Career Coaching Myths: What People Get Wrong (and the Truth Behind Them)

When you hear “career coaching”, you might think of someone who’s hit a wall in their career. And while that’s one reason people seek coaching, it’s far from the only one. Career coaching is for people navigating change, striving for growth, making a big career move, or simply wanting more clarity and purpose in their work.

At The Happy Mondays Co., we encounter a range of beliefs about coaching—and many of them simply aren’t true. Let’s set the record straight by tackling four of the biggest career coaching myths.

Myth 1: Coaching is for people who are lost or failing

Many believe career coaching is only for those stuck in a rut—people in dead-end jobs, unsure of their direction, or desperately trying to “fix” their careers. The stigma? Seeking coaching means you’re struggling or somehow “failing.”

This couldn’t be further from the truth.

The Reality:

Coaching is for growth, not just recovery.

Career coaching isn’t just a lifeline in tough times. It’s a tool for growth, no matter where you are in your career. Many high-achievers—executives, entrepreneurs, and ambitious professionals—often work with career coaches to reach their next big milestone.

Coaching can help you sharpen your skills, discover new opportunities, and craft a vision for your future. It’s not about “fixing” you, because you’re not ‘broken’ to begin with!

At The Happy Mondays Co., we support people at all stages of their careers. Whether you’re pivoting to something new, aiming for a leadership role, or seeking to maximize your impact. Coaching isn’t a sign of struggle. It’s a commitment to becoming the best version of yourself.

Curious to learn more about how career coaching can help you grow?

Check out our Career Coaching page to explore how we can support your next big move.

Myth 2: Coaches will tell you what to do

John (name changed) held this belief.. As a software developer at a leading Australian tech startup, he hesitated to seek career coaching in Melbourne because he thought it would feel like following a prescribed roadmap. He feared that coaching would feel like following a script, with his coach dictating every move.

Sound familiar? A lot of people assume coaches are there to dictate your next steps.

The Reality

Coaches empower, not dictate.

When John finally gave career coaching a shot, he discovered that coaching isn’t about being told what to do. It was about gaining clarity and making choices to help craft your own path.

A great coach won’t hand you a “one-size-fits-all” plan. Instead, they ask insightful questions, challenge your assumptions, and help you uncover solutions that work for you.

Through our sessions, John realized his coach wasn’t taking over but rather helping him align his skills, values, and goals in a way that felt right.

At The Happy Mondays Co., we empower you to own your journey and celebrate your wins, big and small. Coaching is about growth on your terms—not following someone else’s playbook.

Want to see how career coaching can make a difference?

Explore our case studies to see how we’ve helped professionals like John move past their doubts and create their Happy Mondays.

Myth 3: One session is all you need

Some think one coaching session is all it takes to transform their career. A quick-fix mindset is tempting, but real growth doesn’t happen overnight.

The Reality:

Career growth is a journey, not a quick fix.

Imagine going to the gym once and expecting to be fit. Or attending one language class and expecting to be fluent.

Unrealistic, right? The same applies to coaching.

Research shows that sustained behavioural change takes time. On average, it takes 66 days to build a new habit—and that includes the way we think. Coaching follows a similar path, where each session builds on the last, helping you gain clarity, set goals, and take meaningful action towards a fresh career plan.

At The Happy Mondays Co., we encourage clients to view coaching as a partnership. It’s not a one-and-done solution but a process that unfolds with time and commitment. The results? Clarity, confidence, and a career strategy that truly works for you.

Myth 4: Coaches need to have worked in your industry

A common question we hear is, “How can a coach help me if they’ve never worked in my industry?” It’s a fair question, but it’s based on a misunderstanding of how coaching works.

The Reality:

The core of coaching is about YOU—industry is just one factor that feeds into your career.

While industry knowledge can be helpful, it’s not essential for great coaching. What matters most is a coach’s ability to ask the right questions, identify patterns, and help you see fresh possibilities.

At The Happy Mondays Co., our coaches specialise in guiding people from various industries—finance, tech, consulting, and beyond. The focus is on helping you achieve clarity and make decisions aligned with your goals, regardless of your field.

Don’t Let Myths Hold You Back

These coaching myths aren’t just misunderstandings—they’re barriers. They stop talented professionals from seeking support, which can keep them stuck in a cycle of doubt and indecision.

By busting these myths, you open the door to growth, clarity, and a career you love. Coaching isn’t about being “fixed”—it’s about unlocking your full potential.