Career Coaching for Career Change: Signs You’re Ready and How to Move Forward
Many professionals feel trapped in jobs that no longer fit who they are. If you’re coming home exhausted, wondering if this is really what your life is meant to be, you’re not alone. Research shows that one in three UK workers are planning a career change – but most aren’t sure how to take the first step.
At Working Career, I specialise in career coaching for career change, helping professionals like you spot the signs, understand the barriers, and find a path forward into meaningful, energising work.
The Signs You’re Ready for a Career Change
It’s easy to dismiss career dissatisfaction as “just stress” or a “bad week,” but there are clear indicators that your current role may no longer be the right fit:
Exhaustion after work. If you end most days feeling completely drained – too tired to meet friends, spend time with family, or enjoy hobbies – your job may be taking more than it gives. Constant fatigue is often a signal that something deeper needs to change.
Loss of motivation. The tasks you once enjoyed might now feel repetitive or pointless. If you dread Mondays and count the hours until Friday, it’s a sign that your work is no longer inspiring or engaging you.
Work–life imbalance. When your job consumes evenings, weekends, or mental energy long after the working day ends, your personal life starts to shrink. If you feel like work has taken over, it may be time to reassess.
Wasted potential. Perhaps you’ve developed valuable skills that aren’t being used in your role. You know you’re capable of more, but you’re stuck in a position that doesn’t allow you to grow or contribute fully.
Restlessness. If you often find yourself daydreaming about doing something entirely different – starting a business, moving into another field, or retraining – your career is no longer aligned with your aspirations.
The Pain Points Holding You Back
Most professionals considering change describe feeling trapped between knowing they can’t stay where they are and not knowing how to move forward. Common struggles include:
Feeling stuck. You want to make a change but don’t know where to start. The sheer number of options leaves you paralysed.
Fear of failure. Questions like “What if I make the wrong move?” or “What if I can’t succeed in a new career?” can hold you back.
Overwhelm. Balancing bills, family responsibilities, and retraining feels daunting when you’re already exhausted from work.
Uncertainty about skills. You might wonder whether the abilities you’ve built up are transferable or relevant in another field.
Lack of confidence. After years in one role or profession, stepping into something new feels risky, and self-doubt creeps in.
The Desires and Motivations Driving Change
While the pain points can feel heavy, they’re balanced by strong motivators – the reasons people ultimately decide to change careers:
The search for meaning. Many professionals want work that matters, that aligns with their values, and that gives them a sense of purpose.
A healthier balance. A career that allows space for relationships, family, and personal wellbeing is increasingly important. Flexibility is now one of the top priorities for UK professionals.
Room to grow. People crave opportunities to learn new skills and use their talents in fresh ways. Being “stuck” in a job that doesn’t stretch you is one of the most common reasons for career dissatisfaction.
Confidence and control. Taking charge of your career path brings independence and security. Many want to feel they are steering their own future, rather than being carried along by circumstance.
Financial stability. For most, career change isn’t about abandoning security but about creating a future that balances financial comfort with personal fulfilment.
The Barriers to Making a Change
If career change were easy, more people would do it. The reality is, professionals often face real barriers:
Financial concerns. Worries about losing income, retraining costs, or funding a transition are top of mind.
Time pressures. When you’re already busy and tired, carving out energy to plan a change feels overwhelming.
Fear of being “too old.” Many believe it’s too late to change career in their 30s, change career in their 40s or change career in their 50s – even though career pivots are increasingly common at any age.
Uncertainty about direction. Without clarity, it’s easy to stay stuck, endlessly browsing job boards without knowing what’s right for you.
Confidence blocks. That persistent inner critic whispering “you’re not good enough” or “you’ll fail” can derail progress before it starts.
Case Studies: Real Stories of Career Change
Sarah – From Teacher to Learning Designer
Sarah loved helping students learn but was worn down by endless marking, admin, and long hours. In coaching, she uncovered her strengths in communication, creativity, and technology. This led her to retrain as a learning designer in the corporate sector. Today, she applies her teaching skills in a new environment, enjoys better work–life balance, and feels re-energised.
James – From NHS Nurse to Project Manager
James was proud of his career in nursing, but shift work and low pay left him exhausted. Coaching helped him identify transferable skills – crisis management, teamwork, problem-solving – and map them to a new career path. With support, he retrained in project management and now leads programmes in a health charity, maintaining his sense of purpose with more stability and balance.
Aisha – From Lawyer to Small Business Owner
Aisha had climbed the corporate ladder in law but found herself disconnected from her values. Coaching gave her space to explore what mattered most and plan a transition carefully. With financial planning, confidence-building, and clear next steps, she launched her own consultancy. She now works with clients who share her values and feels in control of her career and life.
How Career Change Coaching Can Help
You don’t have to face this journey alone. My Career Change Coaching Programme is designed to help you:
Gain clarity on your strengths, values, and options.
Build confidence in your ability to change careers successfully.
Create a tailored action plan for your next step.
Learn practical strategies – from updating your CV to optimising LinkedIn and preparing for interviews.
Stay motivated and resilient with ongoing support and accountability.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Imagine waking up energised for work that excites you, with the balance, purpose, and confidence you’ve been missing. That future is possible.
👉 Book a free discovery chat today and let’s explore how career coaching for career change can help you love the work you do.
About Diana Dawson
I’m Diana Dawson, Founder of Working Career. As a professional interviewer, career coach, career psychologist, career counsellor, career consultant, executive coach, and well-being at work coach, I help professionals like you make the most of your working life.
With nearly 20 years of experience, I’m an Accredited Master Coach with the Association for Coaching, a Coaching Psychologist, and a Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapist. My approach combines evidence-based coaching techniques with practical strategies to help you create clarity, build confidence, and achieve the work and life you want.
Whether you’re navigating a career change at 30, a career change at 40 or a career change at 50, preparing for interviews, building leadership skills, or supporting your team’s well-being, I provide tailored one-to-one coaching for individuals and organisations alike.