Choosing a career you love can be one of the hardest choices you will ever make in your life. It requires a great deal of self-evaluation and consideration.

The very first question you must ask yourself is: what is my vision for my life?

Vision is defined as an image you see in your mind of what the future could be like. So, tell me....

How do you see yourself 5 to 10 years from now?

Are you still doing your current job or are you on the road to becoming the expert coach that you want to be?

Today, I´d like to share some useful guidelines to help you in the decision-making process.

To begin with, consider the Pros and Cons of each side. Listed below are 3 things to think about on the Pro side as well on the Con side for each of the two choices we are discussing. Of course, feel free to add more points according to the specifics of your life situation.

Guidelines For Choosing A Career You Love

You Current Job: Pros

You are already comfortable in this job and have already mastered the skills needed to do it well. 

This job allows you the financial stability you need to support you in your chosen lifestyle. 

You identify strongly with your position and it´s a part of who you are - not just for you but for your family, friends and colleagues as well. 

You Current Job: Cons

It is not your passion.

This job is routine and possibly boring.

The possibility of advancement in your current job is very limited.

The Shift To Expert Coaching: Pros

You can work in an area that is your passion; an area of your own choosing.

It opens the door to new opportunities to expand your abilities and your growth as an individual.

You can manage your own time and work at your own pace. 

The Shift To Expert Coaching: Cons

You will need to make adjustments to your lifestyle, at least in the beginning.

There will be a learning-curve and you will need to be willing to do the work that is necessary to develop your skills while at the same time dealing with the "growing pains" of learning something new. 

You will need to learn how to get new clients.

Take some time to really think about each of the points mentioned above. Evaluate them closely to help decide which possibility will benefit you most over the long-term...staying where you are, or stepping out into a realm of new possibilities and choosing a career you truly love.

That said...

Keep in mind that there is an upside and a downside to any decision you make.

Determining Your Heart´s Desire

Look closely. Look deep into your heart. That´s where you will find what it is you need to make your life better and more fulfilling.

Think about your past experiences - both good and bad. What have you learned from them? What impact do those lessons have on your present and your future?

Think about what is expected of you today in your current job and compare that to what will be expected of you once you shift into coaching.

Believe me, I know how overwhelming a career shift later in life can be. There´s a lot to learn and a lot of soul-searching that goes into the process.

Still, don't just think about climbing the mountain. Think about reaching the peak!

See yourself standing at the top, basking in all you have achieved, think about the people you will help and the change your will create in the world around you.

Now look closely at your current position - what are your chances there? How will it evolve over time and is that worth staying for?

Do your current career and job responsibilities align with your abilities and your interests? Are there definite possibilities for growth and promotion?

Of course, you need to consider what it takes to become an expert coach.

How committed are you to making that change? How willing are you to make the necessary sacrifices that come with creating a brilliant Second Act Career?

Or rather: how willing are you to make the necessary sacrifices that come with staying where you find yourself now?

The right choice for you at the moment is the one you are willing to make the most sacrifices for.

Look inside, be honest with yourself and you will recognize the answer that is your heart´s desire.

Stepping Out On Your New Path

Considering all the Pros and Cons we've discussed here is what will help you in choosing a career that contributes most to your ultimate happiness and sense of fulfillment. You need to make the choice that will bring the best out in you and share the best of you with the world. That´s why you are here.

Imagine yourself at eighty, sitting on a porch with a cup of tea in your hand, reminiscing about life you've led…

Would you rather look back and remember all those frustrating years of stuck in a position you were unhappy in or would you rather reminisce about lives you were able to transform as an expert coach and consultant?

And, one more thing...

This is not just about making a decision for yourself alone.

Think about the positive impact you can have on this world. The people you can help. As an expert coach you are a key instrument in helping others achieve their dreams and goals.

Whichever path you choose to take, never forget to focus on your own needs, goals and desires...and - above all - never give up.