8 signs you need to talk to 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 have no idea what to do and how to get there?

Perhaps you've read self-help books or listened to podcasts, talked to your colleagues and friends, but you're still unsure how to change. Whatever your reason is, having the objective expert support of a career coach can get you amazing results.

Career coaches are more popular now than ever, with most large organisations advocating them for their employees at every level.

How will you benefit from a career coach?

Here are eight signs you need 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 something needs to change. The negative effect of not feeling valued or fulfilled at work spreads into other areas of your life until everything feels wrong. A report by Deloitte says that 80% of people don't enjoy their job. If that's you isn't it time to make a change? It could be 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 to not only work hard and deliver well but also to be visible and demonstrate your confidence. If you feel your opinion and ideas are ignored and new opportunities pass you by, then you need a career coach to 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 very important. So don't risk failing by talking to a career coach first.

4) You're not progressing in your career

Do you feel your career advancement has stalled or there's no opportunity to progress? You know you could do better but aren't sure how to change. An expert Career Coach can help you get clarity on the barriers to your career taking off and help you develop strategies to get there.

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

We all have that inner critical voice that holds us back. Yours maybe 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 one of the most common factors to hold people back in their career. Take your first proactive step by talking to a career coach.

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, then you need someone to help you get clarity. A career coach can use exercises and coaching skills to build a picture of your ideal career and then help you build a plan to achieve it.

7) You've identified your dream career but not how to get there

Does your ideal career feel unachievable? Then work with a career coach to develop the steps you need to take to get there. Or to incorporate your passion into your life in other ways.

8) You're about to start a new job and want to make a big impact

The first few weeks when you start a new role are your honeymoon period. You have the opportunity to ask questions and identify the expectations 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 talk you through the most effective way to start a new role.

Have you resonated with any of these signs? Then have a serious think about working with a career coach. Investing in yourself at this point will reap huge rewards in the longer term.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author. All articles published on Life Coach Directory are reviewed by our editorial team.

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