Career Coaching for Job Promotions in Midlife

Career coaching is a valuable tool for job promotions, especially midlife, when one might feel “too old” to pivot careers or find a better opportunity. A coaching client of Coaching with Ms. D is allowing me to share her story, anonymously, of course, because this is her dilemma, and she wants to help others understand that it is never too late to grow in your career.

My Client Thought She was “Too Old” to Find Another Job

Age is just a number. Let me repeat, AGE IS JUST A NUMBER! She is a 55-year-old woman who, until ten years ago, lived a life of luxury, with all expenses paid for by her partner. She worked part-time for life fulfillment. Until tragedy struck and she was left alone, financially burdened, and homeless. Yes, homeless, as her significant other never listed her on the deed.

Not one to give up, she reentered the workforce full-time, finding better opportunities until she landed in her current role as Customer Service Manager, where she has been for the past three years. However, she only earns $20 per hour. Yes, you read that correctly. She earns a mere $20 per hour as a manager.

During our session, she repeated, “I’m too old to start over.” She loves her job, the clients, the short commute, the job perks, and her co-workers. The only caveat is her hourly wage. Therefore, we decided to hold coaching sessions for her to both earn a promotion and a raise within the company.

How Can Career Coaching Help with Getting a Job Promotion?

To begin, we discovered during our first session, mentioned above, that she wants to focus on a promotion and a raise because she wants to grow her career within the company. Coaching is about what the client wants, and digging deep to uncover what makes her happy, not the coach giving advice.

Next, we worked on building her sales, leading her team with professionalism, and role-playing to ask for the promotion and a higher salary.

Shortly thereafter, she felt confident in bringing her needs to the district manager. While there were no available positions at a higher level, she encouraged her to continue developing her skill set to apply when a higher position opens, and she will be the first to know, so that she can apply as an internal candidate.

In addition, she received a small raise and was promised more if sales increase by the end of the year.

My client guarantees me she is comfortable with this temporary resolution. She also promised to continue looking for internal opportunities, and we will work together to secure the role, even if she feels it is beyond her current skills, experience, and education.

She built confidence through the coaching sessions and learned how to develop her skills, aiming to grow where she hopes to stay until retirement.

Free Discovery Call

Coaching with Ms. D offers both individual and package options of 30- and 60-minute Coaching Sessions, where you will be asked thought-provoking questions and learn strategies to build your life, advance your career, and strengthen your relationships. You will gain clarity, confidence, and be prepared with a personalized approach to ask for that promotion.

Schedule your complimentary discovery call to learn how career coaching can help you with getting a raise and/or job promotion!

I AM NOT A LICENSED THERAPIST OR PSYCHOLOGIST. COACHING SESSIONS ARE NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR THERAPY OR MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING. We focus on the present and future. I provide personalized support and strategies to help you achieve your career goals and self-evaluate your progress. Together, we work towards your ultimate success. Schedule your free consultation now!

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©Deirdre Haggerty 2025. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. It is unlawful to reproduce this article or any part without the author’s prior written permission.