Has anyone tried a life / career coach?

[CocoaCloset]

Not been loving my job recently, basically too much workload and no-one more junior capable to help with it. I get fairly well paid and can't afford not to work, nor would I want to. I have had a few thoughts about setting up my own business but nothing particularly well focused. My friend, who is a coach, recommended a career coach who could help. I was a bit sceptical but had a chat with her and thought there may be some value in it. However, I was shocked at the cost and wondered if any of you had tried this and if it was of any help?

The trouble is that they are not regulated so you have no idea of standards, training, competencies, etc. There was one near us who set up as a career coach but who had never had any business experience or career of her own, was a bored housewife then just did a couple of courses. You wouldn't want to pay someone like that.

That is an issue for me too but was more reassured since I had a recommendation and a chat with the coach about her background etc. I did still get the feeling it was more like a therapy session than anything else and had homework to go for a walk - I did, but was more worried during the walk about how I would afford the sessions than clearing my head about other stuff!

Have you looked if there is anything online or any books you could work through? I have a friend who swears "Self Matters" by Dr Phil McGraw changed her life! I think that is more personal than career though.

My impression, from work courses DH and I have done, is that many coaches use fairly standard exercises to make you focus on certain things and facilitate rather than anything else. DH and I work in very different fields yet have both encountered the same "career development strategies" on courses

No I haven't read anything I was hoping that I would get a miracle solution which is rather naive I know! I have a list of books that have been recommended so maybe the first step is to read through them.

I have a coach. She's fantastic, and worth every penny. I've got huge plans for developing my business this year and it's all on track and happening, largely due to her guidance and motivation.

Watching with interest, as a life coach is something I have considered in the past!

Is that flowery beanbag?

What is it about teh sessions that you value (-asking cos I've been thinking about this) does she have novel ideas? Is it the non judgemental counselling side?
Why do you think you are doing more with her guidance?

Yes was beanbag but dropped that bit! I get the following from my coaching sessions:

Motivation and self-belief
Dramatic improval in confidence
Focus, focus and more focus
Defining goals
Improved self-awareness
Improved personal life with insight and counselling side

Plus more.

I really need to get on to this don't I

(I have always wanted to live in France I realised the other day a life coach would probably lead me to do something about it and got really excited)

Can I ask how you found your coach?

(oh and thanks BTW you've helped me in the past under another name and you've helped so many on here it's very kind of you)

Glad I was able to help you, and of course anyone else!

My coach came a did a talk at a networking event I go to regularly, I believe she was invited by one of the members. I was really impressed with her very down to earth style, and after one free session I knew I'd found the right person. I believe she now also works with several other members of the group and I've recommended her to others as well.

I've used a professional coach (as opposed to life coach) on a couple of occasions before and it was always really helpful. It gave me time away from the office to talk about things that I didn't have time for/make time for in the office. I also had to deal with a difficult staff member, and we worked on a practical plan to deal with them. It also helped having a written list of things I committed to address before the next session. I typically saw them every 6 weeks for 1.5 hours for 4 or 5 sessions.

I would say, that there is some element of them asking you "what do you think?". The reality is, you prob have most of the answers within you, you just need somebody else to help you make sense of it.

I met both of mine through recommendation.

Lots of coaches should be willing to meet up for an initial free consultation meeting, to check the fit. You need to trust and want to work with them.

Go for it if you can afford it, it was life changing!

WS