Are you nearing your retirement or considering what’s next in your career path? Have you thought about what you want to do with the next (and best!) chapter of your life? 

Retirement can mean different things to different people. 

For some, it’s a time to focus on enjoying a slower and more reflective pace of life — for others, it’s an opportunity to pursue lifelong dreams or passions they didn’t have time for during their earlier working years. 

Some retirees might also see it as a chance to volunteer and give back to their communities, while others may view it as a time to start a new business or second career that aligns with their interests. 

A trend we’re seeing is a move towards becoming a professional coach as a second act career.

Many retirees or those considering their next career steps are turning to coaching during their golden years because it allows them to use their experience and skills to be a thinking partner for others in helping them find a sense of purpose and fulfilment. 

But how do you know if it’s the right path to take for your retirement?

The Changing Landscape of Retirement

Before we dive into becoming a professional coach, let’s discuss what retirement looks like for modern retirees. 

Traditional retirement was once associated with stepping away from work to focus on relaxation and leisure. While that may still be the case for some, today retirees are redefining this phase by pursuing second careers that align with their passions. 

Many people look for more than just rest — they’re looking for continued engagement and a sense of purpose. That’s why more people are embracing opportunities that allow them to stay active and make a meaningful impact, transforming the meaning of retirement into a vibrant and fulfilling stage of their life.

Retirees often choose to continue working during their golden years for various reasons. A Transamerica study found the top reasons include:

• Continuing to earn financially (56%)
• Enjoying their work (47%)
• Staying active (47%)
• Keeping their brain alert (34%)
• Finding a sense of purpose (27%)

However, given their senior status, people often look for second careers that provide a renewed sense of purpose without the strain of their previous jobs. In fact, the Center for a Secure Retirement in 2015 found that 94% of workers planning to retire consider flexible working arrangements as a crucial factor for choosing their second-act careers. This makes coaching an ideal choice for many retirees.

Why Coaching is the Perfect Post-Retirement Career

Professional coaching is different from consulting or mentoring. It’s about forming a transformational partnership to help people reach their greatest potential. It’s not about “fixing” them but empowering them to realize what they’re truly capable of.

If you’re wondering if coaching is the right career for you in your retirement years, let’s explore what makes coaching such a fulfilling career choice.

Coaching Keeps Your Mind Active

Retirement offers a chance to relax and enjoy more leisure time, but it can also mean less mental stimulation compared to the busy days of a corporate job. While it’s wonderful to have more time for rest, some retirees find that their brains miss the constant activity and challenges they once had. 

That’s where coaching comes in. Taking on a coaching role during retirement means being a strategic thinking partner for others. It’s about taking on a role of engaging in a creative conversation that inspires people to look at how well they know themselves and use that knowledge to maximize their personal and professional potential to improve who they are today. 

The best part is that while you’re helping others with their growth, you’re also keeping your mind active and fulfilled.

Coaching Provides Flexibility and Autonomy

Another thing about pursuing a coaching profession in your retirement years is that it gives you unparalleled flexibility and autonomy. Unlike traditional jobs, coaching allows you to set your schedule, giving you the freedom to balance work with personal activities and family time. 

This flexibility means you can choose to work part-time or full-time based on your personal preferences and lifestyle needs. You can tailor your workload to fit your energy levels and interests, helping you ensure that you remain engaged and motivated in whatever you do. 

Moreover, as a coach, you have the autonomy to select your clients and focus on areas that you are passionate about to make your work intellectually stimulating and rewarding. Having a coaching career in retirement empowers you to stay productive, pursue your passions, and maintain a healthy work-life balance on your terms.

Coaching Is Satisfying

Many people become coaches because they feel called to make a meaningful impact on others’ lives. They find joy in helping others realize their full potential and turn their visions into reality. This role is what provides them a profound sense of satisfaction as they make a positive difference in someone else’s life.

But aside from that fact, it’s the idea of helping others find their path and inspiring them to grow, that also indirectly inspires coaches to reach for new heights. This mutual growth is the key that brings joy and a deep sense of fulfillment that coaches cherish throughout their professional journey.

Coaching Enriches Your Life

Coaching is also about adding immense value to your own life. Unlike a typical corporate job, professional coaching lets you deeply connect with others, understand their challenges, and help them become more self-aware. While this journey benefits your clients, it also fosters your own growth.

Every client you work with is an opportunity to learn more about yourself and apply the lessons you discover together. Coaching is a two-way street of learning, communicating, and growing that enriches both you and your clients.

Coaching Expands Your Personal and Professional Network

Coaching also helps you expand your personal and professional networks by providing you with opportunities to connect with a wide range of people. As you enter the coaching field, you engage with clients, other coaches, and professionals in related industries, building valuable relationships. These connections with diverse individuals can lead to new opportunities for collaboration, learning, and growth, opening doors to partnerships and professional development, enhancing your overall career experience in retirement.

How to Transition from Your Typical Career to Coaching

Coaching is a rewarding profession that allows you to thrive in various ways, even in your golden years. However, transitioning from a traditional 9-to-5 career to coaching will require time and careful planning. To guide you through this process, here are three key considerations for a successful transition:

Self-Assessment and Planning

Start by evaluating your personal strengths, interests, and readiness for a coaching career. Identify the skills and experiences from your current career that can be valuable in coaching. Set realistic goals and timelines for your transition, considering both short-term and long-term objectives. Identify the type of coach you think suits your skill set. This self-assessment will help you understand your unique value proposition as a coach and ensure you’re prepared for the journey ahead.

Getting Trained and Certified

After that, enrol in reputable coaching education programs and earn all the necessary certifications to build your credibility. Coaching involves diving into other people’s lives, so it requires specific skills to be effective. You can’t just start coaching without proper training. Professional training equips you with the skills needed to achieve real results for your clients.

Researching the Right Coaching Education Program

When choosing the right coaching education program, look for those that don’t only fit your interests and career goals but are also accredited by professional coaching bodies like the International Coaching Federation (ICF) as they ensure the highest standards of quality and credibility.

These programs adhere to rigorous training and ethical guidelines, providing coaches with a robust foundation in essential skills and competencies. Being ICF-accredited also signifies that the program is recognized globally, which enhances your professional reputation and increases your marketability.

Getting certified gives you a professional edge, as most clients prefer working with coaches who’ve earned their certification. As found in an ICF study, 83% of coaching clients state that it’s important or very important for them to work with coaches with a credential. This is further echoed by 93% of clients who also report that they’ve experienced satisfaction with their coaching experience after working with certified coaches. 

It goes to show that enrolling in an accredited program isn’t only about ensuring that you receive a comprehensive coaching education but also about establishing your credibility in the coaching community.

Remember, coaching may seem like a straightforward profession but it requires continuous learning and professional development to stay updated with the latest coaching techniques and best practices. So invest in quality training that you know will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to be an effective coach. We also strongly recommend starting your training before you retire so that you’re fully prepared to take on your new role as a coach when you begin the second act of your career. 

Building Your Coaching Business

Once you’re done with all the individual preparation and you’ve earned all the required certifications and training, the next step is to establish your coaching practice with careful planning and strategizing.

Create a detailed business plan outlining your services, target market, and pricing. Develop marketing strategies to promote your coaching practice, such as creating a professional website, leveraging social media, and networking within your industry. Utilize digital tools and platforms to reach potential clients and manage your business efficiently. Building a strong online presence is the key to significantly expanding your reach and client base.

As you start your coaching practice, it’s important to recognize that transitioning to this new career will come with its own set of challenges. Common obstacles include finding clients, managing business operations, and staying motivated during slow periods. However, don’t let these hurdles discourage you.

Many professional coaching education programs, like The Coaching Academy for Leaders, offer business building resources and networks that you can draw from to get advice from experts who are experienced in the coaching industry. You can also join communities or monthly memberships to get help.

Stay resilient and adaptable to the coaching industry, and focus on refining your approach by actively seeking feedback from mentors and clients. With commitment and perseverance, you can navigate these challenges successfully and thrive in your new coaching career.

Closing Thoughts 

There are countless ways to spend your time after leaving your current career. If you’re looking for a second act that is fulfilling, provides a sense of purpose, and allows you to positively impact others, coaching might be the perfect choice for you.

Use this as your guide to exploring a career in coaching, and consider applying to our Certified Leadership Coaching Program to start your journey. We’re here to support you every step of the way—let’s make this exciting transition together!