Tired of your current job and ready for a new challenge? Well, before you start randomly applying to any and every job out there, take a few deep breaths and think about what it is you want to do in life.
Having more of an idea of what you want to do and what you enjoy can help make finding the right job easier. Instead of rushing through multiple job applicants, you can focus your attention on a few specific jobs and make your materials as good as they can be.
And if you’re currently reading this article because the title sounded intriguing, you are likely interested in learning more about life coaching as a career!
Is a life coach a therapist?
A life coach is different from a counselor or therapist. A life coach helps people identify their personal or professional goals and then helps them develop a plan to achieve those goals. They help people that might be struggling to achieve their goals because of procrastination, fear of failure, or lack of confidence.
While a therapist works with people to identify past problems and work through emotions, a life coach is all about goal setting and moving forward.
Enjoy being around others
One reason to consider becoming a life coach is that you genuinely enjoy being around others. Life coaching requires you to spend a lot of time socializing. However, it also requires you to spend a lot of time listening. If you enjoy listening to others, helping them figure out what their goals are, and figuring out realistic solutions, life coaching could be a way to get paid for doing something you enjoy.
Help through problems you’ve experienced
Another reason to consider life coaching is if you have overcome hardships in your life and you want to help others through similar problems. Life experiences and work experiences are invaluable, no matter if they’re positive or negative. If you’re willing to share about your own experiences and use them to guide someone struggling through their own hardships, you could be a great resource for someone.
Extensive knowledge
If you have extensive knowledge in one area, you can help others achieve their own goals in that area. For example, if you have a background in architecture and worked in a architecture firm for years, you could help others that are also interested in working in the field but are struggling to get their foot in the door. If you have a specialty area, you could make a great life coach.
Live within your values
In many careers, you may find yourself having to work within the values or morals of your employer, even if they don’t completely align with yours. However, with life coaching, you have the flexibility to take on the clients that you want to take on. You can align life coaching with your values. While your clients may not necessarily share the same values and morals as you, you do have the opportunity to decline to work with clients that would push you too far out of your comfort zone.
Flexibility in hours
Another reason to consider life coaching is if you want a career with some flexibility in hours. If 9-to-5 jobs drain you, life coaching grants you the opportunity to have some control over your schedule. While you may have to make adjustments depending on client availability, you can get up and go to bed whenever you want.
How to become a life coach?
If the idea of becoming a life coach sounds appealing, you need to familiarize yourself with the steps to become a coach. There are certification and accreditation programs that will help you discover your life coach vision, learn the necessary skills, and begin making the transition into the world of life coaching.
Most life coaches operate their own business, so you also have to be prepared to market yourself to potential clients and find the right clients. You may discover you have a specific interest and only take clients within that interest range. For example, maybe you’re more interested in coaching people through finding a relationship and not so interested in helping people find careers.
Final thoughts
If you’re ready for a career change, enjoy working with others, and want to help others achieve their personal goals, why not give life coaching a try? Keep in mind that obtaining a certificate and launching your own business might take some time, so start the transition process while you’re still employed in another job.