How to become a life coach

What will I do if I become a life coach?

If you choose to become a life coach, you will give advice to people, keep them motivated and help them solve problems. Whether it is about school, work, relationships or personal growth, you will provide the support they need to make their lives better. Your main job will be to boost your clients’ confidence and guide them to be their best selves. You will celebrate their success and help them overcome challenges.

These are some of the primary responsibilities you will have if you start a career as a life coach:

• You will have to listen to your clients attentively and provide a non-judgmental space for them to express their feelings, thoughts and aspirations.
• You will have to work together with your clients and identify and define personal goals.
• You will offer encouragement and motivation to keep your clients focused on their goals.
• You will have to assist your clients in finding solutions to overcome their problems.
• You will help them build their confidence, improve their decision-making skills and manage stress.
• You will help clients become a better version of themselves so they can make choices that can make them genuinely happy.
• You will contribute to society by helping individuals become more motivated, confident and successful.

What qualifications do I need to have a career as a life coach?

If you want to become a life coach in the UK, you will need specific qualifications and skills. You can excel in this role by undertaking courses in coaching and certification programs. Doing so will equip you with the necessary knowledge and expertise needed to practice as a life coach.

Experienced life coaches are able to effectively guide and support their clients on their journeys to personal growth and success. With experience, you will be able to start your own coaching business as well.

In the UK, there are no specific legal requirements for becoming a life coach. It means it is currently an unregulated profession. However, having relevant certifications from recognised bodies like the International Coach Federation (ICF) can enhance your credibility and effectiveness. Here are some steps often pursued by individuals aiming to specialise in life coaching:

• Attend a university
• Attend a college
• Coaching apprenticeship
• Apply directly

Firstly, you can undertake life coach courses at a University. You can go for a degree or a postgraduate award. The coaching courses you undertake will basically focus on performance management, sports, mentoring, etc.

Alternatively, you can attend a college and pick a course that is approved by a coaching organisation. Before you start, you may want to get all the information you need, especially regarding the costs. You can undertake courses online or enrol in face-to-face learning. Remember, if you decide to take this route, there are no specific entry requirements that you will have to meet.

If you want to help teams and individuals do better at their jobs in a company, you could do a coaching apprenticeship. This can take up to 14 months. But you will be learning and working at the same time. For a degree apprenticeship, you will need at least 4 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4. You will also need to be good in Maths and English.

Lastly, you can submit a direct application if you believe you have the necessary qualities and skills. This is because life coaching is an unregulated profession, so you can start your career without any specific qualification requirements.

What skills are required to start a life coaching business?

Life coaches help their clients gain clarity on their goals, guiding them toward a path of personal growth and fulfilment. To do this, they need a range of skills, including:

• Customer service skills
• Counselling skills which involve listening attentively and having a non-judgmental attitude
• Good observational skills and the ability to empathise with their situations
• Psychology knowledge
• Communication skills
• Be understanding and sensitive towards clients
• Basic computer skills and knowledge of software packages
• Patience and friendliness
• Have an in-depth understanding of the theory of life coaching

What is the average salary of a life coach?

For professionals working in the life coaching industry, the average salary range can vary. It will depend on several factors, including work experience, specialisation, client base and geographical location. Life coaching is an industry where earnings can range from modest to substantial, often complemented by additional streams of income like books or online courses. It offers professionals the opportunity to create a career that aligns with their personal goals and aspirations.

Life coaches are mostly self-employed. So, if you work as a private practitioner, you can charge up to £40-£60 per hour. At present, experienced life coaches charge between £100-£200 per hour, but it depends on the years of experience they have and their qualifications. Remember, the salary of life coaches in the UK will vary considerably based on a range of factors.

Possible career progression of life coaches

Career progression for life coaches can take various directions. It often depends on their personal goals and specialisation. Initially, they start as independent practitioners and build their clientele while gaining experience.

As they establish themselves, they may progress to higher-paying clients or expand their services to offer specialised coaching. Such areas they can focus on include wellness coaching, relationship coaching and executive coaching. Some life coaches also diversify their income through writing books, developing courses, or speaking engagements.

Additionally, obtaining a degree in coaching or advanced coaching certifications can signify career growth. Career progression for life coaches is an individual choice, and it usually depends on their interests, expertise and the impact they wish to make in the coaching community.

Working hours of a life coach

Life coaches in the UK often enjoy great flexibility in their working hours. However, this flexibility can require high levels of self-discipline to manage your time effectively. This is because they mainly operate on a self-employed basis. This arrangement allows them to set their own hours, making this profession an ideal option for those seeking part-time work to supplement their main income.

However, there are some practitioners who maintain regular business hours. There are some who choose to work evenings or weekends to accommodate their clients with busy schedules. The freedom to establish their own schedule often gives these professionals the chance to balance their work with personal commitments. With so much flexibility in working hours, life coaching is undoubtedly one of the best careers for individuals who enjoy the freedom to pick and choose their working hours.

Working environment of a life coach

The working environment of a life coach is incredibly diverse and adaptable, reflecting the flexible nature of the profession. Many life coaches operate from the comfort of their homes, offering coaching and mentoring services virtually via video conferencing or telephone.

Other practitioners may rent office spaces and meet their clients in person. Some life coaches conduct sessions outdoors or in non-traditional settings to foster a comfortable atmosphere for their clients. This diversity in work environments and settings allows them to create an atmosphere that is needed for their clients’ personal development and wellbeing.

When you work as a life coach, your primary aim should be to offer clients a non-judgmental and comfortable environment in which they can freely explore their goals. Remember, your role is about listening to your clients, empathising with them and guiding them towards self-discovery. Providing a supportive environment for them will help them unlock their potential and become the best versions of themselves.

Frequently asked questions

What personal qualities should an ideal life coach have?

A perfect life coach will possess qualities such as empathy, adaptability, strong communication abilities, active listening skills and a genuine desire to work with clients and help their clients reach their goals.

Are the career prospects of a life coach promising?

Yes, career prospects in life coaching can be promising. However, success in this field often depends on your skills, dedication and marketing efforts.

How can I enhance my career prospects in this field?

Some strategies include education and training, networking, online presence, continuous learning, persistence, feedback and improvement, ethical practice, client-centred approach, results-oriented approach and collaboration with other professionals.

How long does it take to become a certified life coach?

The duration can vary based on the life coach training program you choose. Some programs can be completed within a few months, while others may take one or more years.

How Do I Maintain Work-Life Balance as a Life Coach?

Since the job offers great flexibility, maintaining a work-life balance depends on your self-discipline and time management skills.

Do I need to specialise in a specific life coaching area?

Most practitioners choose to work as a general life coach. But if you are interested in a specific niche, you can also specialise in that area. For example, wellness, relationships, career, etc.

How do I find clients as a life coach?

There are many ways, including marketing your services online and offline, creating a professional website, networking, etc. Client referrals and word of mouth can also be instrumental in growing your coaching practice.

Can I coach businesses and organisations?

Yes, you could coach businesses depending on your skills and experience in the field. Many coaches offer executive coaching to businesses, which helps improve employee performance and team dynamics.

What are the ethical responsibilities of a life coach?

As a life coach, you must maintain client confidentiality, provide a safe and non-judgmental environment to your clients and adhere to professional codes of conduct.