How to Know If Life Coaching Is the Right Career for You
Life coaching has rapidly grown into one of the most rewarding and flexible career paths in today’s world. Whether you’re looking to change your career, seek more personal fulfilment, or simply explore the idea of helping others, life coaching offers a unique and impactful way to transform both your life and the lives of others.
But how do you know if becoming a life coach is the right career for you? It’s not just about helping people, although that’s a significant part of it. There are specific traits, skills, and passions that make a great life coach—and knowing whether you possess these qualities is key before you take the plunge.
In this post, we’ll break down what it takes to succeed as a life coach, the traits you should have (or be willing to develop), and what kind of lifestyle and career opportunities life coaching can offer.
1. Are You Passionate About Helping Others?
At the heart of life coaching is the desire to help others improve their lives. This may seem obvious, but it’s worth asking yourself whether this is a passion you truly possess. As a life coach, your main goal will be to guide clients through challenges, help them achieve their goals, and unlock their full potential.
If you find yourself energised by helping people solve problems, offering support and encouragement, and watching them grow, life coaching could be a natural fit. Coaches often describe the satisfaction they feel in seeing their clients succeed as one of the most rewarding aspects of their career.
Ask Yourself:
- Do you get fulfilment from helping others?
- Do you find joy in encouraging people to pursue their dreams?
- Are you patient and empathetic when listening to others’ challenges?
2. Do You Have Strong Communication Skills?
Life coaching is all about communication—both listening and speaking. As a coach, you’ll need to be able to listen carefully to your clients, not just to what they say but to what they may not be saying. You’ll also need to ask the right questions, guiding them to their own insights and solutions.
It’s not about giving advice or solving problems for them but helping clients discover their own strengths and capabilities. This requires excellent verbal and non-verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to create a safe and open environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and emotions.
Ask Yourself:
- Am I a good listener?
- Can I communicate complex ideas in a simple, understandable way?
- Do I know how to ask questions that lead to deeper reflection?
3. Are You Self-Motivated and Independent?
Life coaching is often a self-driven career, especially if you plan to run your own coaching practice. While there are opportunities to work for companies or coaching agencies, many life coaches choose to operate independently. This means you’ll need to be self-motivated, organised, and capable of managing your time effectively.
If you enjoy working autonomously and are comfortable with the responsibility of running your own business (or are willing to learn how to), life coaching offers a high degree of flexibility. You get to set your schedule, choose your clients, and design your own approach to coaching.
Ask Yourself:
- Am I motivated to work independently?
- Do I enjoy setting my own goals and holding myself accountable?
- Can I manage my time and resources efficiently?
4. Do You Enjoy Personal Development?
Life coaching is about personal development—for your clients and for yourself. As a coach, you’ll need to be committed to your own growth and self-improvement. After all, how can you help others grow if you’re not working on your own development?
The best life coaches lead by example. They are constantly learning, adapting, and evolving. Whether it’s through formal education, attending seminars, reading books, or seeking mentorship, great coaches are always looking for ways to improve their skills and understanding of human behaviour.
Ask Yourself:
- Am I passionate about my own personal development?
- Do I actively seek out opportunities for learning and growth?
- Am I willing to invest time in self-reflection and self-improvement?
5. Can You Handle Emotional Situations with Compassion?
As a life coach, you’ll often be helping clients work through difficult and emotionally charged situations. Whether it’s career challenges, relationship issues, or personal setbacks, your clients will rely on you for support and guidance.
This requires a high level of emotional intelligence. You’ll need to be compassionate and empathetic, while also maintaining professional boundaries. It’s essential to be a stable and grounded presence for your clients, especially when they’re feeling vulnerable or overwhelmed.
Ask Yourself:
- Can I stay calm and supportive in emotionally charged situations?
- Do I have the empathy to understand others’ feelings without letting them overwhelm me?
- Am I comfortable providing emotional support while maintaining boundaries?
6. Are You Willing to Invest in Building a Business?
If you’re considering life coaching as a full-time career, it’s important to understand that building a successful coaching practice takes time, effort, and a willingness to invest in yourself. While the freedom and flexibility of running your own coaching business are appealing, it also requires dedication.
You’ll need to market yourself, build a client base, and manage the administrative side of your practice. While this can be challenging, it’s also incredibly rewarding for those who are willing to put in the work. Many life coaches find that the effort they invest in growing their business pays off with a fulfilling and lucrative career.
Ask Yourself:
- Am I willing to invest time and resources into building a coaching practice?
- Do I enjoy entrepreneurship and the challenges that come with running a business?
- Can I stay committed during the early stages when building a client base may take time?
7. Do You Value Flexibility in Your Career?
One of the major benefits of life coaching is the flexibility it offers. As a coach, you have the freedom to work from anywhere, set your own schedule, and choose how many clients you want to take on.
This makes life coaching an attractive option for people looking to escape the constraints of traditional 9-to-5 jobs.
If you value work-life balance and want a career that allows you to prioritise your personal life while still pursuing professional success, life coaching could be the perfect fit.
Ask Yourself:
- Do I want a career with flexible working hours?
- Am I looking for a job that allows me to work remotely or on my own terms?
- Is work-life balance important to me?
8. Are You Ready to Make a Difference in People’s Lives?
Ultimately, life coaching is about making a positive difference in the lives of others. It’s a career that offers deep personal satisfaction, knowing that you’re helping people overcome obstacles, achieve their goals, and live more fulfilling lives.
If you’re someone who finds meaning in guiding others toward success and fulfilment, then life coaching could be the right career for you. It’s not just about helping clients set goals—it’s about empowering them to realise their potential and navigate the complexities of life with confidence.
Ask Yourself:
- Am I passionate about making a meaningful impact on others’ lives?
- Do I feel fulfilled when I help someone achieve their goals?
- Am I ready to commit to a career where I can create lasting change?
So: Is Life Coaching Right for You?