Does anybody actually work as a Life Coach or is it a mythical job?

[redhappy]

I got a bunch of books out of the library, trying to brainstorm ideas for work, money, careers etc.

One idea that keeps popping up in all the books is Life Coach. Makes a lot of sense for my set of circumstances, personality, skilss etc.

There are SO many training courses I'm a bit dubious. I think it's a great idea, would love to use one myself. However, do people really pay for this? How do you know which training is a waste of money (a con even!), and which is worthwhile.

[redhappy]

I'll take the lack of response to mean it isn't a real job that real people actually do

[Sequins]

I once paid for an hour with a life coach, was a phone appointment, 4 yo DS came in the room and asked me about a toy and she lectured me about making time for myself (i.e., her) and how her 6 mo was being walked round the block by her DH for the session. I never called her back, I don't need that kind of "support". I felt her provision was all about it being a nice job for her.

Having said that, I have met what I consider to be real coaches at work training days and they have been ex-HR people &/or chartered psychologists.

[QueenofWhatever]

It's a mythical job and virtually no-one makes any money out of it. I trained and set up my own business about 8-10 years ago when it was much more popular and there is no real demand out there.

However, the training and experience I gained have been helpful in getting me management jobs and I use it all the time in my current wor.

A lot of the training is shonky in the extreme.

[pleasereassure]

Ghosty does although she doesn't come on here often anymore. She might respond to a pm?

[dianekeen1]

Life Coaching does exist and money can be made from it (exactly how much I couldn't tell you because I only take appointments during times when DD is in nursery or has climbed the wooden hill to bedfordshire no walking around the block in all weather for her.)

Sequins, your experience sounds rubbish....Ideally you'd have no disruptions during the call, but the woman sounds totally unprofessional in her approach.

Training organisations can be really really bad or really really overpriced or really really good. I made bad choices to begin with but thankfully it didn't put me off for life and eventually found a good training organisation.

Like any other business it takes dedication, a lot of sales and marketing and a real passion so if everything points you in that direct do your homework, PM me if you want to so I can tell you where not to train, and best of luck.

xx

[BelleDameSansMerci]

One of my friends is a life coach/motivation kind of chap. He's brilliant and is making a lot of money. I think it depends hugely on your personality and your ability to "put yourself out there".

My friend's offered me free support/coaching but I'm too scared to make the changes I need to improve my life (how pathetic is that?).

[dianekeen1]

Aha BelleDameSansMerci.....What changes do you want to make? What is it you're scared of? What will happen if you do nothing? (lol, only a little sample of what coaching is all about, I really don't expect answers)

Take up the offer, you'll never look back...

[BelleDameSansMerci]

LOL! All the changes only require a little bit of courage. I'm in a comfy rut - that's the problem. I may take him up on it. It's odd because I knew him before he started doing this. He's very grateful that I (unknowingly) helped him through a very tough time in his life with some straight talking. Now he's keen to return the favour but I'm avoiding it!

[Sequins]

I did part-time work through university and, in all honesty, I think I would have got a better grade if I hadn't. However, I am not sure I would have got a better job - work experience is very valuable on a CV. Even my friend whose dad was an investment banker had a part-time job for this reason although admittedly it was a job at Prada, which I expect is probably not available to many students!

I think it would not be unreasonable to expect a student to have a summer job, at the very least.

[Sequins]

Doh - posted on wrong thread!

BelleDamme, deffo have a go, what's the worst that could happen

[BelleDameSansMerci]

I might end up happy - eek!

[venusandmarzipan]

I do coaching and it can be a good career addition, but I do it in conjunction with other parts of my business (and I don't usually advertise it as coaching).

If you have a niche / specialist area then you will probably do better than generalist 'life' coaching e.g. if you were already part of a health & fitness / weightloss network, then you might do better applying coaching skills in that context where you are already known and respected.

To be succesful you have to have great skills as a coach and great skills as a business person. People won't come and knock on your door you have to search out opportunities, market yourself and run a professional business. I have met a lot of coaches who are probably good coaches, they're very nice people, but they don't make any money because they've never developed those skills.

PM me if you want to find out more, particularly about the business side of working as a coach.