Issue 8 - Career Transition Coaching. Make a Planned Move in 2026
The Clear Path Out of Burnout and Into a Role That Fits
By Rushdi Kirsten, Grow Coaching, Perth, Western Australia
Career transition is no longer a once-in-a-decade event. It is a reality for mid to senior professionals navigating shifting markets, changing organisational structures and the pressure to sustain high performance without burning out. I run Rushdi Kirsten Grow Coaching, a Perth-based practice serving professionals across Australia who want a smarter, faster and evidence-informed way to move from confusion to clarity and into roles that fit.
Below, I explain what career transition coaching is, how it helps, why you might need it now, how it works in practice, why a dedicated career coach matters, how long it typically takes, who it is for and how much it costs in the Australian market. Citations appear in square brackets and map to the numbered list at the end.
What is career transition coaching?
Career transition coaching is a structured, time-bound partnership that helps you clarify direction, reposition your professional brand and land or create the right role for the next stage of your career. The coaching process is anchored in the globally recognised definition of professional coaching set by the International Coaching Federation: a partnership that uses thought-provoking and creative dialogue to help clients maximise personal and professional potential. The agenda is client-driven, and I support discovery, accountability and progress toward clear outcomes [1][2][3].
This is distinct from therapy or mentoring. Mentors offer advice from their own experience, and sponsors open doors. Coaching focuses on helping you articulate goals, make decisions, build capability and execute a plan in real time, often alongside a targeted brand and job search strategy. Research on mentoring shows significant benefits for career growth, and coaching complements this by translating intent into measurable action through structured sessions, practice and feedback [12].
At Rushdi Kirsten Grow Coaching, I focus on mid to senior professionals who want clarity, confidence and momentum within 30 days, supported by practical tools, résumés and LinkedIn rebrands and an Australian market-savvy job search strategy.
How can career transition coaching help?
The evidence base for coaching is strong and growing. Meta-analyses of workplace coaching show positive effects on goal attainment, resilience, well-being and performance outcomes. Clients gain decision clarity and move faster on high-value actions when working to a focused protocol with accountability [4][5].
Career-specific interventions also show meaningful benefits. A large meta-analysis of career choice interventions reported a moderate positive effect, with the strongest gains in career decision-making confidence, a predictor of proactive job moves and successful transitions [6].
Professionally, coaching can streamline complex tasks that stall busy leaders: reframing and articulating a sharp value proposition, identifying transferable strengths, testing realistic pivots and creating a targeted campaign for roles that fit. Practically, it accelerates execution: job search cadence, ATS-aligned résumés, high-impact LinkedIn profiles and interview readiness tailored to Australian expectations. Authoritative resources across Australia reinforce the fundamentals that your materials must be clear, well structured and closely matched to role requirements [13][14][15][17].
For clients experiencing burnout symptoms, coaching provides a structured space to address energy drains, boundary setting and role redesign. The World Health Organisation recognises burnout as an occupational phenomenon resulting from chronic workplace stress not successfully managed. I help clients act on this insight with sustainable career moves and healthier leadership habits [7].
Why you might need it now
Australia’s labour market remains competitive and dynamic. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported the unemployment rate at 4.3% in October 2025, with participation at 67.0%. Competition per vacancy has increased compared to recent years, and job ads have eased in several states, lifting applications per ad. In a market where more applicants are chasing fewer roles in certain sectors, clear positioning and systematic search matter more than ever [8][9][10].
At the same time, organisations continue to prioritise skills agility. LinkedIn’s Workplace Learning Report highlights the premium on human and leadership skills alongside technical capability. Professionals who can communicate value, show adaptability and translate past achievements to new contexts are better placed to move. Coaching helps you build and evidence those capabilities in your story, résumé, profile and interview [11].
How it works at Rushdi Kirsten from Grow Coaching
Who I am
I run a Perth-based career and leadership coaching practice helping mid to senior professionals across Australia escape burnout, regain confidence and move into roles that fit through one-to-one online coaching, résumé and LinkedIn rebrands and a pragmatic job search strategy grounded in real-world executive experience.
My method: The Grow Coaching Framework
Every session follows this proven method, so you get real progress, not vague “coaching conversations.” This isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all coaching. The Grow Coaching Framework is a structured, results‑driven method I use to help high performers break through burnout, rebuild confidence and move forward with clarity and purpose, fast.
Every engagement is built on three pillars:
Clarity – Know what matters and why.
Confidence – Lead with calm, grounded authority.
Goals – Act with focus and momentum.
Clarity: Know What Matters
Reconnect with purpose. Break through burnout. Define a vision that energises you.
Confidence: Lead with Calm, Clear Authority
Lead with presence. Build real influence without burning out.
Goals: Act With Focus + Momentum
No more spinning your wheels. Take strategic, aligned action toward what matters most.
Delivery
I deliver all coaching personally. I deliver programs online to suit busy schedules across time zones, with clients in Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and regional centres. Sessions are confidential, practical and outcome-oriented. Clients leave each session with tools, templates and a clear next step.
Standards and ethics
My practice aligns with International Coaching Federation standards and Australian Coaching Federation membership expectations, reinforcing confidentiality, client autonomy and ethical practice [1][3].
Why a dedicated career coach beats going it alone
A dedicated career coach gives you three advantages that are hard to self-replicate.
Signal and execution clarity
Most professionals are too close to their own story to edit ruthlessly. I help you strip noise, surface commercial impact, and present a tight narrative.Evidence-based structure
Coaching works. Meta-analyses and industry data show consistent benefits and meaningful return on investment when coaching is focused and executed well. The International Coaching Federation reports robust ROI for coaching engagements and sustained demand growth globally [4][5][16].Accountability and pace
You will do more of the right work, faster. Weekly checkpoints, tracked actions, and rapid iteration compress the timeline to clarity and results.
Mentors and supportive managers are valuable. Coaching complements them with a structured change process and a neutral space to test decisions. Research on mentoring underscores its value, yet also notes that formal, accountable development processes produce stronger outcomes. Coaching provides that structure [12][19].
How long does it take?
Timeframes vary with goals, seniority and market conditions. In my experience, mid to senior professionals can achieve significant gains in clarity and positioning within 30 days when they commit to a weekly cadence. From there, execution timelines depend on role seniority and sector cycles. Australia’s participation rates and application volumes indicate that targeted search and consistent outreach are decisive in compressing time to offer [8][10].
For clients addressing burnout, initial sessions often focus on stabilising energy and boundaries before accelerating job search. The WHO’s framing of burnout as a workplace phenomenon supports practical, work-focused strategies that coaching is well-suited to implement [7].
Who is it for?
Rushdi Kirsten Grow Coaching is built for mid to senior professionals across Australia who recognise at least one of the following:
You are burned out or running on low energy and need a sustainable plan to recover your edge while you transition [7].
You feel stuck, underleveraged or unclear on your next step and want an external partner to challenge assumptions and sharpen direction.
You are stepping up to leadership and need a stronger presence, influence and decision narratives.
You know your résumé and LinkedIn profile do not reflect your impact or match Australian selection expectations [14][15][17].
You are returning from a break, pivoting industry or relocating interstate and need to translate your experience into the new market.
How much does it cost?
Pricing varies by coach expertise, session length, program structure and inclusions. Australian market snapshots show a wide range, from targeted sessions in the low hundreds per hour to comprehensive executive programs and multi-month packages in the several thousands. Published rates from Australian leadership and coaching providers indicate hourly or session pricing between approximately $200 and $660, and package pricing from several thousand to five figures, depending on scope. These examples illustrate the spread rather than define any single provider’s fees [18].
Many professionals fund career transition coaching personally because of the clarity, speed and earning power gains they achieve. Industry research frequently reports positive ROI from coaching engagements, especially when tied to leadership performance and role transitions [16].
At Grow Coaching, my programs are personalised and delivered one-to-one. To discuss scope and fees, use the website contact form to book a free career clarity call.
What you can expect with me, Rushdi Kirsten
Clarity within 30 days. A sharp direction, proven messaging and a focused search plan.
Market-ready brand. Résumé and LinkedIn aligned with Australian employer expectations and ATS requirements [11][13][17].
Confident leadership presence. Stories that evidence your impact and decision quality.
Momentum. Weekly actions, accountability and a repeatable system that compounds over time.
My values are clarity, integrity and respect. Coaching is confidential, judgment-free and grounded in real-world executive experience. I care about sustainable success rather than quick fixes.
Frequently asked questions
Is coaching right for me if I am burned out?
Yes, provided your primary needs are occupational. Coaching can help you address workload boundaries, renegotiate expectations and plan a transition. If health issues are primary, a medical professional should be involved. The WHO’s guidance clarifies burnout as an occupational phenomenon that benefits from workplace-focused solutions [7].
What if I am unsure of my direction?
Direction is the first milestone. I use structured decision criteria, values mapping and market testing to narrow options and commit to a path. Evidence shows coaching improves decision confidence, which is often the keystone for progress [6].
Can you help with résumés for government and large employers?
Yes. I align résumés to the role and sector, including clear evidence, selection criteria support and simple layouts that pass automated filters and human review. Australian government and state guidance emphasise clarity, relevance and tailored responses [13][20].
How will we measure success?
I agree on metrics up front. Typical markers are decision clarity, brand quality scores, size of your live opportunities pipeline, interview conversion and offer quality. I also track energy and workload indicators to keep your transition sustainable.
About Grow Coaching
Founded in 2024, my boutique practice is founder-led. I deliver all coaching personally. I am an executive career and leadership coach with more than twenty years of senior leadership experience across Asia Pacific and Level 1 and Level 2 Coach Master Certifications aligned with International Coaching Federation standards. I am based in Perth, Western Australia, and I serve clients across Australia through online sessions. I have coached more than two hundred professionals nationally and hold a five-star client rating from CEOs, project managers, business analysts and IT leaders who have secured promotions, new roles and stronger leadership presence through my programs.
Citations and further reading
[1] International Coaching Federation — What is coaching
https://coachingfederation.org/get-coaching/coaching-for-me/what-is-coaching/ ICF
[2] International Coaching Federation — Coaching for Individuals
https://coachingfederation.org/get-coaching/coaching-for-me/ ICF
[3] ICF Australasia — What is coaching
https://www.icfaustralasia.com/resources/what-is-coaching/ icfaustralasia.com
[4] Cannon-Bowers, J.A., et al. (2023). Workplace coaching: a meta-analysis and recommendations… (Frontiers in Psychology)
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1204166/full Frontiers
[5] Wang, Q., et al. (2022). The effectiveness of workplace coaching: a meta-analysis… (Journal of Work-Applied Management)
https://www.emerald.com/jwam/article/14/1/77/254662/ Emerald
[6] Whiston, S.C., et al. (2017). Effectiveness of career choice interventions: A meta-analytic replication and extension
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001879117300283 ScienceDirect
[7] World Health Organization — Burn-out an “occupational phenomenon” (ICD-11)
https://www.who.int/news/item/28-05-2019-burn-out-an-occupational-phenomenon-international-classification-of-diseases World Health Organization
Alternative WHO factsheet (same content): https://www.who.int/standards/classifications/frequently-asked-questions/burn-out-an-occupational-phenomenon World Health Organization
[8] Australian Bureau of Statistics — Labour Force, Australia, October 2025 (latest release)
https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/labour/employment-and-unemployment/labour-force-australia/latest-release Australian Bureau of Statistics
[9] ABS Media Release — Unemployment rate falls to 4.3% (13 Nov 2025)
https://www.abs.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/unemployment-rate-falls-43 Australian Bureau of Statistics
[10] SEEK — Employment Report (National Insights)
https://www.seek.com.au/about/news/category/seek-employment-reports (use the October 2025 item inside this hub) SEEK
Direct October 2025 item: https://www.seek.com.au/about/news/article/seek-employment-report-october25 SEEK
[11] LinkedIn Learning — Workplace Learning Report 2024 (global PDF)
https://learning.linkedin.com/content/dam/me/business/en-us/amp/learning-solutions/images/wlr-2024/LinkedIn-Workplace-Learning-Report-2024.pdf learning.linkedin.com
(AU/NZ landing page if you prefer a local entry): https://learning.linkedin.com/resources/workplace-learning-report-au learning.linkedin.com
[12] Harvard Business Review — A Better Approach to Mentorship (6 Jun 2023)
https://hbr.org/2023/06/a-better-approach-to-mentorship hbr.org
[13] Department of Employment and Workplace Relations — Résumé Tips and Example Résumé
https://www.dewr.gov.au/jobs-hub/resources/resume-tips-and-example-resume (PDF inside page if you want): https://www.dewr.gov.au/download/8284/resume-tips-and-example-resume/12432/resume-tips-and-example-resume/pdf Employment and Workplace Relations+1
[14] NSW Government (Department of Communities & Justice) — Preparing your cover letter and resume
https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/content/dcj/dcj-website/dcj/about-us/careers-at-dcj/applying-for-dcj-jobs/preparing-your-cover-letter-and-resume.html Communities and Justice
[15] UNSW Employability — Résumé Guide (PDF)
https://www.unsw.edu.au/content/dam/pdfs/employability/2023-04-employability/2023-04-employability-resources-resume-guide.pdf UNSW Sites
[16] International Coaching Federation — Coaching Statistics: The ROI of Coaching in 2024
https://coachingfederation.org/blog/coaching-statistics-the-roi-of-coaching-in-2024/ ICF
(You can also reference ICF’s 2024 Winners’ Book with ROI examples): https://coachingfederation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/icf-awards-2024-winner-book.pdf ICF
[17] SEEK Career Advice — Tips for creating an ATS-friendly resumé (4 Aug 2025)
https://www.seek.com.au/career-advice/article/tips-for-creating-an-ats-friendly-resume SEEK
[18] Australian pricing examples (illustrative, not normative)
• Edgeview Management Consulting — Leadership & Executive Coaching Pricing (from $550–$600+ GST/hour)
https://edgeviewmanagementconsulting.com.au/pricing/leadership-executive-coaching-pricing/ Edgeview Management Consulting
• Women & Leadership Australia — Store (single coaching session $660 incl. GST; packages listed)
https://www.wla.edu.au/store/ Women & Leadership Australia
• Performance Strategies — Coaching Pricing ($550 ex-GST / hr; $780 / 90 min)
https://perform.com.au/pricing/ Performance Strategies
[19] Ragins, B.R., & Kram, K.E. (Eds.). The Handbook of Mentoring at Work (SAGE, 2007)
Publisher page: https://uk.sagepub.com/en-gb/eur/the-handbook-of-mentoring-at-work/book227688 (preview: Google Books) https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Handbook_of_Mentoring_at_Work.html?id=IWRECgAAQBAJ uk.sagepub.com+1
[20] Australian Public Service Commission — APS Recruitment Guide (selection criteria, merit)
Guide: https://www.apsc.gov.au/working-aps/information-aps-employment/guidance-and-information-recruitment/aps-recruitment-guide | “Cracking the Code” PDF: https://www.apsc.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-12/cracking_the_code.pdf Australian Public Service Commission+1
