Episode 257 - How to Know If You Need Career Coaching or Career Counseling?
How Corporate Professionals Are Redefining Their Career Goals in a Post-Pandemic World
Since the pandemic, corporate professionals across the globe have been reassessing their career goals, purpose, and interests. Many are no longer content with simply climbing the corporate ladder; instead, they are seeking roles that align with their values, provide fulfillment, and offer flexibility. In both the US and Australia, professionals are changing industries, pursuing career pivots, and prioritizing work-life balance more than ever before.
A recent survey by McKinsey revealed that over 40% of employees are considering leaving their jobs in search of better opportunities that reflect their new priorities. Similarly, research from PwC Australia shows that a significant number of professionals—especially those in their 40s and 50s—are actively seeking career changes, with many citing the pandemic as a catalyst for reevaluating what matters most to them (
As a career coach, I work with corporate professionals who are not only looking for job advancement but are also asking deeper questions about what they truly want out of their careers. In this article, I’ll explore the most pressing concerns job seekers face today and share insights I’ve gained from working with professionals navigating these transitions.
How do I find a role that aligns with my values and purpose?
In a post-pandemic world, professionals are no longer solely focused on job titles and salary increases. Instead, they are looking for roles that provide a sense of purpose. Whether it’s working for a company with a strong social mission, focusing on sustainability, or finding work that offers more personal fulfillment, many are seeking roles that resonate with their core values. As a career coach, I often advise clients to start by getting clear on their own values and goals. This might involve a period of self-reflection, career assessments, or even exploring different industries that align with their interests. It's important to recognize that career fulfillment comes not just from the work itself but from how that work fits into your life.
Is it too late for me to make a career change?
Many professionals in their 40s, 50s, and even 60s feel like they’ve hit a point where it might be “too late” to change careers. The truth is, it’s never too late to pivot into a new field—especially if your current role no longer aligns with your personal or professional goals. In fact, mid-career transitions have become increasingly common. Recent data shows that professionals with years of experience are highly valued in emerging industries such as tech, health, and sustainability, where skills like leadership, communication, and strategy are transferable. Whether you’re moving into a new industry or pivoting within your current one, career coaching can help you develop a strategy for success.
How do I stay competitive in the job market as an experienced professional?
For many experienced professionals, staying relevant in an evolving job market is a top concern. The rise of automation, artificial intelligence, and digital tools has transformed many industries, requiring professionals to continuously upskill and adapt. The key to staying competitive lies in building what I call “career sustainability.” This means continuously investing in your professional development—whether through formal education, certifications, or even on-the-job learning—so you remain employable no matter how the job market changes. It also involves expanding your network and staying visible on platforms like LinkedIn.
Should I be working with a career coach or a career counselor?
Since the pandemic, professionals are facing a new set of challenges, from career uncertainty to burnout. The need for strategic, action-oriented support has never been greater. But, one of the most common misunderstandings I hear from professionals that reach out to me is whether they need a career coach or a career counselor. Both roles are valuable but serve different purposes. Let's address each one separately, then see how they can be combined to maximise results.
What is Career Counseling?
Career counseling is often a service provided by professionals trained in psychology and counseling. It’s typically aimed at helping individuals explore their interests, personality traits, and skills to guide them toward a suitable career path. Career counselors may work in educational settings, helping high school or university students figure out their future careers, but it’s a myth that career counseling is only for young people. However, experienced professionals in their 40s, 50s, and beyond can also benefit from career counseling, especially when they’re feeling lost or uncertain about what they want to do next. A career counselor can help you reflect deeply on your values, strengths, and personal challenges—like lack of confidence or fear of change—that may be holding you back. They use specific assessments to identify career paths that align with your unique attributes, focusing on your emotional and psychological barriers.
For instance, if you’re saying to yourself, I’m not sure anymore what I want to do with my career, and you feel a sense of being completely lost, career counseling may be a good starting point. If you’re feeling lost in your career, unsure of your purpose, or confused about what path to take next, career counseling might be for you. Career counseling digs deep into the emotional and mental aspects of your career decisions, such as how personal issues—like confidence or fear—affect your professional choices.
A career counselor can help you answer fundamental questions like:
What do I want to do next?
What career paths are aligned with my strengths and interests?
How do my personal challenges impact my ability to make career decisions?
In my experience, some people, especially those looking for a complete career change, might benefit from this type of support. The idea is to start from scratch—without any preconceptions—and explore career paths that might be a better fit. For example, I recently received an inquiry from a woman who had been working in her profession for over 20 years and was contemplating pursuing a master’s degree in teaching. However, she wanted to explore all her options before committing. In such cases, a career counselor could help her evaluate if teaching is the right path, or if there are other options that better align with her skills and interests.
Career counselors often use assessments to identify your strengths and guide you toward potential career paths that may not have been on your radar. They are skilled at getting you in touch with your emotions and personal influences—such as family pressure or fear of change—that may be clouding your judgment. By working through these deeper issues, you can gain clarity on what career will bring you the most satisfaction. SO, if you’re contemplating a significant career shift or feel stuck and unsure, career counseling is likely the best option to consider.
What is Career Coaching?
Career coaching, on the other hand, is more action-oriented and goal-driven. As a career coach, I work with professionals who already have an idea of their career direction but need a solid plan to achieve their next steps. Career coaching is about helping you set clear, actionable goals and develop strategies to achieve them. It’s for people who know where they want to go but need help navigating the path to get there.
For example, maybe you want to advance within your company, make a lateral move to a new industry, or switch roles for more fulfillment. As a coach, I’ll help you identify the most strategic approach, whether it’s updating your LinkedIn profile, improving your networking efforts, or practicing for interviews. Career coaching also focuses on building long-term career sustainability, meaning you’ll have the skills and competencies to stay relevant in the job market for years to come.
Many of my clients are highly capable professionals who simply lack the strategic insight to take control of their careers. They’ve done well in their jobs, but when it comes to positioning themselves for the next move—whether it’s a promotion or a complete career pivot—they need guidance on the best way forward.
For example, one of my clients, a young professional, recently approached me because he was not progressing in his company as quickly as he had hoped. He knew he wanted to advance, but didn’t know the best way to engage with his managers and colleagues to get there. Through career coaching, we developed a tailored strategy that helped him build stronger relationships with key decision-makers in his company and position himself for future opportunities.
That’s the power of career coaching—it’s not just about advancing your career, but ensuring you have the tools to maintain career sustainability and employability over the long term.
Combining Career Counseling and Career Coaching
While career counseling and career coaching are different, they can complement each other. Often, clients come to me for coaching, but we end up doing a little bit of counseling as well—especially in the beginning of our work together. For example, if a client is unsure about their chosen career path or feels stuck, we may start by doing some career counseling to uncover their deeper motivations and challenges. Once we’ve worked through those barriers, we can shift to career coaching, where we focus on creating a practical plan for their next steps. This combined approach can be particularly helpful for professionals going through a career identity crisis. I’ve been through many career transitions myself, and I understand that sometimes the next practical step isn’t about jumping into a new job, but taking a step back to evaluate your options and develop a more thoughtful career transition plan. For many experienced professionals, combining career counseling and coaching can optimize every step of their career journey, making sure they’re not just chasing the next job, but making a transition that is meaningful and beneficial in the long run.
Why Career Support Services are More Relevant Than Ever
Career coaching and career counselling offer ways to navigate career transitions with confidence and clarity. The pandemic has forever changed the way we approach our careers. Experienced corporate professionals are now prioritizing purpose, flexibility, and sustainability in their career decisions. Whether you’re looking to pivot into a new field, seeking greater fulfillment, or simply trying to stay relevant in a fast-evolving job market, understanding how to navigate these shifts is crucial. If you’re ready to take control of your career, career coaching and/or career counselling might be the next step to help you achieve your goals in this changing landscape.
In this week’s podcast episode, I dive deeper into the distinctions between career coaching and counseling, helping you determine which approach is best suited for your career goals. I also address common concerns professionals have about job market competitiveness and provide actionable steps you can take to future-proof your career.
Resources Mentioned in this Episode
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