Hi everyone. As I work on my next career step, I keep being advised to work with a career coach.

17 Comments

1. AnonymousFebruary 6,2026 at 4:51PM UTC

   $6k?!?!!! That is highway robbery at its finest.

2. Dr. Patty GrossFebruary 7,2026 at 2:21PM UTC

   Check to make sure they are ICF Certified, especially if they are charging that much. How many sessions? There are several certification levels, and the professional coaches who charge that much would hold a PCC certification or higher. You can find their credentialing requirements at: https://coachingfederation.org

3. AnonymousFebruary 7,2026 at 2:49PM UTC

   IF, and it’s a big if, the coach can provide you with truly customized support that helps you with what you need, it may be worth it. If they’re just slotting you into a “method” or packaging generic advice into a “coaching” approach, then it’s probably not. I am sorry to be so cynical but unless they are offering something extraordinary that, again, fits YOUR needs and your approach and not their business as a coach, $6000 is a lot. Do they have experience in your industry, or the industry you’d like to enter, if you pivot? Are they really going to be able to help you position yourself for your next step in YOUR journey , or just A career journey for which anyone would get the same advice? Will they help with tailored ways to approach each networking prospect? Those are the kinds of things I would expect for $6000.

4. AnonymousFebruary 7,2026 at 3:47PM UTC

   I have worked with multiple coaches and honestly have never found them to do much. I am sure there are some good ones but most of the time they are giving you advice you can read online, “have multiple versions of your resume” or “network to find a job”. There is seldom beyond the advice that is set in your lap to do the actions on. I think paying someone to help with a resume refresh can we $$ well spent but the “coaching” I have found falls flat. It is not personal service is my experience.

5. AnonymousFebruary 7,2026 at 5:51PM UTC

   Sure, decide what you want the outcome to be. Good advisors cost money and a good advisor will add to your bottom line. If you cannot or don't want to pay for a professional coach consider a mentorship advisor instead.

   If they seem eager to work with you it is because they likely see the need you have and can help you make changes that you desire. Why not speak to some references that they have actually coached in similar situations to yours. That may help as well. It's a bit like getting a therapist, you need to determine if you can make changes through this process. Good luck.

6. AnonymousFebruary 8,2026 at 1:46AM UTC

   Personally, I would not ever pay 6k for a coach. I would seek out a mentor who can customize the experience because they know you and would not charge a bundle!

   We have preceptors at work who are willing to help coach and manage up without a fee.

7. C. GarrabrantFebruary 9,2026 at 5:56PM UTC

   $6 is a rip off. I paid too much for a so-called career coach and they didn't help at all. A big waste of money. Better to use that money or a college course to help you up skill.

8. AnonymousFebruary 9,2026 at 9:38PM UTC

   Posting this anonymously for education purposes, not generating leads or sales.

   Similar to what others have said, do your research. Is the coach ICF certified? Have they shared recommendations or referrals? Do they offer a free session to openly discuss their offers and approaches? Do they customize their sessions, materials and support so you can be confident they're qualified to manage whatever challenge you throw their way, without overpromising or "guaranteeing" results?

   The cost of the program often correlates to aspects of the engagement. Add-ons that increase the investment beyond resume optimization and mock interviewing: strengthening presentation skills, addressing burnout recovery, including confidence rebuilding after a setback, developing leadership skills to accompany advancement, or including 90 days of coaching in the new role after the coach helped you get the job. It all depends on the job search support you personally need, how you value your current readiness, and the weight you put on the new salary you'll receive once the coach helps you get the offer.

   I'm an Executive Coach and Career Strategist which means there are 2 aspects of the work I do at different price points.

   1. I work with high achieving leaders and executives in complex corporate environments who are at challenging professional crossroads or steep growth, and need to design their next steps carefully, with clarity and certainty. (Longer, higher priced engagements, often paid for by the company)

   2. As a Career Strategist, I offer customized resume materials and job search aids to help professionals know their strengths and convey their qualifications on ATS-ready resumes, LinkedIn, and during interviews, so they're prepared for their job search and taking on their new role with confidence. (Shorter, lower priced, time-bound engagements that are nowhere near $6K)

   Weighing your options is a good idea. "Trust but verify." And if you decide to move forward, ensure it's with a coach you have professional chemistry with. You know the right answer for you.

9. AnonymousFebruary 10,2026 at 3:45AM UTC

   Thank you all very much for the helpful perspectives. I reached out to this coach to casually explore and feel pressure from her. I don’t plan to move forward and will continue to shop around. She didn’t offer references or mention any special licensing. I actually have a little more professional experience than she does also. My guess is she’s struggling to get enough clients and is charging an aggressive rate to make up for that.

10. Natalie KordaFebruary 10,2026 at 1:13PM UTC

    I used WorkBigger. Great program that takes you through all the steps to analyze your wants and needs for the right career change. Highly recommend Belma and her crew.

11. StephenieFebruary 10,2026 at 1:43PM UTC

    I created a Job Seeker's Comprehensive Toolkit that encompasses career coaching, but it provides all the steps for you to do the work. Check it out: abilitytalentservices.com

12. Tami CannizzaroFebruary 10,2026 at 5:20PM UTC

    As a certified professional career coach, I find fees like this to be outrageous. As a former corporate exec, I got into this line of work to help people, as I remember all too well what it's like to conduct a job search or try to figure out my next step. Or even, recover from a layoff. There are some of us out here who do not charge these crazy fees. Keep digging. And shy away from those who make unrealistic promises.

13. Cat the CoachFebruary 10,2026 at 5:29PM UTC

    IFC accredited coach here with my PCC (think of it as the difference between an accountant and a CPA). Just like therapists, there are excellent coaches who can be life-changing, there are mediocre coaches, and there are completely ineffective coaches. For those who say $6K is highway robbery, I say it depends. I'm not a career coach but I have coached several clients through career changes. I've also coached several clients into achieving multiple promotions, increased sales revenue, starting successful businesses and more. Their incomes have often 10x'd as a result of coaching. Would those clients say the investment was worth it? Absolutely. My 1:1 package is $5K for six months of weekly sessions, so depending on what's included, $6K doesn't seem out of bounds. I think of it this way - my mom always told me to invest money in a good haircut, because you wear it every day. Having a great coach to help you become your best self is something that pays dividends every day, in every area of life. If you want to expand beyond your norm, if you want to experience a richer, more fulfilling life, coaching can be the path to do that. We don't always have people in our lives who open our minds to what's possible, who hold a belief in our greatness even when we can't believe it ourselves, who let us be seen and heard without judgment, and who can get strategic with us and help us see the path to the next level. That's worth its weight in gold. If you look at anyone who is a master in their field, anyone who has accomplished extraordinary things, most of them have had coaches help them get there. I'm not trying to sell you on coaching, but I do want to make a case for the value proposition. You are investing in yourself, and that can be scary and uncomfortable. If it doesn't resonate, I would echo the suggestion of others to find a few great mentors. If you can find people who may be where you want to go, who may be just a little farther along the path, who are people you admire not just for what they've achieved but for the way they've achieved it, see if they're willing to share what they know. Most people really love to be helpful, so think of it as a way for them to feel good too. Best of luck! Keep us posted and let us know how we can support you!

14. KrisFebruary 11,2026 at 1:29PM UTC

    Thank you for asking this question. I've wondered for awhile if a coach would help me or give me any sort of edge in this economy but have always shied away since the prices seem like a lot and they obviously can't guarantee you will get a job, etc.

    I don't have personal experience but 6K+ does seem a bit much unless you're like a CEO-level at a Fortune 500 company or something? I would say go with your gut and do your research. There *are* lots of people trying to scam (not even with these paid coaching type of offers) so there's nothing wrong with being cautious. Good luck!

15. EMILY KIKUE FRANKFebruary 11,2026 at 3:01PM UTC

    Many coaches (me included) offer individual sessions rather than big programs. Look around to see who seems like a good fit. Programs always feel a bit one-size-fits-all to me, which I don't find helpful. Someone who does one-on-one sessions will help you with your particular challenges instead of walking you through a series of courses and steps.

16. AnonymousFebruary 11,2026 at 3:09PM UTC

    inorder for any of us to offer solid advice, we need more information; your age, years of experience, how long ago did you graduate from college/tech school, areas of weakness/strength, who is advising this (and why?). Ofcourse, coaches will be eager to work with you- as this is their profession and livelihood. But only you can determine whether you need this or not. Have you made a list of strengths, weaknesses, interests, knowledge/skill deficiences (or strengths/experiences- bilingual, etc?). Why are you being advised to get a coach?

17. Katherine AkbarFebruary 12,2026 at 1:04AM UTC

    It's hard to answer your question without knowing why you are being advised to work with a career coach. But stabbing in the dark as a Certified Career Coach with 16 years' experience in the career success field, I'd say these are the kind of things coaching can help with:

    —confidence (even imposter syndrome)
    —expanding your awareness about other explanations of the career challenges you see
    —helping you explore what resources are available to you and which you resonate with
    —helping you determine if you're in the right field
    —helping you determine if you're in the organization
    —helping you see what's stopping you in any area and getting out of your own way
    —helping you get promoted

    Things coaching is not good for:
    —trying to fix or change other people at work
    —ICF-style coaching (the industry standard) does not involve giving you any advice or solutions but rather helping you to find your own solutions

    Most coaches offer a sample session (free or paid) before you have to commit to a larger package.

    Look for a coach with whom the following are true:
    —You feel safe
    —You feel respected
    —You get new perspective
    —You move forward

    If I can be of any more assistance, please let me know. Best wishes!