Why Career Coaching Isn’t About Telling You What to Do (And How It Actually Helps)
Let’s clear something up right now: career coaching is not about me telling you what job to take, how to dress for work, or which company is your “perfect fit.” If that’s what you’re expecting, you’re in for a surprise.
I know - when people hear “career coach,” they often imagine someone handing them a playbook: “Do this, then do that, and voila - you’ll have your dream job.” Newsflash: that’s not how meaningful career coaching works. And honestly? If it did, everyone would have it figured out by now.
Here’s what career coaching really is - and why it can completely change the way you approach your career.
1. Career Coaching Is About Clarity, Not Advice
The biggest mistake people make is thinking coaching = advice. It’s not. Advice is someone else’s opinion; coaching is helping you uncover your own answers.
Through strategic questions, reflective exercises, and honest conversations, a career coach helps you:
Identify your strengths and skills
Understand what you really want from your work
Explore options you may not have considered
Gain confidence in your decisions
For example, instead of telling you exactly which company to apply to, I’ll help you figure out which type of work environment energizes you and aligns with your strengths. That’s the kind of clarity that actually leads to better career moves.
Now technically, if you point-blank ask me for my advice, I’m open - and willing - to take my coaching hat off and put my consultant hat on. But as a solution-focused coach, you might not like what I have to say. It’s just my opinion and perspective - so take from it what you will.
At the end of the day, you’re still in the driver’s seat - but now you have a clearer map and a little guidance in navigating detours.
2. It’s About Accountability
Here’s the truth: knowing what you want is one thing. Taking action is another. A coach isn’t there to nag you (well, maybe a little), but they hold you accountable.
Scheduled check-ins keep you moving forward
You get support when obstacles pop up
You learn how to make intentional choices instead of defaulting to fear or procrastination
Think of me as your professional GPS: I don’t drive the car for you, but I make sure you’re not circling the same block for hours.
3. It Helps You See Blind Spots
Sometimes the biggest hurdle isn’t a lack of options - it’s the stuff you can’t see yourself. Coaches help you uncover:
Patterns in your career that might be holding you back
Skills you’re undervaluing
Fears or assumptions that are influencing your decisions
When you start recognizing these blind spots, it’s easier to pivot, apply for the right roles, or finally have the tough conversations you’ve been avoiding.
4. It’s About Growth, Not Perfection
Career coaching isn’t about getting everything right the first time. It’s about growth. It’s about experimenting, learning, and iterating.
Not sure if a role is right for you? Let’s explore your options together.
Struggling with confidence? Let’s work on strategies to showcase your strengths.
Feeling stuck? Let’s uncover the actions that get you moving forward.
The goal is progress, not perfection.
5. Why It Actually Helps
Career coaching works because it:
Empowers you to make decisions that align with your values and strengths
Builds confidence in navigating transitions or career pivots
Saves you from making costly mistakes by acting impulsively or out of fear
Helps you take intentional action rather than spinning your wheels
Simply put, it’s about you getting unstuck and moving forward in a way that makes sense for your life - not anyone else’s agenda.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever hesitated to work with a career coach because you think it’s “someone telling you what to do,” it’s time to let that myth go. Career coaching isn’t about giving you answers - it’s about helping you find your own, giving you tools to navigate challenges, and cheering you on along the way.
Because the truth is, the best career moves happen when you know your strengths, understand your options, and make intentional choices - and that’s exactly what coaching helps you do.
If you’re ready to get clarity and move forward with confidence, book a session with me here.