Career transitions are a frequent coaching topic. This guide expands on a step- by-step approach coaches can use to help clients evaluate options, test career hypotheses, and make forward progress with clarity and confidence.
Core principles
- Treat career change as a learning problem, not just a binary outcome.
- Use experiments and small bets to reduce uncertainty.
- Balance practical preparation (networking, skills) with identity work.
Session-ready workflow (4 steps)
-
Clarify the direction
- Ask: What elements of your current role matter most? What would you like to change? Separate environment (company, role) from skill fit.
-
Map options and constraints
- Create a simple map: stay/shift/shift-within-company/entrepreneurial. List constraints (time, finances, responsibilities).
-
Design experiments
- For each promising option, design a low-cost test: informational interviews, short freelance work, a volunteer leadership role, a course project.
-
Build the transition plan
- Combine timing, finances, skills to create a 3–6 month plan with weekly milestones and a contingency if momentum stalls.
Practical templates
-
Informational interview script:
- Opening: "I'm exploring [field/role]. Do you have 15 minutes to share how you made that transition?"
- Ask 3 focused questions: day-to-day, required skills, hiring signals.
-
Experiment card (one page):
- Hypothesis:
- Test action:
- Timebox:
- What success looks like:
Example quick plan
- Month 1: 8 informational interviews + shortlist top 2 options.
- Month 2: Complete a short project (volunteer or course) for Option A.
- Month 3: Apply to roles / have exploratory conversations with hiring managers.
Common pitfalls and fixes
- Rushing to apply without learning: require at least one evidence-gathering experiment before major moves.
- Ignoring financial runway: include a conservative finance buffer in plans.
Quick checklist for coaches
- Clarify what will change if the client moves roles.
- Build 2–3 low-cost experiments.
- Create a weekly milestone plan and an accountability step.
Published: 2025-09-08