Have you used a career coach?

[dulcieM]

Have you used a career coach? If so was it worthwhile? How much did it cost and did you go on to follow their advice in your career?

[GetUpStandUp4]

following

[HoHoHoliday]

I have had a string of sessions with a career coach. I was very lucky in that I was doing a development programme at work and the coach was provided as part of that, so I don't know how much it would cost otherwise.
I did find it really useful. With coaching, the ideas need to come from you and the coach helps you get there, so they don't have a magic wand and you need to be willing to put the effort in. But I found having the extra motivation, with a clarifying voice, and someone to challenge my perceptions of my own ability very beneficial.

[DurhamDurham]

I wonder if a career coach has the job of their dreams? It always seems such a contradiction to me that they're supposed to be able to help someone find the right career but they're stuck doing that.
I've only met two career coaches though and they seemed to go from one job to another, usually involving MLM type roles before they've ended up where they are.

[HoHoHoliday]

@DurhamDurham For many people there isn't a dream job or ideal career. A good career coach will coach you towards achieving goals related to your career. That doesn't need to be identifying a perfect job. It might be improving your skill set, gaining experience, working towards a promotion, taking a side-step, finding a secondment, switching directions, working out what you are good at and not good at, all sorts of things a coach can help with.
But I would stead well clear of anyone involved in MLM schemes! They don't sound genuine.