It was actually 20 years ago that I qualified to be a Life Coach. I studied on what was then, an open learning course through Newcastle University, 2 years of learning, clocking up coaching hours all done around a full-time job as a Partner in a marketing agency.
After I had qualified, I remained with the agency whilst building up my client list on the side. It was exhausting but incredibly rewarding and I knew that it was what I wanted to be doing.
A “sliding door” moment.
It took a major road traffic accident where I manage to actually close part of the M25 one Friday afternoon, to push me to take the plunge. I had just returned from sealing a deal with a major brand and was on my way back to the office when a large foreign lorry veered out of control and smacked me into the central reservation of the motorway.
To this day, I still feel incredibly grateful to be alive and although I suffered severe whiplash and bruising, there were no other injuries apart from the very vivid flashbacks I endured until I got some professional help. The emergency services were phenomenal and as I sat in the car, waiting to be cut out (yes it was that bad) I decided I’d had enough of marketing, and it was time to do something else.
Taking the plunge.
I took the plunge. I had some savings and an understanding and supportive partner, but it was a big decision, and I just didn’t know whether I could manage it financially. I was scared, had many sleepless nights and at time doubted my sanity. Who gives up a well-paid job, company car and “perks” like sick pay, holiday pay etc for the unknown?
I did and 18 years later, I am so glad I did.
It wasn’t always easy.
I’m not saying it was easy. There were times we had to borrow money just to pay the bills. Getting the flu sent me into a spiral of anxiety as no work meant no money. I hated having to constantly network and push myself to get new business but once I received the first testimonial from a client and saw how I’d helped them make some considerable changes in their life, it started to feel worth it.
Always Learning
It continues to be hard work, you are constantly learning, updating your knowledge. You can’t be complacent and just expect clients to fall in your lap and you still get sick and still don’t get paid sick pay or for any holidays you might take but it is also HUGELY rewarding.
I LOVE IT!
I have worked and continue to work with some remarkable people. I have witnessed incredible bravery, immense human kindness, people overcoming fears that then set them free. It can be very humbling, at times great fun and also actually life changing, and I get to be part of that.
I hope to coach for many years to come – it’s never been a “job” but is most definitely my vocation and I LOVE IT!
