Many clients come to me to be coached to change careers. Some make radical change while others find the coaching process makes them realise they actually love their career but that they need to make adjustments such as moving company or sector.

Career change coaching

Career change coaching is an in-depth process and can take a while. Through a bespoke programme I create for just for you, and with the help of licensed self assessment exercises, I will help you de-construct what makes you tick, to ascertain what is and isn't working, provide myriad ideas for the future as well as an action plan and the tools to move forward.

Middle-age career change

Most of my clients are in their 30s, 40s and 50s – they are either switching careers, looking for second careers, or looking for the best jobs for their individual time of life. I can help you identify the best career for you, considering your skills, values and lifestyle needs. Wouldn’t you like to feel confident to make the change?

I switched career at age 38-40 and have never looked back. Based on years of experience as career change professional, I provide a positive and proactive approach to switching careers at age 30, 40, or even 50.

Through my tried and trusted industry coaching techniques, we’ll work together to remove your psychological barriers, identify skills gaps and work on opportuinities for networking. I’ll be your one-on-one mentor to help you find that amazing new and fulfilling career to satisfy you – both in, and beyond, your 30s, 40s and 50s – for the rest of your life.

I can support you by way of:

  • Career ideas brainstorm

  • interests, skills, values audit

  • Review of career to date and what you need and want to change

  • Tackle the obstacles that stand in the way of change

  • Identify your transferrable skills and those relevant to what you are targeting

  • Your mid and long-term goals and developing a realistic plan to help you work towards these

  • How to research different jobs or sectors

  • How to actively expand and develop your network

  • Face to face or Zoom coaching

One-to-one career coaching

Ideas for career change at 35

Sometimes we strive so hard to excel and be recognised - that we don’t take a breath to take stock of what we actually want in life.

You may have gone straight from school or university into a career with only a cursory thought that this was the right path and now in your mid-30s you’re starting to think: “Is this what I want for the rest of my life?”

I see many 30-somethings who are stuck in this situation. I can help with career change ideas, or help you start a new career and make the switch. I will help you join the dots between present and future, with new career ideas suitable for women returners, people who are bored and need more stimulation, and those who need more financial stability.

Starting a new career at 50

Finding a new career at 50 can mean all sorts of things; complete career change requiring retraining to finding different ways of working in your 50s, and making some changes to lifestyle as well.

I coach many men and women in their 50s; my clients are often looking for a portfolio career of multiple activities or a fulfilling early retirement. Some are looking to switch careers in later life after completing their families, find a second career to bring new challenges, or land the best new career they never had, so are completely starting over.

There really is no age limit to switching careers, just good career coaching support, lots of lateral thinking and fresh ideas, and a positive mindset.

Switching direction at 40

If you’re thinking of making a career change at 40, you may be feeling anxious and unsure if you’ll be accepted in the new environment.

As we are living longer, traditional views of age and stage of life are being overturned - changing people’s ideas about what is a “good” time to switch career.

Making a career change in one’s 40s will become increasingly common, and switching careers multiple times even more so as we meet the needs of a rapidly changing work world and our own boredom thresholds.

I can help you start a new career in your 40s - whether that involves re-training or re-inventing yourself – and coach you through the transition.

  • “Helen is a fantastic leadership coach who has helped my transition to a portfolio NED. It’s been hugely beneficial to have her helping me – a sounding board, collaborator, supporter, mentor, coach, truth teller. I recommend everyone has someone like her on their side.”

    Tina, NED and Strategic COO Advisor (Jan 2024)

  • “My coach, Helen Slingsby, has been wonderful! She is quick to respond, easy to set up meetings with (even last minute when things come up), flexible, and takes a very professional yet friendly and empathetic approach to meetings. She asks all the right probing questions, provides great resources, and has my best interests in mind.”

    Anastasia, ex-schoolteacher, landed a job in the Ed-Tech sector (Jan 2024)

  • “I turned to Helen when I knew I needed a career change after twenty years working in an area I wasn’t really connecting with any more. I had no idea what else I might do, and my confidence was low. Helen worked with me to identify my transferable skills, and believe in my abilities, and I was able not only to shape what I wanted out of my next career but successfully move into a new field, all within a few months.”

    Charlotte, ex-civil servant, now a Deloitte consultant (2022)

  • “After a spell of unsuccessful job hunting I made the decision to get help from a professional career coach and booked in a course of five sessions with Helen. I found a job even before my fifth session and don't doubt for a moment that this was the result of my increased confidence and better job seeking skills resulting from these sessions.”

    IT Specialist (Jan 2024)

  • “Having come to a career crossroads in my life, I felt I needed some support in defining what my real vocational passion was and in finding the best way to put it into practice. Helen was fantastic in this regard: throughout our sessions I found her encouraging manner, broad business experience and practical insights extremely valuable in helping me to refocus and achieve my goals.”

    Director of Government Affairs, pharma sector (Dec 2023)

  • “Helen’s individualised approach boosted my confidence and helped me to completely re-evaluate my achievements and to see my potential in a much more positive light, so that I was able to reposition myself and secure my ideal job.”

    Cindy, Reading, Berkshire

  • “The subtle changes you made to my CV and Linkedin profile made a big difference - with me no longer chasing jobs, but agents chasing me.”

    Jeremy, Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire

  • “It’s been a year since our meeting and I just wanted to thank you for helping me to focus on my key strengths and interests. I’ve just been promoted to a Business Critical Account Manager responsible for building and maintaining relationships with customers, and I couldn’t be happier.”

    Wassim, Maidenhead, Berkshire

  • “Helen acted as my career coach after I was made redundant from a large blue-chip organisation. Through our sessions I learned a lot about myself, gained a huge amount of confidence, plus the ability to sell myself better and I have now secured a new role in marketing.”

    Alison, Basingstoke, Hampshire

  • “At times I felt a bit lost, and a little despondent – Helen was a really great coach in keeping my spirits up.”

    Andrew, Oxford

  • “I’ve been successful in my job hunting and will be starting in the New Year. Salary is excellent. As you’d suggested, I found the job through someone I used to work with – so networking wins again.”

    Jane, Tadley, Hampshire

  • “Helen has been a fantastic help in enabling me to progress through a big change in my career. I now have much more clarity on my skills and what I want from my career.”

    Hannah, Pangbourne, Berkshire

  • “Thank you for the coaching and advice – I start on Monday as Chief Product Marketing Officer. The visualisation of walking into the new office did really help, and just having some of those structured approaches to answering questions kept me going.”

    Steven, Reading, Berkshire

  • “Your guidance through the interview process and pointers toward proper preparation gave me, if results are considered, a confident and winning approach in a very competitive first move into industry from a Big Four accountancy firm.”

    James, London

  • “I have worked with Helen for six years. She has been very effective in helping me through a change in career, and through ensuing regular executive coaching sessions that keep me on track.”

    Ross, Reading, Berkshire

  • “From the start I was impressed with Helen’s energy, professionalism and the way that she dealt with me as an individual, this support has been invaluable, thank you.”

    Liam, Marlborough, Wiltshire

  • “I was facing an important life transition after 35 years in the corporate world so finding renewed purpose and re-inventing my identity was essential. With Helen’s coaching and encouragement I have secured voluntary work and am in the process of identifying further options by using my network.”

    Gill, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire

  • “I am finally out the other side now and feel like a new person. I have accepted a finance role, which will hopefully free up some time for family and exploring my new love of interior design. Couldn’t have got there without you!”

    Amanda, Hook, Hampshire

  • “I was made redundant from a senior executive role in a global publishing company. I have now landed a job that really excites me, and I am extremely grateful to Helen for her support and expertise.”

    Andrew, Oxford

Get started with your own career breakthrough, today.