Chapter 1: The Decision to Seek Guidance

In my last article, I discussed a research-backed method for shaping a rewarding career. I also hinted at the importance of seeking assistance from a career coach if you find yourself feeling uncertain about your direction.

Well, I took my own advice and consulted a career coach. Why, you might wonder, couldn't I resolve my doubts independently?

After diligently completing the exercises suggested by 80,000 Hours, I gathered some insights. Yet, I was faced with five distinct avenues to advance my career or even pivot entirely. This multitude of choices left me feeling stuck. Should I pursue the first path or the second? Maybe a blend of the second and fourth options would be more beneficial? This analysis paralysis was overwhelming.

But that wasn't the whole story.

Deep down, I questioned whether I had navigated the process correctly and identified the best options available to me. Enter self-doubt! That's where the coach came into play.

I opted to reach out to a career coach for a fresh perspective.

What is Career Coaching? Do You Need A Career Coach?

In this video, the concept of career coaching is explored, discussing its purpose and the benefits of working with a professional in this field.

Chapter 2: Understanding Career Coaching

When it comes to career coaching, it's important to recognize that there are various types of coaches. A quick look at ChatGPT revealed ten different kinds of career coaches.

For simplicity, I'll categorize them into two primary types based on my own experiences.

The first type focuses on actionable steps necessary to secure the job or career you desire. This includes resume writing tips, strategies for upskilling, interview preparation, and training in soft skills. In my country, most coaching services and training institutes emphasize these traditional methods. I've experienced plenty of this type of coaching before, and I found them to be less effective.

The second type of coach prioritizes helping you identify the job that aligns best with your skills or your next career move before diving into the practical steps required to achieve them. Their approach tends to be more tailored, and they are knowledgeable about unconventional career paths. This type is rarer, and it was exactly what I was looking for.

With this in mind, I turned to LinkedIn and searched for "career coach" (I admit, it was still a broad search, but I needed to start somewhere).

After scanning several profiles, I discovered a coach whose content resonated with me. Her bio stated, “I help millennials overcome self-doubt, find clarity & achieve career growth.”

That described me perfectly — a millennial grappling with self-doubt. So, I decided to schedule a free introductory call.

During our conversation, she inquired about my career background and the challenges I was facing. She then recommended her 'Phase 1' coaching program, which included two self-discovery sessions. The outline sounded promising.

Yet, I had a lingering concern.

I asked her, “Have you worked with clients who lean towards the creative side? Would two sessions be sufficient for clarity? I tend to be unconventional.”

She reassured me, “Yes, I’ve coached clients from various backgrounds, and in most cases, two sessions are indeed adequate. You’ll be fine.”

Her understanding of my needs gave me confidence, so I decided to enroll in her coaching package.

How to Choose a Career Path | Career Coach Advice

This video provides insights on selecting the right career path, highlighting strategies and tips from experienced career coaches.

Chapter 3: Clarity Through Self-Discovery

As a first step, the coach instructed me to complete a self-discovery exercise with specific prompts. This was followed by a 90-minute video session and a second session later on.

After just two self-discovery sessions, I felt confident I had pinpointed my optimal career path.

Once again, I identified five potential options, but this time, the combinations seemed clearer. Three of my choices could merge to create a unique trajectory. I recognized the common thread, and my coach affirmed it. Fantastic!

After struggling for nearly a year to find direction, I finally arrived at a meaningful solution.

Consulting with the career coach guided me through the complexity of my career choices. Additionally, I’m eager to build my skills in content creation, and my writing on Medium is part of that journey. Everything is falling into place now.

The key takeaway is that while answers may lie within you, seeking external feedback from an expert can provide the confidence needed to move forward decisively.