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How a Career Coach Can Help You Smoothly Navigate Your Career Transition

Posted on by by Mariia Shevchenko, CEO at Amy

Thinking about a career change but not sure how to take a step forward? Wondering if it is too late to start fresh in a different field? Career transition marks growth but also brings challenges. You adjust to new roles and build new skills. With career coaching, you can smoothly navigate career changes and get the guidance to confidently move toward a path that is right for you. Whether a career change at 30 or a career change at 40 and beyond, all is achievable. 

How about we explore what career transition looks like, why it can be challenging, and how working with a career coach could help build the bridge between where you are and where you want to be? 

Career change types: role, position, or job?

Career change is not always about starting from scratch. Career transitions vary from subtle shifts to bold moves into entirely new industries:

  • A job switch involves a minimal change in the role but a new employer or self-employed model: from a sales specialist at a mid-size company to a sales specialist at a large company.
  • A career change involves a new industry or field of work: from an accountant to an event manager or from a nurse to a real estate agent. 
  • A role change within the same industry lies between the two—offering growth and variety without leaving the sector: a chef becomes a restaurant manager at the same restaurant. 

When in doubt, you can evaluate your desire for a career change in a domain or role with the Domain vs Role Change exercise. 

domain vs role change assessment

As a result of the exercise, you will be confident in the level of change you want to make: to go for a completely different domain or finetune your responsibilities within the current role. No matter the scale of your change, career transition is still a nut to crack. 

Challenges of career change

When you take the leap to a whole new career, you may doubt your experience or don’t know what careers exist on the job market. Career change in your 30s may come with financial uncertainties and imposter syndrome. Career change in your 40s or 50s brings family dependencies and a steep learning curve for new skills. Both aren’t easy:

  • Responsibilities and financials. The challenge is to continue to commit to responsibilities, like paying the bills and caring for loved ones. Ensuring you meet basic life necessities, such as housing, food, and healthcare, is key while transitioning careers. Otherwise, career change feels risky to pivot.
    How to handle:
    • Build a financial cushion before leaving your current job. Save at least 6 months’ worth of living expenses to weather potential gaps in income. You can search for part-time opportunities or freelancing in your new field to ease the career transition while keeping a steady income. 
    • Discuss plans with your family to create a shared strategy for managing duties.
    • Create a plan with small, actionable steps to progress at your own pace.
  • Skills, learning, and time bound. Switching careers usually requires new training or certifications and dedicated time for those during evenings or weekends.
    How to handle: The answer is mapping your transferable skills and skills to gain to a career plan. Learning better advances if specifying time blocks. For example, 30 minutes a day to boost programming language. The time blocks approach applies to various areas to keep a healthy work-life balance.

  • Finding the right fit. Between work, family, and other activities, research and planning can be overwhelming. Searching for open job opportunities, applying for them, and going through cycles of interviews for a new role takes time and patience. But persistence means a lot.
    How to handle: 
    • Identify what you want in a role—flexibility, creativity, or impact. If you leave a job without knowing what to do next, test the waters with internships and volunteering to find an occupation that resonates with you. 
    • View and use rejections (if any) only as a means of feedback to refine your approach and strengthen your candidacy. 
  • I am a “beginner” again. Fear of starting over can hold you back.
    How to handle:     Treat this stage as an opportunity to learn and grow. You don’t erase your past—you build experience and credibility. For more confidence, seek mentorship from someone who has successfully navigated a similar path.

Navigating career change on your own vs. with a career coach

Going through a career change alone seems tempting—after all, no one knows your life better than you, right? But let’s compare the two paths:

coaching approaches comparison

Working with a career coach

The image of a career coach at Amy

“Why go through a career transition alone? As a career coach, I’ve seen how overwhelming and isolating this process can be. Whether you’re moving from employment to entrepreneurship, transitioning back into the workforce, or simply shifting into a new role, guidance can make all the difference.

Coaching provides a safe space to:

  • Clarify your goals and strengths
  • Overcome doubts and skill gaps
  • Strategically position yourself for success

Through my experience helping clients navigate career transitions, I’ve learned that having a structured, supportive approach accelerates success and builds confidence. Don’t let uncertainty hold you back—take the leap with the right tools and support to ensure a smooth and rewarding transition.”

Jane Klymenko, a career expert at Amy with 10+ years of coaching experience and the main area of expertise in Work-Life Balance

Standing at a crossroads with too many signs pointing in every direction—that is how career change, in most cases, feels. And that is where a career coach comes in to help you figure out the path right for you and make your career transition smoother.

Action plan for career change with a coach 

  1. Assessment. A career coach defines why you are looking for a change and your challenges. They outline values, goals, and skills transferable from previous work experience. This way, you don’t have to second-guess. You have a clear starting point. 
  2. Roadmap. Whether switching industries, chasing a leadership role, or starting fresh, a career coach creates a roadmap for you. Imagine GPS, but for your career. The roadmap often comes as an actionable career plan to track progress and results. You have measurable steps and resources needed.
  3. Preparation. Beyond identifying the career paths and opportunities that align with you, a career coach equips you with a well-structured resume, interview preparation, job search strategies and sources, and networking approaches.
  4. Support. Ever feel like you’re stuck in your head, going in circles? A coach keeps you on track, offering encouragement and boosting confidence. You aren’t doing this alone.

With a career coach by your side, navigating career change becomes less about fear and more about certainty. Besides, career coaches offer insights you might overlook, helping you spot opportunities and avoid pitfalls.

Success story at Amy: from software engineer to product manager

Background

Jake worked as a software engineer for a mid-sized tech company but wanted to transition into product management. While he had technical expertise, he lacked direct experience managing products and leading cross-functional teams. His dream was to work in a dynamic environment where he could bridge the gap between technology and customer needs.

Challenges

Jake faced several uncertainties and obstacles during his career transition:

  • Confidence in his abilities: He doubted whether his technical background was sufficient to position himself as a product manager.
  • Skill gaps: Jake struggled to identify which skills from his engineering role were transferable and which new skills he needed to develop.
  • Networking and positioning: He was unsure how to build relationships in the product management field and effectively communicate his value during interviews.
  • Additionally, Jake encountered challenges with managing self-doubt, setting realistic timelines, and navigating the overwhelming number of resources available for career changers.

Results of working with a career coach

A career coach helped Jake tackle his challenges step-by-step:

  • Clarifying his unique value: identified the technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and customer focus from his engineering role that would be valuable as a product manager. This helped Jake craft a compelling narrative for his career transition.
  • Building essential skills: developed a personalized learning plan, focusing on core product management skills like roadmap creation, stakeholder management, and market research.
  • Strategic networking: learned how to approach industry professionals through LinkedIn and informational interviews. He also leveraged his existing network to find opportunities in product management.
  • Mock interviews and confidence building: conducted mock interviews to prepare him for common product management questions, helping Jake feel more confident and articulate during real interviews.

After six months of focused work, Jake secured a product management role at a growing startup. He is thriving in his new position and feels fulfilled by the challenges and creativity it offers. Jake attributes his success to structured support, clear guidance, and his own dedication to the process.

Meet your coach

At Amy, you can choose your personal career coach based on their area of expertise and, of course, on your objectives. Shape your career change with career coaching to embrace a new path with ease.

Career Change: Is it Worth Taking a Risk?

Posted on by by Nataliya Melnyk, Marketer at Amy

Thoughts about changing careers carry weight. They might show subtle signs of professional frustration or serve an urgent warning for a shift. They might signal that it is time to reevaluate your goals or priorities. Is it worth taking a risk and changing a job if you aren’t sure? Not always. At least not without some thought or planning, unless an urgent career change. So, when should you consider transition?

4 signs you need a career change 

1. You wish you had more time for yourself

Poor work-life balance and connected health issues—such as anxiety, stress, the pressure of overworking, and burnout—can shift your priorities. When these challenges arise, finding a flexible career that allows time to focus on your health, family, or hobbies becomes essential.

2. You feel bored and frustrated

Job dissatisfaction and lack of growth: the job no longer challenges you or doesn’t match your interests or long-term goals. You might feel stuck in repetitive tasks with no opportunities for advancement. You don’t see a future in your current position. At this point, a career change is about finding a role that brings back a sense of fulfillment and joy.

3. You lost motivation

Which means a lack of purpose: many career shifts are fueled by the need to push boundaries and engage in work that feels dynamic and rewarding. If your daily tasks are full of meaningless activities, it is natural to seek something more inspiring and aligned with your expertise and goals. A desire for purpose ignites professionals to do more and be more. Losing interest in a field may signal you have outgrown your current position or role. Switching them may connect your work with what truly excites you. 

4. You want to earn more

Financial need: the drive for better financial stability or higher income results from evolving responsibilities, such as growing family expenses or personal goals. If your current role doesn’t offer opportunities for financial growth, you look for higher-paying positions or explore industries with better-earning potential.

There are two major points in life when we think about professional changes—in our 20s, when we are just starting out, and in our 40s, when we begin to question whether our path still fits. At this stage, the idea of change can feel daunting because of the weight of responsibilities. But it is also a chance to realign your career with what matters to you now, using all the insights gained.

Midlife career change: why change careers at 40 and beyond?

You have years of experience in your work but still feel unfulfilled or crave a better work-life balance? Motivations may differ from personnel cuts because of organizational restructuring to seeking a healthier work environment or a fresh start. One thing is certain—you have enough confidence, skills, and resources required to make a move.

What can you get when changing careers in your 40s? 

Pros

  • Increased job satisfaction and impactful work—the opportunity to do what you love and what sparks your energy, matching your personal values with professional goals
  • Learning new skills and expanding your capacities and qualifications while taking self-paced programs
  • Reduced stress levels and more time for loved ones and hobbies, improving your mental health and beating burnout

Cons

On the contrary, transitioning to a new role may come with challenges, such as:

  • Adapting to unfamiliar tasks
  • For beginners, a lower starting salary

Still, the experience of switching careers often proves rewarding, leading to salary growth and enhanced job satisfaction.

Regardless of age, career transition requires a balance of practical preparation and emotional resilience. Along the way, it is important to remember that your career doesn’t define your worth. A career is just one part of who you are.

Think it over: reflections and preparation before diving in

Before making the leap, take a step back and analyze your motivations and goals. Self-reflection helps to gain clarity on what you truly want from your career and make a plan for how to navigate the career change. By taking the time to prepare, you set yourself up for a strategic career transition.

Checking current environment 

Initially, examine what you can do with your current work environment—whether you can improve conditions and address the career challenges within your company, which usually require less effort and resources. For example, talk to your colleagues or manager about concerns and career opportunities. Prepare the materials. If no shift happens, you can be sure you tried to break the ice. 

Assessing life circumstances

Ask yourself these questions:

  • What are the benefits of making a career change? What are the costs?
  • Am I ready for a steep learning curve, extra effort, and probably extra hours at the beginning of a career shift? 
  • Can I afford a potential gap in employment or a period of lower income?
  • Are my long-term goals aligned with my career transition?
  • Do I have any support during my career transition? Speaking of which, professional career coaches are always ready to give you a hand. 

Testing the waters

To be more confident about your decision, research companies you are interested in to learn about work specifics, position requirements, and culture. A financial cushion will also take off some of the pressure, especially for long transitions.

a picture of a man sitting at the desk and thinking

5 steps to navigate a career change

By following the steps, you can thoughtfully address a career change:

  1. Reflect on your strengths, interests, values, and goals
    Start by identifying the areas where you have excelled in your career. Think about what truly interests you and aligns with your core values and goals. Free tools like career coaching exercises can make the process more efficient and save your results for tracking. 
  1. Research opportunities
    Consider the type of career where you can match your skills, interests, values, and goals. If you hesitate about a full-time format, review options like part-time, job shadowing, and volunteering projects to begin with. Look at your industry and outside your field—job market trends, career platforms, company websites, and industry reports to check the availability of preferable roles. Having a diverse list of potential careers will expand your opportunities. This research can also highlight qualifications you might need to gain for these roles.
    Networking matters to the same extent. Conversations with specialists in the area will provide valuable insights into the career you are interested in, as well as its pros and cons.

  2. Analyze your skills
    Identify the hard skills and soft skills you currently possess and how they translate to your desired field. Use career coaching tools to evaluate them. Amy offers the Skill Development Plan and Skills Gap Analysis exercises to create a skills development plan, define gaps, and bridge them through courses and training programs. Remember to assess your transferable skills. Transferable skills are the abilities you have picked up over time—things like problem-solving, communication, or being adaptable—that can work in almost any job or industry. The key is showing how those skills connect to your targeted role and how your experience makes you a great fit even in a new field.
  1. Create a roadmap for proactive steps
    Once you assess your skills and opportunities, create a plan with steps and a timeline. Map self-reflection information. Set specific goals and take action. A roadmap will give you visibility and measurable results.
  1. Review your resume
    Before applying for new roles, refresh your resume and other related materials, including your LinkedIn profile. Highlight skills specific to a role you are targeting and the most relevant experiences.  

Example of a career transition: career in data science

Meet Mike, 45, who has been a marketing analyst for 20 years. He is ready for a career change but wants to stay in tech. While Mike enjoys working with data, he feels unfulfilled by the creative aspects of marketing and aims to dive deeper into data-driven problem-solving. After researching various career paths, he decided to transition into data science.

Mike began by analyzing his existing skills, like statistical reporting and proficiency in Google Analytics. Skills to strengthen were programming and machine learning. Skills to learn—Python and SQL, which are essential for data science. He enrolled in an online course covering data visualization.

While studying, Mike volunteered for a nonprofit project to analyze donor data. He started building a portfolio showcasing his capabilities. Mike attended a local meetup for data scientists, learned the day-to-day professional routine, and got feedback on his portfolio.

To prepare for job applications, Mike updated his resume and LinkedIn profile to emphasize transferable skills, which in his case were marketing-related, and a new project. After months of preparation, Mike landed an entry-level data scientist position at a tech startup. 

Using a structured approach, like leveraging existing strengths, gaining new skills, and proactively networking, Mike successfully achieved his career change goal.

Let a career coach help you

If you feel confused during self-reflection or stuck with your career transition plan, a career coach can smoothly navigate your career change—with confidence and clarity. Invest in your future with career coaching and step into your next chapter with peace of mind. 

Why Should Your Career Match Your Lifestyle?

Posted on by by Nataliya Melnyk, Marketer at Amy

We are used to how careers define our lifestyles and commonly look for a job with a decent salary and matching skills, ignoring the schedule. Even though work formats have evolved with technologies, we still wonder if our style of living is worth shaping job choices and not the other way around. “Isn’t it risky?” you might ask. And you will be right in a way. Despite that, before jumping to conclusions, we will review the pros and cons of each approach—lifestyle adapting the career and career adapting the lifestyle. 

Weighing the options: career vs. lifestyle focus

What comes to mind when mentioning the term lifestyle? The Cambridge Dictionary defines a lifestyle as a way of living—the things we usually do, where we live, what we spend our money on, and other daily routines. Lifestyle is also about our values and relationships with other people. 

If we speak about things we usually do, we speak about a job or hobbies. If we speak about where we live, what we spend our money on, and the people we meet, a job is directly tied to the matter. That’s why a career is a driving force in our life.

Deciding whether to build a career around your lifestyle or shape your lifestyle around your career is a personal choice that depends on your values, goals, and life circumstances. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of both approaches.

The image contains the comparison of prioritizing lifestyle vs. career: advantages and disadvantages of each approach

The best scenario is when you can complement your career and lifestyle or choose a career close to your daily schedule. However, life is not linear, and you may need to temporarily focus strictly on one way or another, like putting all your efforts into career advancement or personal growth.

How can you understand that it’s time to question the career format you have?

If you notice that your work negatively affects other aspects of life: relationships, time to do things you love, self-care activities, and finally, health—think it over. A World Health Organization study finds long working hours increase heart disease. Working 55 hours or more per week is a serious health hazard. Besides, work values that don’t match your personal values decrease motivation. Work activities that don’t match your personal interests decrease productivity.

Overall, any work format cannot perfectly meet all needs, but you have the power to choose what truly matters to you. 

How can you start changing the career format?

In the first place, define your priorities and interests, and, of course, pay attention to life circumstances. Fair enough that you cannot neglect the financial side if you have a family to care for. In case you hesitate or feel confused about identifying those areas, career coaching exercises will come in handy. Or a career coach for a career change who can create a personalized career plan for you. Let’s examine two cases where online career coaching services can be valuable.

Never-ending work cycle and professional frustration

Meet Lynette, a sales executive with years of experience in a high-stress corporate job. 

The image of a woman working as a corporate professional.

Her typical day starts at 6 AM. and ends past 11 PM., because of two schoolchildren, chores, and work often spilling into her weekends. Lynette is passionate about her job and invests in her professional development for career growth. In addition, her current schedule demands business trips because of on-site client visits. 

She thinks the more hours she dedicates to a job, the better it pays, but over time, the strain on her personal life and health becomes clear. Her relationships with her husband and children worsen due to the lack of time spent together. Since Lynette loves her family and wishes to devote more time to them, she is torn apart and develops chronic stress-related insomnia and anxiety. 

Lynette’s situation is not uncommon. In fact, long working hours are linked to a higher risk of anxiety and depression. Overwork can also disrupt social relationships. If you find yourself in a similar situation, it’s worth considering whether your career truly serves your life—or if it’s draining you.

Career coaching solution

In Lynette’s case, career coaching practices can:

  1. Improve work-life balance
  2. Navigate career transition to a hybrid format (remote work with required trips to clients)  
  3. Assist in recalling a dream job and evaluating achievements at the company to appreciate progress

Fulfilling potential and combining two occupations

Take Richard, for example, a biotechnology technician at a mid-sized company who cannot advance or make changes that would give him fulfillment. 

The image of a man combining two careers.

He often dreams of reaching his potential in the music industry, mainly by starting a music production agency, but is okay with his current job at the same time. 

Richard’s career doesn’t align with his ambitions and offers no room for growth, though it matches his degree and skills and maintains a secure income. Despite excelling at his job, he feels trapped by the rigid corporate structure that doesn’t offer opportunities for creativity or upward mobility. 

So, Richard is stuck and cannot make the right decision. This sense of being stuck not only affects professional satisfaction but also leads to a decline in overall motivation and mental well-being. Like Richard, you may stay in a job that no longer serves you out of fear of the unknown, financial instability, or because you don’t believe other opportunities are within reach. However, remaining in an unfulfilling job can have long-term consequences on your happiness and career trajectory.

Career coaching solution

With the help of a personal career coach, Richard can:

  1. Combine two work formats: a freelance approach with music gigs on demand and part-time engineering services based on a contract in a company
  2. Vacancies browsing
  3. Goal-setting session for both career fields and directions
  4. Cover letter writing

In both stories, the core issue is the same: Lynette’s and Richard’s careers dictate their lives rather than vice versa. Taking a pause, analyzing a career situation from a different angle, and making reasonable changes are what the two of them will benefit from. And career coaching can be of assistance here.

Conclusion

Job is not always about money. It’s also about fitting into your life. You cannot find a job that is fully satisfying, but you can find one close to sound, as work formats are flexible nowadays. One role may combine hundreds of activities unrelated to the first sight or those that intersect responsibilities. Consider not only formats like remote and corporate but also social factors—whether you feel comfy working in silos or crave company. Not to mention cases where sitting at the desk all day long is a nut to crack. 

Career coaching is your instrument for remaining on track and fluent with your career choices. At Amy, you can try self-coaching exercises or consult a career coach who will help you maintain happy relationships with yourself and the world around you throughout your career. In the meantime, reflect on your interests and priorities to make an informed career choice that aligns with your desired lifestyle.

How Career Coaching Can Change Your Life Today

Posted on by by Nataliya Melnyk, Marketer at Amy

“If you aren’t happy at work, you aren’t happy at life,” they say. Whether this is true for you is a personal decision. While a job might not be the main source of happiness, it’s often necessary for a fulfilling life. Even more—an occupation can align with the individual’s passions and bring a sense of purpose if chosen wisely. But what if your work is a mix of pressure, anxiety, or financial tension? Or all three?

Given that you dedicate most of your life to a job, sometimes there’s neither the opportunity nor the energy to step back and take a bird’s-eye view of your career path to enhance. This is when a career expert equipped with career coaching techniques can step in.

To start with, what exactly is career coaching?

Career coaching is a practice that helps people define their professional goals and achieve them with a personalized approach. Whether transitioning to a new role or overcoming career obstacles to improve an existing experience, career coaching addresses various work-related challenges.

Career coaches, in their turn, can offer support by:

  • Assessing skills, strengths, and interests and setting career goals accordingly
  • Creating a tailored career plan with a strategy toward targeted positions
  • Improving cover letter and resume
  • Assisting with the interview processes
  • Navigating career transitions
  • Guiding on how to negotiate effectively for promotions, salary raises, and other benefits
The image shows a woman with notes and the text: assess, improve, and navigate in terms of career.

So, why do I absolutely need career coaching?

Today’s job market demands a high level of flexibility and constant learning. Economic instabilities and artificial intelligence lead to job displacement in certain areas and new opportunities in others. According to McKinsey research, one in 16 workers may have to switch occupations by 2030.

To keep up with the career landscape, you must know job updates and upskill. Thus, there is no better time to use career coaching services than now to ensure your productivity today and your bright future.

Let’s review the following cases.

1. You want to grow in your current role, but instead, you feel stuck and undervalued

While every job involves engaging tasks, there’s often a degree of routine and repetition. If you feel unfulfilled and exhausted due to a constant cycle of meaningless tasks, it’s time to reassess the situation and explore potential changes.

Another reason for new opportunities can be a lack of recognition at work, which hinders professional development and motivation.

How can career coaching change the situation?

A career coach will analyze your core competencies and pinpoint areas of expertise to clarify what you’re good at. Acknowledging strong sides helps communicate openly about accomplishments and expand the existing responsibilities.

With a career roadmap, you will set meaningful objectives with smaller steps to bring vision and a sense of moving on.

2. You want to change the position, but you are afraid of starting from scratch and facing financial wreckage

You are sleeping and dreaming of approaching your newly rented office, opening a door, sitting at the desk, and starting the day with your first client. The alarm is ringing, and the smile on your face wipes away. You believe that stability and safety advance pursuing passions and entrepreneurial spirit.

The “it’s too late” trap makes you question the relevance of your skills in a new field and think that you will lose your current income.

How can career coaching change the situation?

The hesitation fueled by a drastic career change requires a step-by-step plan and support. A career advisor will create a detailed transition plan with transferable skills for your new career path. You will add objectives, timing, training materials for upskilling, and other useful resources.

Though the career change might seem risky, it’s often rewarding if planned thoroughly.

3. You struggle for a work-life balance, but you lose the game

Are you satisfied with your workload and the level of flexibility your job provides? Have you ever found yourself jumping into a loop of never-ending overtime despite your best intentions? Do you find it difficult to prioritize your tasks, communicate accomplishments, and set boundaries?

Moreover, an unhealthy work-life balance and imposter syndrome often reinforce each other. Juggling excessive responsibilities and doubting your worth contributes to anxiety, procrastination, and burnout.

How can career coaching change the situation?

First, a career coach will identify the cause of the imbalance between your work and personal life. Depending on the reason, the expert can assist you with:

  • Time management and communication skills to boost assertiveness
  • Setting realistic expectations for the project
  • Acknowledging your accomplishments and establishing clear boundaries between work and personal time

To sum up, what is the advice?

The job should primarily reflect your lifestyle and promote positive thoughts. A mother of two, a father on paternity leave, a student graduating from the university, or a corporate worker with 15 years of experience in one field, you deserve to work at whatever pace and format suits you. Try Amy, and we will help you glow and grow with any work and career path.

Your Career Success: Discover What Career Coaching Is and What Career Coach Does

Posted on by by Nataliya Melnyk, Marketer at Amy

Gartner survey finds that just 46% of employees are satisfied with their career development. 

Building a career is not easy. Maintaining a career is equally challenging. And this remains true whether you’re a university graduate or a corporate professional. Happily, the way we think about careers can be shifted for the better with available, easy-to-try tools and expert guidance. Career coaching exists to give you those tools and hand in career development. Thus, we will start by clarifying its meaning.

What is career coaching?

Career coaching is about hands-on techniques for enhancing your professional life—to be satisfied with your career, be recognized, achieve professional and financial goals, and uncover hidden potential. 

Let’s consider career coaching services a compass in the job market landscape. Here is how you can benefit from career coaching when you are lost:

  1. Align the compass with the north. Acknowledge your career obstacles: meaningless job, financial anxiety, poor work-life balance, or anything related.
  2. Orient the compass to your position. Identify your career expectations, whether setting professional goals, transitioning to a new career, or improving the workplace environment.
  3. Find the desired direction of travel. Determine a career path with interests, strengths, skills, and learning opportunities.
  4. Match your travel direction with the north. Work on a career plan, set meaningful objectives, and try coaching exercises to reflect on your approach and needs.
  5. Check your path using landmarks. Track progress on the career roadmap. Small, measured steps will eventually lead you to the targeted destination.
The image includes a compass in hand like a career navigation instrument.

At any step of finding the way, it’s natural to be uncertain, frustrated, or stuck. A certified career coach can consult, support, or fully guide you through the career path. This leads to the question: who exactly is a career coach, and why should you consider working with one? 

Who is a career coach?

A career coach is a professional who assists in achieving career goals. They work with you to overcome career challenges and tailor a unique career plan that fits your strengths, lifestyle, and aspirations. 

Here are the areas career coaches often engage in.

Preparing for a job application 

Laying the foundation is everything. The cover letter and resume must be accurate, well-structured, and capture the employer’s attention on the experience required for the specific role. A career coach ensures your application materials reflect those. 

To stand out, showcasing what impact you make at work is a must-have. A career coach offers an objective view of how much you can bring to the table, along with:

  • Crafting or refining cover letter and resume
  • Filling in the LinkedIn profile or a profile on any other recruitment platform
  • Participating in a desired job searching 
  • Preparing for interviews
  • Building or improving communication skills
  • Expanding network and valuable contacts for professional connections

Navigating a career transition

You believe you can do much more. Your current career is no longer fulfilling or aligned with who you are or want to be. You are passionate about your occupation, but professional frustration and lack of motivation started resonating. 

Isn’t it the moment to explore new horizons? 

When it comes to career change, the pressure of commitments and responsibilities might be too high to take a risk. And we understand how tough this is for you. Looking for an entirely new field, like going from corporate work to entrepreneurship or moving from one industry to another, seems promising but also scary. To clear your doubts and fears, a career counselor will aim at keeping the process straightforward, time-efficient, and certainly smooth while:

  • Assessing interests, strengths, and skills
  • Setting career goals
  • Creating a tailored career plan with a strategy toward targeted positions

Shining in a current role 

A professional career coach isn’t only about getting you hired somewhere new. They are likewise proficient in growing and flourishing your best self in a current career. 

Achieve your work-life balance

Balancing work and personal life keeps you productive, enthusiastic, and on track to reach your goals without sacrificing relationships, health, and well-being. If work consumes all your time and pushes what truly matters to the back seat, it can leave you exhausted and stuck in a cycle of endless repetition, with long-term effects if not addressed early on.

Nice to meet you, confidence

In addition to working hours, salary and benefits go hand in hand, and more importantly—the confidence to communicate when you feel underpaid or your benefits package isn’t competitive. 

Through career coaching sessions, you rediscover your worth as a professional and the value of your experience. A career coach particularly affects the picture by:

  • Guiding on how to negotiate effectively for promotions, salary raises, and other benefits 
  • Looking for training and skills-up courses
  • Fixing unhealthy work-life balance, breaking the burnout cycle, and setting boundaries
  • Boosting self-esteem and handling imposter syndrome

Working with a career coach in today’s competitive job market gives you an advantage in reaching your full potential and succeeding in your career. They are your pillow of support in times when you aren’t sure what you want to do and how to do it.

Try self-coaching exercises for your career development 

At Amy, we strive to give people as many valuable tools from our vast experience as possible.

We believe that career coaching is here for you as a practical resource for embracing a true calling, whether you are worried that you are not progressing in your career, feeling stuck in a dead-end job, or are underappreciated.

Check our library of free self-coaching exercises and be ready to enjoy long-lasting results.