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Expect the Unexpected
I never expected to become a career change coach. In my fifties, aging out of the film profession, I needed to come up with a new idea. It wasn’t easy, and the road wasn’t straight. But I finally had an epiphany one day at lunch with a friend who was about to start training as a coach. That aha moment led me down a wonderful, new path. Now that I work with clients on their career transitions, I’ve become fascinated with what spurs other people to action. When was the last time you made a big change? And if not, what’s holding you back?
Detour by Jorey Hurley
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6 comments for “Expect the Unexpected”
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Probably the most recent for me was socially; some of my closest friends were moving, and I realized that I’d made some poor decisions regarding some of my other friends, so I was compelled to hit the pavement and meet new people. That happens for me a lot, that I’ll make a big change only when I feel that I’ve hit rock bottom.
And btw, I am curious about coaching. It’s a term that I’ve only started hearing in the past 6 years or so. What is it exactly, and how is it different from therapy and psychology?
You’re in good company, when it comes to changing, Meg. I’m sure a lot of can agree that we make big changes only when forced to. The status quo is often easier, even if it hurts.
As far as coaching, it’s hard to generalize, since there are people who say they’re coaches, but without the training and credentials. I’m accredited with the International Coaching Federation, and here’s their description and distinction: “Professional coaching focuses on setting goals, creating outcomes and managing personal change. Therapy deals with healing pain, dysfunction and conflict within an individual or in relationships. The focus is often on resolving difficulties arising from the past that hamper an individual’s emotional functioning in the present, improving overall psychological functioning, and dealing with the present in more emotionally healthy ways. Coaching, on the other hand, supports personal and professional growth based on self-initiated change in pursuit of specific actionable outcomes. These outcomes are linked to personal or professional success. Coaching is future focused. While positive feelings/emotions may be a natural outcome of coaching, the primary focus is on creating actionable strategies for achieving specific goals in one’s work or personal life. The emphasis in a coaching relationship is on action, accountability and follow through.” If you’d like more info, Meg, let me know.
Thanks for the explanation, Wendy. I’d sensed there was a difference between coaching and therapy, but had never had it explained to me before!
One of the reasons I love being a coach is that it’s so action oriented. Real change happens and it’s very exciting to be a part of it.
I can give you several reasons, Wendy.
1.) I don’t really have goals, other than having my house paid off by the time I retire and having a reasonable nest egg. Smallish goals, yes (e.g. do a half-century ride within the year, that sort of thing). I can think of grand goals, but they change too frequently.
2.) I like my job and I’m well paid. I’m able to save for retirement and pay my mortgage and do a few fun things. I can buy pricey cheese (no crappy Kraft for this girl!) I like my flexible hours, even if I do work a lot of evenings and weekends.
3.) I am not focused. Maybe that’s what I like about my job–I can do one thing and then do something else for a while, so I’m not bored. Maybe I have a bit of ADHD, I don’t know. But I’ve always had trouble remaining focused on one thing.
I do have some ideas for my second (post-retirement) act, though. And maybe it’s time for me to start thinking about them. Get a plan in gear.
Petra – it sounds like you’re in a good place right now. And that’s a wonderful place to be. I’m sure, when you feel the urge for something new, you’ll make it happen.