Eight signs you may benefit from a career coach

Are you happy at work? Do you feel valued and recognised? Is your job just a job, or is it a career? Do you wish you had the confidence and skills to get that next promotion? Are you feeling stuck, wanting to do something totally different but having no idea what to do or how to get there?

Perhaps you’ve read self-help books or listened to podcasts and talked to your colleagues and friends, but you’re still unsure how to change. Whatever your reason, having the independent support of an experienced career coach could help you gain clarity and move forward.

Career coaching is now a familiar form of professional development, with many organisations offering coaching or mentoring to support employees.

How could you benefit from a career coach?

Here are eight signs that you may benefit from some support in your career.

1. You’re unhappy at work

This might sound obvious, but if you’re dissatisfied at work, it’s clear that something needs to change. Not feeling valued or fulfilled at work can affect other areas of your life. If that’s you, isn’t it time to consider a change? This could mean changing your mindset and behaviours at work or looking for a new position.

2. You’re invisible or overlooked

In today’s workplace, it’s important not only to work hard and deliver well but also to be visible and demonstrate your confidence. If you feel your opinions and ideas are ignored, and new opportunities pass you by, a career coach could help you improve your impact.

3. You’d like to get a pay rise but are scared to ask

Perhaps you feel that the responsibilities you have and the potential you’ve shown mean you deserve an increased reward. Knowing how to prepare for and have that conversation is important. A career coach could help you prepare before approaching your employer.

4. You’re not progressing in your career

Do you feel your career advancement has stalled or that there’s no opportunity to progress? You know you could do better but aren’t sure how to change. An experienced career coach can help you gain clarity about the barriers to your career development and explore strategies for moving forward.

5. Self-doubt and a lack of confidence are holding you back

We all have that inner critical voice that holds us back. Yours may be telling you, “Who are you to think you can do that role?” or, “Don’t speak up; you’ll sound stupid.” Questioning your abilities is a common factor that can hold people back in their careers. Talking to a career coach could be a proactive first step.

6. You know this job isn’t right but don’t know what else to do

Wanting to change career but having no idea what to do can be very frustrating. If your head is spinning with so many thoughts and ideas that you can’t move forward, you may benefit from someone helping you gain clarity. A career coach can use exercises and coaching skills to help you explore your options and build a plan.

7. You’ve identified your dream career but not how to get there

Does your ideal career feel unachievable? A career coach could help you identify the steps you might need to take or explore ways to incorporate your passion into your life.

8. You’re about to start a new job and want to make an impact

The first few weeks in a new role are often described as a honeymoon period. You have the opportunity to ask questions and identify what is expected of you. Don’t miss this valuable period by jumping in at the deep end and trying to make an immediate big impression. A career coach can help you think through an effective way to start a new role.

Do any of these signs resonate with you? If so, consider whether working with a career coach could help. Investing in support at this point may contribute to your longer-term career development.