Self-coaching when faced with uncertainty in your work life, such as not knowing or being unable to decide whether to stay or quit?
In our professional lives, we often face challenges that leave us wondering whether we should stay in our current job or look for something new. Facing such situations can be confusing and anxiety-inducing. However, you can use self-coaching questions to help you find the answers and find the best path forward for yourself.
Why is self-coaching useful?
Self-coaching is a way of asking yourself clear, direct questions to help you explore your true feelings, thoughts, and needs. Asking the right questions can help you gain a clearer picture and make better decisions about what to do next.
Sample self-coaching questions with possible answers
“What makes me want to be in this situation?”
Example answer: “I really like my team. They make me feel like I am part of something big. I also feel that I have the opportunity to learn and grow here.”
- Identifying what makes you want to stay in your current job can help you understand what you value or feel is meaningful to you in your current job, such as a great team or opportunities for personal development.
“What makes me want to get out of this situation?”
Example answer: “I feel that the workload is too much and that I don’t get enough support from my management, which often makes me stressed and exhausted.”
- Identifying what makes you want to leave the situation can reveal challenges or frustrations you are facing, such as work stress or a lack of adequate support.
“If I leave, what do I expect to gain from this change?”
Sample answer: “I expect to find a new job with a better work-life balance and greater recognition for the work I do.”
- This question helps you explore your expectations and needs for a job change. What are you looking for in a new job, such as a better work-life balance or more recognition for your work?
“If I stay, what should I do to feel better?”
Example answer: “I might need to find ways to manage my stress better, such as practicing meditation or talking to my boss about cutting back on some of my workload.”
- Finding ways to address or improve your current situation can help you feel better, such as managing stress or finding ways to talk to your management about improving your workload.
“Have I tried to improve this situation, and what haven’t I tried?”
Example answer: “I have talked to my coworkers and tried to change the way I work, but I haven’t tried talking to my boss about how I feel and asking for more support.”
- This question prompts you to consider what you have already tried to solve the problem, and whether there are other methods you have not yet tried.
“Is this decision made out of fear or my true desire?”
Example answer: “I think it was my genuine desire to find a place where I could feel more myself, not because I was afraid of change.”
- Sometimes we make decisions based on fear, not on true desire. Asking this question can help you explore your feelings more deeply and make decisions with more confidence.
“What is my backup plan if I decide to leave?”
Example answer: “I have already started my job search and have some savings in case I don’t find a new job right away.”
- Having a contingency plan in place if you decide to leave your current job can help you feel more confident in your decision, such as having some financial cushion or starting a new job search before you leave.
“How will I feel about this decision in 6 months or a year?”
Example answer: “I think if I leave and find a better job, I’ll feel like I made the right decision. If I don’t, I might regret it, but it’s an important life lesson.”
- Thinking about the future and evaluating how you will feel in the next few months or years can help you make more informed decisions.
Conclusion
Self-coaching is a powerful way to find answers and guidance when you are faced with uncertainty in your professional life. Asking targeted questions can help you better understand your true needs and feelings, allowing you to make informed and confident decisions at every stage of your transition. Remember that every decision is an opportunity to learn and grow, and self-coaching can help guide you in the right direction for your future happiness and success.
Recommended articles:
Coaching Strategies for Managers | Coaching Strategies for Managers
Dealing with Self-Doubt | Self-Coaching to Manage Self-Doubt
