When we think of ‘career advice’, we immediately think of being a student and speaking with a career counsellor to see what type of job would ‘suit us’. But what happens when you’re a full-grown adult with no access to that? Career coaching. career coaching is available to adults too and it is far better than any student career advice.
Whether you are looking to move jobs, pivot industries or secure a promotion, career counselling could be perfect for you.
Why You Need A Career Coach
Many of us can think of a slew of reasons to leave our job. To hand in our notice and move onto something else. Maybe you have been overlooked for promotion too many times. Perhaps you aspire to better work/life balance. Or are your skills being under-utilised?
Finding a reason that you are unsatisfied in your job isn’t always difficult. Actually, making the change can be a far bigger task. Taking action can be daunting. Even knowing what action to take can be extremely confusing. This is where career counselling comes in.
Real-Life Experience
As a student you are a bundle of untapped potential. With student career advice you often have the whole world opened to you. As an adult, you may feel much more restricted. You can become anxious about implementing your skills and knowledge. But this doesn’t need to be restrictive. With career coaching you can explore the many job opportunities which could benefit from your skillset. Your skills and experience may be more transferable than you realise.
Someone To Talk To (In Confidence)
When it came to career advice as a student there are plenty of people to talk to. In addition to career advisors, you also have teachers and lecturers. As a student, it may be much easier to approach parents and friends to discuss careers too. As an adult approaching this conversation may be more difficult. Career coaching provides someone to speak to in confidence. You don’t need to worry about word of potentially leaving your job getting around the office or fear the judgement of people who may not agree with a career change.
Discover Your Real Passion
Your life can look very different to people on the outside. What may be a soul-crushing job to you may look great to someone else. Perhaps you’re receiving reinforcement to stay in your job for material reasons such as the salary or the prestige of a job title. With career counselling, you can discuss the more meaningful factors behind your career choices. One on one career coaching is about working with someone experienced and objective to figure out your passions and true career ambitions.
A Plan Of Action
It is also about empowering yourself to take action. A student’s plan of action for their next job usually consists of doing these A-levels or getting this degree then taking an entry-level job in their industry of choice. Sure there are some exceptions but that is the general approach. In some cases, the strategy comes after you have got your qualifications and is rarely more than “send your CV”. With career counselling for adults, the strategy is much more sophisticated. Working with your coach you will devise a step-by-step plan to achieving your career goals.
Hopefully, this guide has dismissed any notions that career counselling is only for students. No matter what stage you are at in your career, if you are looking for a change of career, counselling can help you. From jumping into a new industry to finding new, more exciting roles within your current sector a career coach can definitely help.