Meet Leila. She used to be a lawyer, working long hours, buried in paperwork, and constantly stressed.
On the outside, everything looked great — fancy degree, respectable job, steady paycheck.
But inside? She was drained, burned out, and wondering if this was it for the rest of her life.
So, she did something bold. She quit.
And now? Leila’s making more money as a career coach — and she’s doing it on her terms.
Wait… What Even Is a Career Coach?
A career coach helps people figure out what they want to do, how to get there, and how to level up. Whether it’s resumes, job searches, interview prep, or navigating tricky work situations — coaches are the behind-the-scenes guides helping people land and grow in the jobs they actually want.
Think of them as the friend you wish you had during every job hunt.
How Leila Made the Leap
Here’s how she did it — no fluff, just facts:
- She started small. Leila didn’t wake up one day and instantly replace her lawyer salary. She took on a few clients while still working part-time.
- She used her strengths. She already had great communication skills, tons of work experience, and knew how to stay organized — all perfect for coaching.
- She got visible. LinkedIn posts, free workshops, and offering to help people in her network got her first paying clients.
- She built trust. Once people saw results, they told their friends. Referrals = steady business.
Can Anyone Do This?
Short answer: Yep.
If you’ve had a career, learned some hard lessons, and genuinely enjoy helping people grow — you’ve already got the foundation. You don’t need to be perfect, you just need to show up and serve.
Some people even niche down. For example:
- Former nurses who coach burned-out healthcare workers
- Ex-corporate folks helping others escape toxic 9–5s
- Parents returning to the workforce who coach other moms or dads
Getting Started as a Career Coach
Want to test the waters? Start with these steps:
- Help a friend for free. It’s low pressure and builds your confidence.
- Create a simple service offer. “I’ll help you update your resume and prep for interviews for $200” is a great start.
- Post about your wins. Helped someone land a job? Share the story (with their permission).
- Keep learning. Coaching is a skill. The more you do it, the better you’ll get.
You don’t need a coaching certification to start — though some choose to get one later.
What matters more is your real-world experience and your ability to listen and guide.
The Bottom Line
Leila’s story is proof that you don’t have to stay stuck in a career that drains you.
Skills are transferable. Life is short. And helping others find work they love? That’s work worth doing.
So if you’re feeling stuck in your current job… maybe it’s time to flip the script.
You might just be one pivot away from a totally new life.