From frustration to joy at work: your 3-phase plan for a fulfilling professional life

‘So, what do you do for a living?’

That question. It almost gives you stomach ache by now. You smile awkwardly, give some half-baked answer and would prefer to change the subject immediately. Because you don't like talking about your job. Because it doesn't feel good.

When was the last time you woke up in the morning and looked forward to the day because of work? Not because of a holiday, not because it was Friday, but because of what you do?

If you have to think about it for a long time, that's already an answer.

The people who come to me for coaching know this feeling. They are dissatisfied in their job, have no idea what they want to do instead and wonder if there is even a job out there that would make them truly happy. Career change. Sounds big, I know. But that's exactly what this is about.

Einstein is supposed to have said that the purest form of madness is to always do the same thing and expect different results. Whether he really said it is debatable. But the idea is still true.

Mark Twain said: "In twenty years, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So cast off. Leave the safe harbour. Let the trade winds blow into your sails. Discover. Dream. Realise."

My coaching is divided into precisely these three phases. Let me tell you how it all works.

Phase 1: Discover. What Truly Drives You?

In the discovery phase, you get to know yourself again. This time from a professional perspective.

How do you figure out what really motivates you and which career direction actually fits? By taking a close look at who you are. What tasks energize you? Which values matter most to you? In what kind of environment do you thrive?

This phase is the foundation for anyone who takes their professional growth seriously. When you understand your strengths, interests, and motivations, you can make intentional decisions instead of being driven by doubt or uncertainty.

By the end of this phase, you’ll have a clear picture of what truly matters to you. You’ll have created a compass that guides your next steps toward a career that genuinely feels right.

Phase 2: Dream and Experiment

When did you last let yourself dream freely, without immediately thinking "that's never going to work anyway"?

That's exactly what we do in this phase. New possibilities that might seem unusual. Ideas you never thought through to the end because they felt too big or too crazy. We take those seriously.

And then we test them, in small experiments. A conversation with someone from an industry that interests you. A mini project. A task you never thought you were capable of. That way you get real impressions instead of vague ideas. You find out what gives you energy and what feels completely different in practice than it did in your head.

Phase 3: Realization. What actually stands the test?

At some point in this process, things start to get clearer. Some ideas that sounded great feel off when you actually try them. Others genuinely excite you.

From these insights, a realistic and actionable plan takes shape. You choose the direction that fits you best and define concrete steps to get there.

With that clarity, figuring out your next career move stops being a shot in the dark and becomes a deliberate path toward a job that makes you happy.

Why a neutral outside perspective is worth gold

Friends and family mean well. Most of the time. But they have often known you for so long that they no longer see you with fresh eyes. Their views are shaped by their own images of you and sometimes by their own wishes or fears.

As a neutral person, I am different. I do not know your history in detail, I have no expectations of you, and I have no interest in pushing you in a specific direction. I ask questions, sometimes uncomfortable ones, and I stand by your side while you find your own path. The one that feels aligned for you.

The question of cost

Let me ask you something in return. How much did you spend on your last weekend trip? On a vacation? On spontaneous leisure activities? Several hundred euros or more for experiences that are enjoyable but do not change your current professional situation.

Coaching is not a short term expense. It is an investment in yourself and in your future. Imagine waking up in the morning and going to a job that truly fulfills you. A job you genuinely enjoy. You know why you are doing what you are doing. What would that be worth to you?

I am not saying coaching is right for everyone. But if you have been in a job for months or even years that makes you unhappy and no longer fits your life, then it is worth asking yourself: What is it costing you in energy, motivation, and lifetime if you change nothing?

Why staying committed is important

It is simple. You get out what you put in.

Those who actively participate, complete the exercises between sessions, and truly stay committed gain clarity and make decisions that feel right. That is why we schedule fixed appointments from the very beginning. They help maintain momentum and keep you focused when everyday life gets loud again.

The exercises between sessions are not an extra. They are the key to making real progress step by step.

Of course, sometimes something unexpected comes up. That is completely fine. But to be honest, I prefer working with people who do not squeeze coaching in between doing laundry and watching Netflix, but who genuinely want this process. It is simply more powerful that way. For you. And for me, because I enjoy it more when I see you fully engaged.

What will be different after coaching

You will know what you want. It sounds simple. For many people, it is not.

You will make decisions with more clarity. You will know which jobs are not even worth considering and which ones truly deserve your attention.

Are we a match?

Coaching is close and often very personal. The chemistry between us matters. You need to feel comfortable and able to open up, and I want to be sure that I can truly support you.

The first step is a discovery call. I will not push you into anything. I am kind, and easy to talk to. We simply explore whether we are a good fit and whether this path feels right for you. And if not, that is absolutely fine.

So. What are you waiting for? I look forward to talking with you.