Are you thinking about becoming a coach, but are waiting for the perfect time to make the jump?

We’ve all been there. It’s a big decision to make, and it’s natural to want everything to be in perfect alignment before taking that leap.

But the truth is, there’s never going to be a “perfect” time to become a coach. Things are always going to be a little bit messy and chaotic.

There’s probably not going to be a “perfect” time to start your coaching career.

What do I mean?

Simply that life is always going to be full of ups and downs—and there will always be more things that you could learn.

However, at some point you have to take the plunge and become a coach.

Should you suddenly quit your job to focus on coaching?

Well, that’s up to you, of course—but probably not.

At least, not unless you have a plan in place.

If you’re considering going all in on becoming a coach, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Why Do You Want to Become a Coach?

First, ask yourself why you want to become a coach.

What is it that drew you to coaching in the first place?

Is it a desire to help others reach their potential and flourish?

A passion for personal growth?

Or something else entirely?

Now, think about your coaching specialization, or “niche.” Who are your target clientele? Who do you most want to work with (and spend significant amounts of time with) as a coach? What kind of clients do you feel most called to serve?

By getting clear on your motivations and who you want to help, you’ll be better equipped to make a decision about whether or not to pursue coaching full-time.

Whatever your reason, be sure that coaching is truly what you want to do before taking the plunge.

It’s not an easy career path, and there will be challenges along the way.

But if you’re passionate about helping others grow and reach their goals, then coaching may be the perfect career for you.

Do You Already Have any Coach Training, Certification, and/or Accreditation?

Second, consider your experience and expertise.

What do you have to offer as a coach?

Do you have experience in the field that you want to coach in?

Are you an expert on the topics you want to discuss with your clients?

If not, that’s okay—you can always learn more. But it’s important to have some base knowledge before starting out as a coach.

Otherwise, you may find yourself struggling to keep up with your clients.

Consider getting a coaching certificate at minimum, or becoming a fully accredited coach through a reputable coach training school, like Four Streams. This will not only give you a solid knowledge base as a foundation for your coaching career, but it will also show potential clients that you’re serious about being a coach and—most importantly—that you have the skills to back up your coaching.

What’s Your Financial Plan?

Third, think about your financial situation. Can you afford to quit your job and focus on coaching full-time?

Do you have savings that will help you through the lean times?

If not, then it’s probably not wise to quit your job just yet.

You’ll also need to consider how you’ll generate income as a coach.

Will you charge by the hour? By the session? Will you offer packages or programs? 

There are many options, so take some time to research and decide what model makes the most sense for you.

Only You Know When It’s the Right Time to Start Your Coaching Career

Finally, trust your gut.

When it comes down to it, only you can decide if coaching is right for you—and when the time is right to start a coaching career.

If you’re feeling called to become a coach, then go for it—the world needs more people who are passionate about helping others grow and reach their potential.

So, when is the right time to start your coaching career?

The answer is: when you’re ready.

Trust your gut, follow your heart, and go for it.

The world needs more coaches, and there’s no better time than now to start making a difference.