Before becoming a coach, I had two opportunities to receive coaching. Both were instrumental in getting me where I needed to be. The first one was a single call with a coach I found online when I was considering leaving my first job, after seven years. He validated what he heard me saying “It sounds like you’re feeling burned out. When you talk about the possibilities of leaving and starting something new, you sound energized.”
My second coaching experience was about a year later, when I began to suspect the next company also wasn’t right for me. On paper, the job aligned with my strengths and goals. I had done extensive research and gone in confident that I’d made the right choice. Employee centric culture – check. Challenging work – check. Work life balance – check.
Unfortunately, my experience did not match my expectations. I experienced politics and bureaucracy, felt silenced rather than included, and my days dragged. I was blaming myself for making a poor choice; how could I have been so wrong about this company? It took a coach to help me see that I was not to blame. I had done my best, and if it wasn’t for me there was no harm or shame in moving on, which is eventually what I did. A coach helps their clients clarify their values, validate their feelings and beliefs, and look forward vs. dwelling on the past.
If you suspect it’s time to quit but aren’t sure what steps to take next, working with a coach can bring clarity, structure, and accountability to your search. Although every job search is different, one recent survey found that it takes an average of five months to land a new job. This daunting statistic is one of many reasons people put off career transitions. One benefit of career coaching is that it doesn’t matter where you are in your search. A good coach will meet you where you are and help in three key ways.
Clarify Your Values
It’s all too common for people who are unhappy with their job to feel stuck, or to focus on simply getting out quickly. Coaching gives you a compass that points to your persona true north. Only you can decide what is most important in your life and what you need in your next chapter, but an experienced coach has tools to help. A coach won’t provide the answers, but they will ask the right questions and help you think through what’s most important to you. Working with a coach lets you drill down to what matters the most to you.
Create a Transition Plan
As with any project, finding a job or changing careers requires a plan. A coach will help you translate values and priorities into action. Coaching can help bring structure to your search and provide a thought/accountability partner.
Your coach will help you:
- Tell your story as a candidate, both on paper and during interviews.
- Identify a list of target companies. What companies align with your mission, purpose and values?
- Update your online presence. Do your LinkedIn profile and resume effectively communicate your skills and goals?
Hold You Accountable
It can be easy to lose motivation or get overwhelmed during your job search. Your coach will ensure you’re making progress. If you’re struggling, a coach can help you explore what’s blocking you and strategies to get back on track. Working with a coach is a way to stay motivated, make progress, and get prepared for every step in your career transition journey.
Thinking about a change but not sure what to do next? Contact us to learn more about our world-class coaches and how we can help – info@reverbpeople.com.
