Things To Consider Before Becoming A Life Coach
If you're one of the many people who would like to be their own boss, have their own business and help others, you may want to consider becoming a life coach. This field is expected to grow by 28 percent through 2020, which means the overall job prospects should be good for those with the right training and skills. Life coaches help their clients to come up with a plan to help them reach their goals in life and carry out that plan. They don't have to have all the answers, they just have to know the process involved and how to teach it to others. People need to be taught to figure out just what it is they want and how to work through any challenges that may be in the way of reaching these goals.
Necessary Skills
People will do best in this profession if they have certain skills and knowledge. This includes communication skills, organizational skills, motivation skills, teaching skills, some general psychological knowledge, research skills, knowledge of reflective practice theories, creativity and empathy.
Training
While there isn't a lot of regulation in the life coaching field and it's possible to call yourself a life coach without any training whatsoever, it's best to get at least some training before jumping into this field. The best life coach training programs will result in certification from the International Coach Federation or the International Association of Coaching. This certification will help you stand out among the many available coaches and show that you have at least a minimum knowledge base in your field. Good training programs usually take between 6 and 18 months and include 125 to 300 hours of coursework. These programs can be in person or online, and cost around $7,000 to more than $15,000.
Salary and Benefits
Most life coaches work for themselves, and thus don't have any health insurance or other benefits unless they pay for them themselves. Many work part-time, but there are also life coaches that work full-time. The pay for a life coach can be surprisingly good, with an average hourly rate of about $35 and an annual salary ranging from about $25,000 to over $200,000 per year. The amount a good life coach can charge for their services will depend on a number of factors, including where they're located and how much experience they have, which is why there's such a broad salary range.
