I was asked the other day by a mid-career professional, “Why would someone like me hire a career coach? I’m not an executive.” Well, as a career coach, I said I can think of a few reasons:
Because where you are now is OK, but it’s not where you thought you’d be, and you’re not sure what the next step is. “Where do I go from here?” Perhaps that path you thought was there….isn’t. Or maybe it’s time to step off. No one prepared you to cut your own trail when the path ends.
Because you’ve been putting off having the conversation with your manager. You want them to have all the answers, but that’s not realistic. They’re busy leading the team to deliver results for the business. And they may need help too. You’re frustrated. “If I’m considered ‘talent’ who is my talent agent?”. Guess what?…. You are your own talent agent. Are you ready?
Because you got another notification from a job board you follow – your company’s internal postings, or an external job posting. You hastily updated your resume based on a template and sent it off, fingers crossed, “I hope I get an interview”
‘Hope’ is not a strategy when it comes to your career.
Because everything else you’ve tried isn’t working.
Because sometimes you need more than your best friend to reinforce your awesomeness over coffee.
You need objective, professional guidance. You need someone to help you see around your blind spots. You need someone to help you clearly define your values, aspirations, and strengths, and what will fulfill you. You need someone to show you the tools you need to get unstuck, explore options, create a plan, present your best self, and find that next role so you can thrive.
That’s how a career coach can help you.
#careerpros #careercoaching #careers #beyourowntalentagent