I have to admit that I had no idea of what a career coach was back in 2007. I had read about coaching in a magazine, but really didn’t know what a coach did. I needed help and decided that I would hire a coach to help me figure out my next career move. I didn’t know it at the time, but the moment that I hired a coach, my life changed for the better.
Thinking Partner- I first went into the coaching relationship with the thought that my coach would tell me what I should do next, but I soon found out that there was an even better solution. Victoria, my coach, became my thinking partner. She enabled me to examine what I really desired, and what would be fulfilling for me in my career. Through this process, I formulated my own solution of what I would do for my next career step. I may have come into coaching thinking I wanted someone to tell me what to do, but I left with the satisfaction knowing that my decision came as a result of accessing my own wisdom.
Accountability And Encouragement- I had tried working on the problem myself and I had become discouraged and stuck. My coach provided a framework for me to work through and accountability to do the work that was assigned. She also gave encouragement along the way to keep going which was invaluable.
Someone To Walk The Journey With Me- Career transition is a difficult process. I had a lot of fear, loss of confidence, and embarrassment that I didn’t have a solid plan of what to do. Victoria, as my coach, was my partner to walk out the journey with me. She didn’t judge me. She was there to lead an ear and provided a safe place for all of my insecurities.
During this time of my life my dad passed away. This added another layer of feelings that I didn’t expect to bring into the coaching relationship. Even though Victoria never met my dad, she attended his funeral. I am forever grateful for that act of kindness and support.
My Decision- My life was transformed thought my time with Victoria as my coach. I loved the process so much I decided to pursue coaching myself. I had a background in recruiting, so I decided to specialize in career coaching. I knew that I wanted to help others the way that Victoria helped me. I also felt coaching would be deeply fulfilling for me. I can say now that it was one of the best decisions in my life. This quote by Emma-Louise Elsey sums it up well. “Coaching helps you to take responsibility for your life, let go of what others think and become your true self. It’s about you creating the life that you want – and deserve.”
