Working with a career coach can help you make powerful changes in your career, whether this is about finding a new career, succeeding in your current role or finding more enjoyment at work.

While career coaching is a popular choice for those seeking positive change in their career, is it right for everyone?

Here are some three alternatives to career coaching you might want to consider.

Do It Yourself

There have never been more career resources freely available online, and if your situation is relatively simple, you might want to use this information to overcome your challenge.

However, some of the most straightforward issues can still be difficult to resolve if you are not used to managing your own career issues. Resolving your own career challenges, you would need good skills in self-reflection and evaluating options and having an opportunity mindset.

If making change by yourself is not an option, why not seek out assistance from a friend or family member?

Friend or family

A friend or family member will know you well, and therefore this can be a sensible option. How useful this approach will be for you will again depend on how simple the issue is and will also depend on: 

1.         How much time they can give you?

2.         Their ability and skills to coach

3.         Whether they have the knowledge to help you progress in the areas you’re working on.

If neither of these options seems right, a third option could be to speak to your manager. 

Speak to your manager

For many situations, this is a good option. Your manager knows you well and is usually in a position where they have time to support you and have the scope to make any changes that might be required.

There are, of course, some situations where it wouldn’t be appropriate to use your manager. If you are thinking of other career opportunities, you might not want to work through these with your manager.

When to call a career coach

If you need support in your career and cannot work through the issues yourself or with a support partner, finding a career coach can be a good move.

Working with a good career coach can be life-changing and help you discover what your best life at work looks like, making the most of your skills, experience, values, and aspirations.

Whether you’re working for a large or small organisation or currently looking for your next role, working with a career coach can set you on the right path to feeling happier, more fulfilled and rewarded at work.

The range of issues a career coach can help you with include:

•           Supporting you to make a big leap in your career

•           Working with you to look at your career options

•           Helping you to deal with the blocks you may have around your career success

•           Assisting you to overcome the fear of making the next step to something better

•           Supporting you when you are ‘stuck in a rut’ at work - maybe you are in a ‘good job’, but not a good job for you!

Are you interested in finding out more about career coaching with me? Check out my website and look at some of the ways I can help you in your career.

If you are unsure about career coaching, let’s have an informal chat.

Bye for now!

Mark