Now’s Not The Time: When Coaching is a Smart Move for Your Career

When job stability isn’t tied to performance but to unpredictable economic forces, it’s easy to feel powerless. A question recently posed to me recently on my What’s App forum captures this struggle perfectly:  

“How do you stay positive about job stability when it depends on the world economy rather than your own performance?”  

This is a concern I hear often from professionals across industries, and it resonates deeply - especially for those supporting families or navigating major life transitions. My response was straightforward yet unconventional: Control what you can, release what you can’t, and cultivate resilience in the middle.  

But let’s take this a step further. 

In times of uncertainty, professional coaching can be one of the most strategic investments you make - not just for career survival but for long-term success and emotional resilience. If you’re hesitating about whether coaching is worth it during turbulent times, here’s why it might be the smartest decision you make.  

Why Coaching Matters in an Unstable World  

Uncertainty breeds anxiety, and when people feel anxious, they often freeze. They avoid making career moves, delay important decisions, or spiral into negativity. This paralysis can be costly - not just in terms of lost opportunities but also in mental well-being.  

Coaching provides a structured way to regain control, even when external factors seem overwhelming. Studies back this up:  

• A study by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) found that 80% of people who received coaching reported improved self-confidence, and over 70% saw improvements in work performance, relationships, and communication. 

• According to a Harvard Business Review report, executives who worked with a coach saw a 50-70% increase in productivity and performance.

• A study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that career coaching significantly reduces stress while increasing goal attainment and job satisfaction.  

In short, coaching doesn’t change the economy, but it changes how you navigate it.  

The Three Layers of Resilience: A Coach’s Perspective  

When faced with economic instability, I recommend thinking in three layers: what’s within your control (the top), what’s beyond your control (the bottom), and where they meet (the middle). This framework is particularly powerful in coaching sessions.  

1. The Top: Control What You Can  

In times of uncertainty, many people focus only on what’s outside their control - layoffs, market downturns, industry shifts. But coaching redirects focus to what is within your grasp:  

Your spending habits - Can you make financial decisions that give you more security and options?  

Your network - Are you strengthening relationships and opening doors, rather than retreating into isolation? Are you mindful of the company you’re keeping? 

Your skill set - Are you learning new, in-demand skills that can make you more adaptable?  

Your mindset - Are you managing stress in ways that promote clarity and productivity?  Your faith and time in nature, how you treat people, and random acts of kindness are positive actions.

A coach helps you identify practical actions that put you in the driver’s seat, even in a volatile job market.  

2. The Bottom: Recognizing That You Will Survive 

One of the biggest reasons uncertainty feels unbearable is the fear of loss - of financial security, status, comfort. But coaching helps reframe this fear by grounding you in reality:  

You won’t starve. Even in the worst-case scenario, you have skills, connections, and resources that will help you rebuild. 

You can adapt. The human brain is wired for resilience. A coach helps you harness that adaptability instead of succumbing to fear.  

You are not your job. Your worth is not determined by your title, salary, or company name. Coaching reinforces this perspective, making career changes feel less like personal failures and more like new opportunities.  

3. The Middle: Where Resilience and Opportunity Meet  

This is where real transformation happens. The intersection of what you can control and what you must accept is where coaching has the greatest impact. Here’s how:  

Reframing negativity - Instead of spiraling into fear, you learn to shift your perspective toward gratitude and possibility.  

Taking action despite fear - A coach provides accountability and support, helping you make bold moves even when uncertainty looms.  

Fostering meaningful connections - Whether it’s helping others, networking with authenticity, or finding mentors, coaching encourages relationship-building as a core strategy.  

Positivity isn’t something you “hold on to.” It’s something you cultivate through action, and connection with LIFE. A coach ensures you’re taking the right actions, even in times of doubt.  

Does This Sound Like “Mumbo-Jumbo”? Science Says Otherwise.  

Some may dismiss mindset shifts and emotional resilience as fluffy concepts, but neuroscience tells a different story:  

Movement and nature lower stress. A simple walk outdoors reduces cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and boosts endorphins, improving mental clarity.  

Gratitude rewires the brain. Studies show that regularly practicing gratitude increases dopamine production, making you more optimistic and solution-focused.  

Helping others boosts resilience. Engaging in small acts of kindness activates the brain’s reward system, reducing stress and increasing motivation.  

Coaching incorporates these science-backed strategies to help you build a sustainable foundation of well-being and effectiveness - regardless of economic conditions.  

Why Investing in Coaching Now Is the Right Move  

In uncertain times, it’s tempting to pull back on investments in yourself. But paradoxically, uncertainty is exactly when coaching provides the most value. Here’s why:  

It prevents stagnation. Without guidance, people often react to uncertainty with inaction. Coaching keeps you moving forward.  

It builds confidence. A coach helps you see possibilities rather than obstacles, making challenges feel less daunting.  

It creates long-term security. The most successful professionals aren’t those who avoid risk - they’re the ones who adapt quickly and strategically. Coaching accelerates that adaptability.  

You wouldn’t cancel your gym membership in a health crisis. Likewise, professional coaching isn’t an expense to cut when times get tough - it’s a critical tool for navigating those tough times successfully.  

Final Thoughts: The Right Time to Act Is Now  

If you’re feeling uncertain about your career, your business, or your financial future, you’re not alone. But you don’t have to navigate it alone, either. Coaching offers a structured, science-backed approach to strengthening your mindset, improving your decision-making, and positioning yourself for success - no matter what the economy does next. 

The world will always have uncertainty. The question is: How prepared will you be?  

If you’re ready to take control in an uncontrollable world, let’s talk. I coach clients worldwide  - from executives to entrepreneurs to professionals in transition. Let’s build your strategy for resilience and success.  

Reach out today. Your future self will thank you.

About the Author

Anna is an organizational psychologist and executive coach, with a special interest in all things technology. We’re part of the team at Garleff Coaching and Consulting Group. If this article has struck a chord, please let us know.
Anna Garleff Cell: +1 587 224 3793 / anna@garleffcoaching.com
www.garleffcoaching.com