I would try out someone who bills by the session.

If you are in DC, check out Matthew Quinn - he is great. http://matthewjohnquinn.com/

I've also heard good things about Jim Weinstein. https://www.dclifecounseling.com/

^^ Me again. To put it into perspective, this coach was paid 15K to coach me once a week for 6 months.

NP here: I used a career coach; ask me anything!

I LOVED IT! I took a huge promotion and the coach was paid for by my company. I am female and she coached me through the interview process, the transition, and some early bumps in the road. I had to fire quite a few people. (before you all get mad about that, 1 was truly evil, one was amazingly stupid and couldn't do the job, another others above me wanted out and one had a job where all she did was go to meetings. That's absolutely it. That's the job I want now, BTW.

I would recommend it but since you are paying, please do ask for a free consult with each of them. You want to make sure you click and the person isn't an idiot. There are a lot of x-ceos who are career coaches and many are full of it.

Not sure what you do but recruiters can be coach-y. I interviewed for another job recently. The interview went really well but I wasn't sure I wanted the job after. The recruiter had an hour long convo with me which was definatly coaching.

I second the idea of seeing a licensed therapist who understands issues pertaining to work and issues of self sabotage, etc. Dr. Lynn Friedman does this in chevy chase. It is then reimbursable.

I would really want to know their track record and speak to several previous clients about what actionable items/steps the coach did to help them move up.

I say this in part because my former SIL, who has a top b school degree but never was able to get or hold a job, has reinvented herself as an executive coach. her resume is complete padding. do your due diligence.

I would almost wonder if it were better to work with a recruiter in your industry who might offer these services. I've considered that and what is helpful is they know specifically what people are looking for, and can also connect you to employers seeking your skills.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And we are paying $600 a month for my DH to continue with his career coach (started after a lay-off, paid for by previous employer, he decided to continue now that he is employed again). Makes me crazy, because for what we are paying her (over $7k per year), we could go on a nice vacation, put more away for college, and so many other things! But no, he has to chat with her about his career...

Is that all they talk about? Why would anyone need to continue w career coaching once a position is secure? Keeping a therapist yes. Coach, why?

I've had both and I can totally see why people (especially men) would be interested in coaching but not therapy. They are similar in a lot of ways to help you understand your own behaviors, tendancies, and practice better patterns. "Coaching" probably feels a lot safer to some people

This is a really good point. "Therapy" needs to be rebranded.

I’d try a couple of $20 self-help workbooks off Amazon first.

If they don't know of available jobs and able to get you the interview, what's the point?

This
There use to be employment counselors/agencies who actually hooked you up with jobs.

I always hear about career coaches but never actually saw a specific one recommended. I have a really hard time understanding what they do. Aren’t most careers very specific?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And we are paying $600 a month for my DH to continue with his career coach (started after a lay-off, paid for by previous employer, he decided to continue now that he is employed again). Makes me crazy, because for what we are paying her (over $7k per year), we could go on a nice vacation, put more away for college, and so many other things! But no, he has to chat with her about his career...

Is that all they talk about? Why would anyone need to continue w career coaching once a position is secure? Keeping a therapist yes. Coach, why?

I've had both and I can totally see why people (especially men) would be interested in coaching but not therapy. They are similar in a lot of ways to help you understand your own behaviors, tendancies, and practice better patterns. "Coaching" probably feels a lot safer to some people

Duck no. Unless c suite

Ha! I WISH I could go back and start my life over from college. I am 38, divorced, in a field I really don't like. I had kids young so never really fostered a career on which to fall back. I am frustrated and really scared and am pretty sure there must be SOMETHING out there that I enjoy that will also make me some money. I am pretty sure there are jobs out there that I never even knew existed. It's really hard to find someone amazing who would be best suited for my situation. Maybe starting a new thread would be best but any advice/names you can give here are so appreciated!

Do you have a career center from your college or grad school where you can start? I found great value in meeting with someone from my grad school's office, even remotely.

Don’t spend money on a career coach. DCUM is your coach.

Any chance you would be willing to share the name of this career coach that your friend loves? I really need a good one and am willing to pay that money because of my situation. Thank you so much!