Life Coaching

Milestone birthdays often spur reflection and a desire to change. Clients tell me: I can’t believe I’m 50 and I’m still in this job! Or – Now that I’m turning 40, I realize I need to stop trying to please everyone else and start taking care of myself. Or – I’m 30 years old – It’s time to finally figure out what I want to do. Or – I’m 60 years old – It’s time to finally figure out what I want to do!!!

Whether kindergarten or college, many parents suddenly have more time and want to fill that with activities or work that gives them a new sense of purpose. I coach clients not only to find opportunities that are a good fit for them, but also to deal with the emotions that can arise around the passing of time and their changing role.

Regardless of who initiated, there are many emotions, not to mention other changes: routine, financial changes, possibly where you live or helping your children through this tumultuous time. This can also have an impact on career. Do you need to find or change work to increase earnings? Will a commitment to career help build a sense of identity that feels shaky? Is the stress of the divorce having an impact on your current work effectiveness? Career coaching and life coaching can help.

This is a devastating loss, and it can be helpful to have an objective, confidential source of support. Besides mourning and grief, there are details around finances, routine, possibly making changes in one’s home. In addition, there can be career implications. The surviving spouse may need to increase income, or may actually be able to be less dependent on earnings. Life coaching and career coaching together can provide emotional / tactical support and also help in exploring career possibilities.

Some clients develop health issues which make it difficult to continue in their current line of work. Career coaching combined with life coaching can help.

I am not a therapist, and not trained to be the sole treatment provider around serious or debilitating mental health issues. However, many of my clients experience depression and/or anxiety. Not only are some predisposed to these issues, but we live in a complex world! Depression and anxiety can be a by-product of a difficult work situation, as well as an underlying factor that can make it difficult to perform effectively at work. My clients and I discuss ways of coping with depression and anxiety as it relates to career. Many clients also work with a trained therapist or psychiatrist in addition to working with me.

Clients on the spectrum often have unusual cognitive abilities, as well as interpersonal challenges. I help clients with Asperger’s navigate career – finding work that suits them, helping them interpret situations that arise at work that they have trouble reading, and assisting in developing productive life skills, such as time management.

Many clients landed here because of a spouse’s or partner’s job. I help people new to the Twin Cities adjust to their new home here, as well as offer career exploration and support.

Many clients have had a recent experience that leaves them saying: Life is short. They see this as a wake-up call to seek more purpose, fulfillment, connection or joy in their life. This often involves career coaching as well as life coaching.

In most cases this is an increase rather than decrease. Clients marry or receive a cash settlement through insurance or an inheritance. This opens up career options for them as they may choose to place more focus on fulfillment, rather than earnings, from their work.

Some clients stayed with jobs that felt less fulfilling than they would have liked, but were worth retaining because of the income, benefits and other perks. As they approach retirement age, their financial situation may be secure enough that they can choose new paths that bring more of the fulfillment they desire.