I'm a middle-aged guy with a pretty unorthodox professional background and rough upbringing. Have made a lot of mistakes in my career, burned bridges, struggled with mental health, and have not yet learned how to "play the game."
I've done a lot of personal work the past few years to sort out many of my issues, and I'm ready to reenter the arena, but am looking to do so under the guidance of a coach who can provide the mentorship I never really had – someone who can help me navigate decisions, cultivate a network, manage conflict, etc. I can no longer waffle about as the opportunity cost of directionless failure is way too high at my age (35).
I've worked in various roles in PM and design, and my goal is to eventually become a formidable entrepreneur whether sooner or later after a few years rebuilding myself.
Do life coaches like this exist?
A life coach is just a therapist who has no credentials. And there is nothing wrong with that if all you need is a guide. But if you have a history of mental health concerns and want to learn how to better interact with people to benefit your career, while helping you figure out what personal changes are needed to enable you to meet your goals... you need someone who has a bit more experience and knowledge.