It seems like everyone is a coach these days, which on one hand is really positive that there are a band of people out there ready to support and guide you with whatever problem you may have. However, on the other hand, it may seem a bit ‘wishy-washy’ and as if these people are fly-by-night charlatans ready to take your money, promise you the earth but give nothing in return.  Obviously, within any service industry, there may well be a percentage of coaches out there who won’t deliver on what they are promising, so it is important that you take the necessary steps to ensure that you find the right coach for you. 

So, what is career coaching and how may it help you?

Career coaching is an ideal way to get some clarity and perspective on a problem or matter that you may have been mulling over in relation to your career.  An example of this could be that you have been having doubts about whether you are in the right career and if you should make a change or stay where you are, coupled with a nagging feeling that you may have left it too late to do anything about it.  This is a completely normal career dilemma experienced by many people and if you speak to colleagues and friends about this, inevitably, they will give you strong advice about what to do; but be aware that this advice is going to be conflicting and not completely impartial, because many people give you advice based on what they would do and often, based on what their fears are.  So, the other option is to not tell anyone and hope that the problem will work itself out.  However, as you know, if you have been feeling like this for a while, it’s probably not going to solve itself and you will be left in a state of decision paralysis.

Alternatively, imagine being able to sound out your thoughts and fears to a completely impartial person who is listening to you and is fully committed to helping you to find a solution.    A person who is also qualified and experienced in guiding you to a result and unlike going to see a doctor, where you will be diagnosed, treated and sent on your way, you will be part of the process and have the opportunity to identify any blind spots or barriers that may be holding you back from taking action, freeing you to make better decisions based on your wants and needs rather than on your fears and societal expectations. 

Using effective career management tools alongside knowledge and experience and working with a qualified career coach will accelerate your progress much faster than if you were to go it alone.  Also, having someone there that you can ‘check in’ with for advice and guidance can really help you to gain confidence and traction in your decision-making skills.

My advice is to seek out a qualified and experienced career coach and then arrange a telephone call or meeting to find out more about what they offer and how and if they can help you and also, if you both feel that you’re a good fit to work together.  There are plenty of career coaches out there, so take the time to do your research and get ready to make those career changes you have been thinking about for so long.

A little bit about me; I have 10 years’ experience working as a Career Coach with a variety of clients, I hold a Masters in Career Management and Coaching, a Qualification in Career Guidance (QCG) and qualifications in counselling and Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP).  That’s all very interesting I’m sure, but what I feel I bring most to career coaching sessions is my own personal experiences, which means that I too have experienced change and felt fear, confusion, despair, guilt and a whole host of other emotions when faced with imminent change. 

I have made a lot of changes to get to where I am today and have faced rejection and knock backs, changed careers and industries, risen through the ranks, been a mature student and lived in different cities and countries so I know how it feels to want to make changes and feel lost and stuck at times – but, I have also been bold and taken risks and come out the other side better for it.  What, I also know is that with hard work, focus, dedication and support from the right people, anything is possible.

About the author: Hey there! I’m Lola Brocklesby, founder of Viva Career Coaching and I love helping people who are striving for more in their career finally find a career that they love.  If that’s you, please get in touch.