Do I need a coach?
Why Working with a Coach Could Be the Game-Changer for Your Career and Wellbeing
If you’re reading this post, you’ve likely had a lot of experience under your belt. As you move through your 30’s, 40’s, 50’s and beyond, career advancement may not seem as simple as it did when you first set out in your career, and maintaining your professional wellbeing can feel like a balancing act. Enter coaching: a practice that has seen a surge in popularity for its ability to transform both career trajectories and personal wellbeing. But how exactly can a coach help you, and is it something you need right now?
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Coaching: A Powerful Tool for Growth
Coaching isn’t just for executives or athletes. Over the last decade, coaching has expanded into a wide array of fields, from career development to leadership, and the benefits are well-documented. According to research published by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), 80% of people who receive coaching report increased self-confidence, and over 70% benefit from improved work performance, relationships, and communication skills.
For mid-career professionals, these benefits are particularly relevant. The demands on your time and energy are higher than ever. Whether it’s managing a team, advancing your career, or finding time for personal development, coaching can provide the structured support to help you navigate these challenges with clarity and confidence.
The Impact on Career Progression
If you’re feeling stuck, uncertain about your next steps, or just looking to sharpen your skills, coaching could be a pivotal resource. A 2020 study in the Harvard Business Review found that professionals who worked with a coach saw significant improvements in job performance and career advancement. Coaches offer more than just advice—they help you identify blind spots, refine your decision-making process, and guide you through setting and achieving meaningful goals.
For someone in their 40s, this guidance can be particularly powerful. At this stage, you might be questioning whether you’ve reached your peak or wondering what’s next. A coach helps reframe that thinking, guiding you toward new opportunities, whether it’s a leadership role, a career pivot, or even preparing for a major life transition like semi-retirement.
Wellbeing and Resilience
One of the most significant, yet often overlooked, benefits of coaching is its impact on your overall wellbeing. Career success isn’t just about climbing the ladder; it’s also about maintaining your mental and emotional health along the way. A Gallup poll revealed that employees with strong wellbeing are 3.5 times more likely to be engaged in their work than those without it.
This is where coaching psychology comes into play. Unlike mentors or friends, who may offer subjective advice, a qualified coach will use research-backed methods to help you build resilience, manage stress, and improve work-life balance. Techniques like cognitive-behavioral coaching or mindfulness-based coaching have been shown to help professionals develop stronger coping mechanisms, allowing them to thrive even in high-pressure environments.
At this point in your career, you’re likely juggling multiple responsibilities—managing teams, overseeing projects, and perhaps dealing with family or personal commitments. A coach can work with you to identify stressors, restructure your time, and create strategies that not only improve your work performance but also enhance your wellbeing.
A Personal Lens: When Is the Right Time to Seek Coaching?
You may not need a coach at every stage of life, but there are key moments when a coach can be especially valuable. Think of coaching as a toolbox—when you hit certain milestones or challenges, a coach can be the partner who helps you navigate through them. Here are some common scenarios where coaching can make a difference:
- Career Transitions: Whether you’re thinking about a new role, changing industries, or considering a promotion, a coach can help you clarify your direction and plan your next steps.
- Leadership Development: If you’ve recently taken on a leadership role or are aspiring to, coaching can help sharpen your skills, build emotional intelligence, and improve team dynamics.
- Burnout Prevention: Feeling the pressure of work-life imbalance? Coaches help identify the signs of burnout and work with you to build sustainable routines that prioritize your wellbeing.
From my own experience, coaching has been an invaluable tool during those “stuck” moments when you’re not sure what’s next. When I hit a plateau in my career, a coach helped me reframe my goals and gave me the confidence to pursue leadership roles I didn’t initially believe I was qualified for. The process was challenging, but incredibly rewarding—and it made a real difference in my career trajectory.
Coaching vs. Other Support Systems
Of course, coaching isn’t the only tool for personal development. There are times when friends, family, or even professional counselors and psychologists may be the better option—especially if you’re dealing with deep emotional challenges or mental health issues. A coach, however, serves as a discussion partner focused specifically on your career and personal development within a professional context.
While therapy tends to explore past traumas or personal issues, coaching is forward-focused, aimed at achieving specific goals. The line between the two can sometimes blur, and it’s important to choose the right support for your needs at the moment.
How to Get Started
If you’re wondering whether coaching is right for you, start by considering your current challenges. Are you looking for direction in your career? Struggling with leadership responsibilities? Trying to find a better work-life balance? If any of these resonate, it might be time to explore coaching.
When choosing a coach, look for someone with qualifications in coaching psychology or a recognized coaching certification. A good coach will not only have experience in your industry but will also bring proven methodologies to the table, ensuring that their advice is both practical and research-backed.
Coaching isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but for many career professionals, it can be the key to unlocking greater professional satisfaction and personal wellbeing.
If you’ve decided that now is the right time for you to get a coach, reach out to BOLDLY here and we’ll help you find the perfect coach for you.
Final Thoughts
Coaching offers a powerful, research-backed approach to improving both your career and overall wellbeing. At a stage in life where responsibilities are high and time is limited, having a structured, professional partner to guide you through challenges can be a game-changer.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your leadership skills, prepare for a career transition, or simply find more balance, the right coach can help you achieve your goals in ways that are both meaningful and sustainable. Take the first step—investing in yourself now can have a lasting impact on your career and quality of life.
A Coach can be a valued discussion partner -- someone to challenge your thinking and offer you new ways of addressing your work challenges or career issues. You can benefit from working with a Coach on personal development any time, but you may not need a Coach for every phase of your life! Sometimes we need friends and family, or Counsellors and Psychologists to work through deeper thinking patterns with.
Click here to view the brochure and find out more.
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