Over the past six years, I’ve had the privilege of coaching over 360 people, clocking up more than 1,500 hours of one-to-one coaching. I’ve come to see clear patterns in what brings people to career coaching — and while every story is unique, many share a common thread: a deep readiness for change, paired with a sense of being completely stuck.
People often come to me knowing something isn’t right, but with no clear idea of what to do about it. That dissonance — that uncomfortable feeling that things aren’t quite clicking anymore — is more than just frustration. It’s data. It’s your system sending you information. And if you can tune into that discomfort, rather than push it aside, it can become a powerful guide.
Avoiding it, though? That comes with a cost.
I’ve seen it time and time again — the toll it takes when we ignore the signs:
- Sleepless nights
- A constant low mood or mood swings
- Bitterness or resentment at work
- A lack of energy and motivation
- Health issues or burnout
- A slow erosion of resilience
On the flip side, acknowledging the need for a career change — and doing something about it — can completely shift the direction of your work and life. The upside is huge. But I also know that’s hard to fully grasp until you experience it for yourself.
Many people hope for a quick fix — a simple solution. “Tell me what to do to make this feel better, and I’ll do it.” But career change doesn’t work that way. It’s rarely one bold leap. More often, it’s a series of small steps. Ones that gradually bring clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.
The first step might be searching online. Or talking to a friend about how you’re feeling. Maybe that leads you to my website. That’s a step.
Then you book a call. Another step.
We speak — and something clicks. Another.
You start reflecting differently, feeling slightly more hopeful. Another.
That’s how real, lasting change begins.
My own career change took over three years, you can read that story here. So I understand the urgency — the hunger for things to feel better now. But change that truly lasts? That reshapes careers, and lives? That kind of change takes time. And it’s worth it.
This Spotlight Series explores what brings people to career coaching, and how those early moments of discomfort can lead to real, lasting change. These are real, relatable moments of dissonance that turn out to be turning points.
If any of these stories feel familiar, don’t ignore that feeling. It could be the start of something new.
Curious about coaching? Take the next small step and get in touch. You can also explore other articles to see what might resonate with where you are right now.