrived at some important realizations about myself and what direction I might head in next. Perhaps most importantly, he boosted my spirits by encouraging me and convincing me of how marketable I was to potential employers. I kept the insights and improved confidence from our sessions in mind as I conducted my job search this summer/fall, and it really paid off. I just started a new job last week at a great company, with a great team of people who seem to have good work/life balance, and doing something that is legitimately fun and relevant to my personal values/interests. And I got a modest raise from my previous job! I couldn't be happier with the way things have turned out with my transition into my new job, and Marty definitely played a role in helping me get there. read more

Marty is a career coach who advises on career choice, career change, and how to be succeed at one's chosen job and career. I have consulted with him regarding both career change and how to succeed in my new career and workplace. I highly recommend him. Career change is hard. The success rate is low, for a variety of reasons, including inertia and the tendency of many of us to get into a stuck mindset. If you're in the midst of trying to change your career you should really try to get all the very best help you can get. For many of us, one of the important things we can do to improve our chances of success is to hire a skillful, experienced, and successful career coach. Having read widely the personal development and career change literature, I had very high standards and expectations when I was selecting a career coach for my own career transition. I met with several, and read their writings, before selecting Marty. I am very happy with my choice. Marty is an excellent listener, asks penetrating questions that get to the heart of the matter, and is extremely skilled at seeing and pulling together the common threads in a way that has helped me to reach greater clarity as to my unique strengths, interests, and career non-negotiables. One thing I particularly like about his approach is that he is far from a passive listener. He leverages his high intelligence (he is a member of Mensa and writes for Mensa's magazine), his deep passion for helping others achieve greater success and happiness, and his broad experience consulting for over three thousand clients over the past couple decades to offer extremely valuable advice and guidance. At each meeting, he always offers a number of high value, concrete, implementable ideas and action plans. He is also very good at coming up with innovative, out-of-the-box ideas that are actually viable and fit well with my strengths and and interests. To what extent hiring a coach will help you in your career depends a lot on whether the coach is a good fit for you, and how motivated you are to improve your own career situation. To get a feel for Marty, you can check out the writings on his website, http://martynemko.com/ and his weekly radio shows, which are archived here: http://www.martynemko.com/past-and-upcoming-radio-shows read more

I went to Marty Nemko a number of years ago after listening to his show. Not only is he way more expensive than other career counselors but he was totally ineffective. I needed practical advice and help with my resume but he is not really about that. He would put me through useless exercises and the clincher was that he taped these sessions like they were even worth going back to listen to. I eventually found a counselor at Bay Area Career Center and have worked with my new counselor for about 10 years. This counselor has helped me so much over the years and I have referred many people to BACC. read more

Marty Nemko is a narcissist and egomaniac, who seems incapable of accepting criticism. He is also a disgrace to the coaching profession, since he thinks it's appropriate to attack/belittle me - a client - in a public forum. Here's my story: I paid Marty $450 for a two hour coaching session, which I didn't find particularly helpful. From the very beginning of our conversation, it became clear to me that he never bothered to read what I had written in the lengthy questionnaire he sent me (I spent several hours providing him with very detailed answers to his questions). For example, based on my interest in sailing, the first career-related suggestion he made was that I try to raise money and manufacture some sort of hybrid-boat. (This struck me as an odd suggestion, since I have no access to capital, and I am not a boat designer.) As the conversation progressed, it became clear that Marty had his own agenda. And the suggestions he made were both generic and unsophisticated - not the kind of advice you would expect from someone who is supposed to be a leading expert in the field. Marty offered nothing I hadn't thought of myself. And to make matters worse, he actually discouraged me from pursuing my passion - teaching - because "there's no money in it". (Really Marty? Are you sure about that?) After our session, I sent Marty a note expressing my dissatisfaction with our session. Since I am also in a coaching profession, I felt it was important to provide him with direct and honest feedback. I wrote him a very professional letter, and NEVER attacked him personally. I also shared my experience with a close friend, who happens to be a very prominent executive coach. Several days later, Marty responded to my email. When I read his note, I was shocked. There was nothing in his response to indicate that he cared about what I thought, or that he wanted to have a win/win outcome. Instead, he dismissed my critiques and took no responsibility for his behavior. He also took a backhanded shot at my character and intelligence. Once again, I shared this experience with my friend, who took it upon himself to write a review on Yelp. I had no idea this happened . . . until Marty sent me another dismissive email. This time, he implored me to reach out to my friend, and ask him to remove his review (so much for free speech). Again, I was taken aback - but I contacted my friend on Marty's behalf, to see if I could rectify the situation. But Marty doesn't like to be criticized. And apparently, he is also very impatient. Before I could discuss the matter with my friend, Marty posted a comment on Yelp, once again attacking and belittling me in the process. I had no idea his ego is so fragile. So that is my experience with Marty Nemko. I suggest you save your money and take your business elsewhere. read more

I've listened to Marty Nemko for years but always found him to be somewhat denigrating to teachers. Last night on his KALW show, he was again, less than supportive of teachers earning a livable wage. I wrote to him and was disappointed with his reply, not because he held firm in his belief that teachers were adequately paid for their work, but because his written response was condescending, dismissive, and disparaging. read more

If you choose to meet with Marty, please consider the following advice, based on my experience: 1) Be very clear about how much time you can afford to spend with him in advance. It is true that he stated to me that he was $175/hour. However, I had visited a year before on a "pay-what-you-will" session, which he kindly offered up. He kept this session to a tight hour and sent me on my way. On the second visit, I brought $175 in cash and handed it to him after we were finished. Marty counted the money and stated it was "only $175" and that "our session was two hours long." I quickly realized that I had made a mistake. I was not watching the clock (see below for details on what we did during the session). Unwisely, I thought he would keep it to an hour, as he had in the previous session. I told him I would send him a check for the balance. He asked, "Don't you have a credit card?" I did have a credit card but I must not have looked very happy. He offered to split the cost of the second hour and asked how I felt about that. I said I felt it was his responsibility to check in about where we were at with time and communicate when the first hour has passed. He replied he stated in an e-mail that the session could go up to two hours. I handed him my credit card. He ran the card and placed the receipt in front of me, with a pen, then tossed my credit card on the table. When I returned home, I looked for the e-mail that stated the session could go for up to two hours, but did not find this information printed in recent e-mails exchanges from Marty. 2) Be very clear about what you want from your session and how he can help you. Do not let him control the discussion. Be prepared. Bring questions with you about possible new careers. Know what you are willing to do and not do. I made the mistake of allowing him to control the direction of the session. He navigated by asking questions like the following: "If you were to open your own business, would it be a tattoo parlor or a piercing parlor?" I shouldn't have answered one way or the other. I am not interested in either and never have been. Questions like this went on for too long (choose this or that) and did not feel productive. Throughout the session, he had me looking up things on the internet and finished the session by asking me to draw a picture based on how I felt about my possible new career. I should not have allowed my time and money to have been wasted by these exercises. read more

Marty is an incredible resource and has provided me with a clear path to pursue my career goals. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with him and as a result my life has dramatically changed both personally and professionally. He has earned my highest recommendation! read more

I have worked with Marty Nemko several times, once about 10 years ago and once more recently. I believe that Marty is really super dedicated to his clients and has the intellect and compassion to help his clients make better choices than they would on their own. I also truly believe that in making career choices it is important to turn to God as well (I am Jewish) to get the best feedback, but it is also helpful to get feedback to flesh things out about the insights you get from yourself and the world. In sum, Marty is a "mensch" (good guy) and well worth the effort in working with him. read more

In a two month period I met with Marty 4 times. From the beginning of the process to the end Marty had me dig deep inside myself, experiences, and career goals He offers a wealth of knowledge and insight. Marty always made himself available via email if needed between sessions. He is truly committed to your successful outcome from day one. As a result, I am currently working in my degree field once again. I am also using everything that we discussed to move forward with my career/life in a proactive manner. Does Marty asked you tough questions? Yes. Does Marty make you really look within yourself? Yes. Does Marty offer a unique approach? Yes. Will Marty help you? If your willing to work hard and be open to what is discovered, yes. Marty was exactly what I needed and I would recommend him to others. read more

When I first looked over these many 5-star reviews about Marty's service, I immediately decided to choose him as my career coach. Obviously, it turned out to be truly worthy! I graduated and then had a short-term job until I had a baby. I spent 3 years off as a stay-at-home mom. In the beginning of the job hunting, I felt hopeless because of my background. I'm not a native English speaker, and I need time to refresh my memory for the knowledge that I learned before. But I still want to get a good job from a great company. It seemed impossible to me. I met with Marty for several sessions, and he was very sharp, smart, and straightforward. He directly pointed out all my weaknesses, and suggested me many effective ways to improve. Sometimes, your friends don't tell you the truth, because they don't want to hurt you. Marty, on the other hand, was very straightforward but in a professional way. He taught me to use the most effective way to tell my own stories. He taught me to be an honest person, and use my unique strengths to convince the interviewers. He is not only my career coach, but also a wise life coach to me. After meeting with him for several sessions, I went on to a few job interviews, and got my dream job from a great company! I will definitely continue to use him as a career counselor in my future career. read more