Do you have a Career or ‘Just’ a Job?
Over the years I have been in the career coaching industry, I’ve noticed that about half the people I've worked with haven’t viewed their work as a career. The concept of a 'career' is often misconstrued, leading to a lack of awareness about the issues that a career coach can help with. So, let's dive deeper into what having a 'career' means.
The idea of a 'career' often sounds aspirational, and something that demands serious commitment. But that’s not the full story; in reality, a ‘career’ involves much more than simply climbing a ladder or pursuing goals.
A 'career' is the collection of experiences you build over time. It’s about growing through work and life, developing skills, and continuously enhancing your ability to contribute. It’s not limited to paid employment or job titles; your career includes your education, training, life roles, volunteer work, community engagement, and more.
In this sense, the concept of a 'career' is broad and reflects the journey of life and learning.
For many of you reading this, you’re already in the process of shaping your career.
This understanding of what a 'career' truly is also shifts the role of what a Career Coach does. We don’t just help with CVs or LinkedIn profiles. Instead, our work is about guiding individuals through significant transitions and challenges in both work and life – wherever they occur on your journey.
True ’career coaching' supports a wide range of needs, including:
• Moving from feeling ‘stuck’ in a job to feeling fulfilled
Achieving work/life balance
• Preparing for performance or salary conversations
• Develop a plan for a role that better aligns with your values
• Managing the emotional and technical aspects of redundancy
• Making study or career choices
• Navigating relationships and reputation at work
• Planning for transitions like retirement, returning after parental leave, or recovering from injury
In all of these situations, we consider the broader aspects of life and identity, as work changes are navigated.
Ultimately, developing a 'career' involves navigating life, learning, and work. A skilled Career Coach helps people through the complexity of that journey and its challenges.