Your client is navigating a major career shift. How can you help them rebuild their professional identity?

It is important to be very specific about what matters most to you and to be able to define your career values in the context of your day to day work. For example: flexibility may be one of your top values, but would that mean working fully remote or hybrid, or being able to pick up your kids from school? For someone work-life balance means having a lot of holidays and being able to take time off as needed, without "feeling guilty" ; for another person work-life balance means working not more than 12 hours a day in the office. For some, working at weekends, as long as it's not every weekend, is OK. For you it may be out of of the question...If "autonomy" is important to you, define it! "Autonomy" means that I can....etc.

Understanding both your strenghts and skills is crucial. You will need to think about what skills and experiences are transferable to the new role / industry and on the other hand build up your technical competence through study, certificatons, work experience, one-off projects, shadowing someone... It is also important to be able to "speak the language" of your new chosen field so that the way you present yourself resonates with the hiring manager / recruiter...

Your personal brand should reflect your values and what you stand for, as well as your unique selling points - experience, education, leadership examples and volunteering / extra-curricular activities, etc. If you are transitioning to a new industry, you need to signal that in your LinkedIn "About Section" and express your passion and enthusiasm about the new field as well as start to build visibility by posting relevant content...

Networking is often misunderstood, avoided, dreaded, or done half-heartedly. It doesn't have to be like that! Having conversations with the right people (identify and define who they are) can go a long way in giving you an edge - information & knowledge is power.

So many people make a career transition without fully processing the past (for example, leaving a toxic workplace, being impacted by a layoff, etc.). I'm not saying that coaching is the place to process the past - in many cases, working with a counselor/therapist is a more appropriate choice. Without processing some of the "what happened," it can be more challenging for any mindset shift moving forward.

Mindset is the most critical part for sure. What you believe about yourself and the world is what you will project. Building resilience and learning to enjoy the journey and not just push towards the destination is key.

Prioritize Wellness: During major career shifts, it's essential to leverage wellness to stay strong and move forward. Encourage clients to incorporate regular physical activity, mindfulness practices, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep into their routines. These habits enhance physical health, boost mental clarity, reduce stress, and build resilience. By prioritizing wellness, clients can navigate their career transitions with a clear mind and strong body, effectively rebuilding their professional identity. Achieving harmony between career and wellness is crucial for confidently managing change and ensuring long-term success.

A few resources that are typically very helpful in this stage: Working Identity by Herminia Ibarra Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans Pivot by Jenny Blake