As someone who has transitioned from the corporate world to a life of coaching and therapy, I understand the challenges and fears that come with making such a significant career change. My journey wasn’t easy—I lost over $200k investing in a business that ultimately failed, and I struggled to find my footing in a world where I felt unheard and undervalued. But it was through these failures that I discovered my true calling, and I am here to tell you that if you’re feeling stuck in your current job, becoming a coach or therapist could be the best decision you’ll ever make.
The demand for coaches and therapists has been steadily increasing over the past decade. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists is projected to grow 22% from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. Similarly, the coaching industry has seen exponential growth. The International Coach Federation (ICF) reported a 33% increase in the number of coaches globally between 2015 and 2019.
This growth isn’t surprising when you consider the increasing awareness of mental health issues and the desire for personal development. More people are seeking professional help to navigate their personal and professional lives, and coaches and therapists are uniquely positioned to provide that support.
For me, this growing demand represented an opportunity. After years of feeling like just another number in the corporate world, I realized that I could use my experiences and skills to help others find their path. I could create a career that allowed me to make a real difference in people’s lives while also providing the financial stability I needed.
One of the most significant advantages of becoming a coach or therapist is the freedom it offers. In the corporate world, I often felt trapped. I had to follow orders, adhere to rigid schedules, and suppress my creativity. My ideas were dismissed, and I often felt like my voice didn’t matter. I was just another cog in the machine.
Starting my own coaching and therapy practice changed everything. I now have the freedom to set my own hours, choose my clients, and design my practice in a way that aligns with my values and lifestyle. This autonomy has been incredibly liberating, and it’s one of the main reasons why I believe coaching and therapy are such fulfilling career choices.
According to a study by the International Coaching Federation, 88% of coaches reported that coaching has a positive impact on their personal lives, and 72% said it had a positive impact on their professional lives. The ability to create a flexible and balanced lifestyle is a significant factor in this satisfaction.
In my corporate job, I often felt like my work didn’t matter. I was helping the company make money, but I wasn’t making a real impact. I longed for a career that would allow me to contribute to something meaningful.
As a coach and therapist, I now have the opportunity to change lives every day. I work with clients who are struggling with various challenges, from career transitions to mental health issues, and I help them find their way forward. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a client transform their life because of the work we’ve done together.
Research supports the impact that coaching and therapy can have on individuals. A study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that coaching had a significant positive impact on clients’ well-being, resilience, and goal attainment. Similarly, therapy has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of mental health issues, from depression to anxiety.
One of the things I love most about being a coach and therapist is the sense of connection and community it brings. In the corporate world, I often felt isolated, even when surrounded by people. There was a lack of genuine connection, and I longed for something more meaningful.
In coaching and therapy, connection is at the heart of everything you do. You build deep, trusting relationships with your clients, and you become part of a community of like-minded professionals who share your passion for helping others. This sense of connection is incredibly fulfilling, and it’s something I never experienced in the corporate world.
The importance of connection in coaching and therapy is supported by research. A study published in the Journal of Counseling Psychology found that the therapeutic alliance—the relationship between therapist and client—was one of the most significant predictors of positive outcomes in therapy. Similarly, the International Coaching Federation emphasizes the importance of building trust and rapport with clients as a key component of effective coaching.
Let’s be honest—financial stability is essential. When I left my corporate job, I was worried about how I would support myself. I had invested over $200k in a company that ultimately failed, and it was a devastating blow. But I learned from that experience, and I used those lessons to build a successful coaching and therapy practice.
The great thing about coaching and therapy is that it’s not only fulfilling but also financially rewarding. According to the International Coaching Federation, the average annual income for a coach in North America is $61,900, with many coaches earning significantly more. Similarly, therapists can earn a comfortable living, with the median annual wage for mental health counselors in the U.S. being $46,240, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Unlike the corporate world, where your income is capped by your salary, the sky’s the limit in coaching and therapy. You have the opportunity to build a thriving practice that provides you with the financial security you need while also allowing you to do work that you love.
One of the key elements of our Path2Purpose coaching and training program is its focus on practical, actionable steps. Here are a few activities from the program that can help you on your journey to becoming a coach or therapist:
These activities are designed to help you clarify your goals, overcome obstacles, and take the first steps toward building a successful coaching or therapy practice.
Becoming a coach or therapist was one of the best decisions I ever made. It wasn’t easy, and there were times when I questioned whether I had made the right choice. But looking back, I can see that every challenge I faced was a stepping stone to where I am today. I now have a career that aligns with my values, allows me to make a real impact, and provides me with the freedom and financial stability I need.
If you’re feeling unfulfilled in your current job and considering a career change, I encourage you to take the leap. You have the power to create a life you love, and coaching or therapy could be the path that leads you there.
Ready to start your journey? Download my free eBook, “How to Find Your Purpose and Build a Life You Love,” and discover the tools and strategies that helped me transform my life. It’s packed with practical advice, personal stories, and exercises that will guide you on your path to purpose.
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