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Working is something we all must do to pay the bills and prepare for the future. But somewhere between that time of just starting out with our first “real” job and eventually retiring, we end up seeking out more than just a job. Once our basic needs are met, we desire meaning and purpose in our professional lives. I’ve been so grateful to find that in my work as a financial advisor and want the same for my clients.
That’s why I was excited to talk to Heather Pridemore, a certified coach and the owner of Pridemore Coaching. She specializes in helping individuals find career paths that resonate with their values, passions, and strengths. She empowers clients to overcome obstacles, redefine their career paths, and achieve fulfillment in their professional lives.
Read on as Heather shares her invaluable wisdom and practical advice for those embarking on a journey to find a career that truly speaks to who they are.
1. What led you to your career change into coaching and how did you find that there was a need for career development coaching? (A-HA Moment)
Like many, I was impacted by restructuring and downsizing in 2023, and when I left my corporate job, I had full intentions of finding another corporate position. I started working with an Executive Coach to get ready for the next phase of my career and realized during that process I didn’t want to go back to corporate.
In considering all the things I had done and the parts of my roles I had most enjoyed, I realized that I felt most fulfilled when developing people. I also recognized that during my leadership experience of coaching and mentoring people, there were some common obstacles for those of us who were first-generation white-collar professionals. I knew what kind of impact I had been able to have within the corporate environment and thought I could help people at scale.
2. At what point in people's careers do they come to you for coaching?
Many people seek coaching when there is some kind of event - like a layoff or being passed over for a promotion.
I have designed my services with the mid-career professional in mind. Someone with several years of experience who has done well so far, maybe even experienced a few promotions, but is starting to feel that maybe they're up against some invisible barriers to success.
3. What do you see as the biggest professional hurdle for those seeking a career change? Are there financial hurdles?
There’s a saying, “What got you here, won’t get you there” and I think this is most prevalent for mid-career professionals, especially if they are first-generation white collar. In my personal experience, a blue-collar background teaches you hard work and a strong work ethic but those things will only carry you so far on their own. And unfortunately, can lend themselves to the career plateau mid-career professionals experience.
The skills needed for a career change or advancement are the same ones needed for navigating financial opportunities. They tend to be interconnected. Navigating career development and financial health both require self-advocacy skills and continuous learning.
4. Many women re-enter the workforce after a big life change such as having children or recovering from a divorce. What advice do you have for them?
I’d encourage those who are re-entering the workforce or are unhappy in their careers to begin by first assessing their goals beyond just finding a new job. Understanding our goals and values can really help to get clear on what is in and out of scope as we evaluate certain roles or companies. Unfortunately, a job search puts many of us in a position where we feel like we must take whatever we can get. I recognize for some that this can be a reality. But it can also be a narrative we tell ourselves based on fear. I talk to people all the time of varying levels of experience, education, and tenure and they all share the same concerns when making a career change.
By getting clear on the desired outcome, we begin the process in a position of power.
I’d also recommend getting some professional help. At minimum consider a professional resume writer. Resume writing seems easy but it’s a very specific type of technical writing, and working with a professional can help to shape the professional narrative for a potential employer. I’d recommend this for someone who is re-entering the workforce in particular. But it can be just as impactful for someone transitioning roles or industries. The ultimate goal is a career narrative that positions you for the next chapter of your career and a professional can help you find the connections between your work history and future career objectives. It might also be helpful to consider working with a coach. This can be especially beneficial if someone is unhappy or needs a change but feels unsure about what the next steps look like. Our careers can kind of sweep us up over time and we rarely take the time to reflect and truly assess if we’re on the right path. A coach can really assist in this process.
5. Can you share a success story of a client who successfully transitioned to a career aligned with their values and passions under your guidance?
I had a client who came to me because they were having some challenges at work; they were feeling taken for granted and communication was a challenge with their supervisor. They were working in an industry and role that aligned well with their work history and seemed like a practical next step for some of their plans.
But through the sessions, it became clear that the client didn’t want to be in this role. They’d been telling themselves a series of stories about needing to stay in a role for a certain amount of time for it to “count” and that they “should” have this kind of position on their resume.
It’s worth pointing out here that this was someone with a long tenure in their field, with many credentials, and many transferable skills. Once the client realized they no longer wanted to be in the role we were able to discuss what they did want. That led to them deciding to leave and reallocate their energies to some other entrepreneurial projects they had started but had been unable to dedicate enough time to because of this other role.
6. What is your meeting process and what services do you offer?
I offer a 30-minute no-obligation discovery call to start. Once I understand someone’s story and career aspirations, we can work together to tailor a coaching program that best fits their needs. The coaching program is structured, yet flexible.
The personalized coaching services are a 12-session coaching engagement that averages 3,6, or 12 months - the speed of which is designed and adjusted based on the needs, goals, and preferences of the client. The program also includes a three-part Hogan Assessment.
You Don’t Have to Go It Alone When It Comes to Your Career
Career Path Clarity
Intentional Authenticity
Interview Practice
Leadership Development
LinkedIn Profile Optimization
Purpose, Passion, & Work Alignment
Review & Update Job Search Assets
Self-Advocacy
Work-Life Balance
Click below to watch a recent video interview with Heather Pridemore and learn more!
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Disclosures
No investment strategy assures success or protects against loss. Investing involves risk, including the loss of principal. The information in this post is not intended as tax, accounting or legal advice, as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, or other securities or non-securities offering. This information should not be relied upon as the sole factor in an investment making decision.