The Vocational Coach

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What’s it like to work with Craig Nathanson?

Q: Who are the best candidates for vocational coaching?

A: Craig primarily works with people who have 15 years or more of professional work experience, from all industries and all parts of the world. Typical clients are ages 36-60. He also works with stay-at-home moms, many of whom have never worked or haven’t worked for a long time. They come to Craig as a result of a crisis: a divorce, an empty nest or another mid-life challenge, and they have decided the time is right to find their life’s work.

Q: How can Craig help me?

A: Craig acts as a third-party sounding board. He helps you come up with new and creative work ideas based on your passions. He listens and observes patterns in what you want, helping you to creatively move toward action. Craig acts as your creativity coach and supports you as you try new approaches and ideas. You’ll move forward by testing your new ideas and challenging your assumptions.

Q: What if I don't know what my passions are?

A: That’s OK. With each client, Craig pursues a different set of strategies and methods. He’ll start by guiding you to explore your life. He’ll provide an assessment to help you uncover the patterns and identify your passions.

Q: What can I expect to gain by the end the program?

A: If you haven’t discovered your passions and you don’t have a clear idea of how to do what you love while making the income you need, Craig will help you create a plan by the end of the program.

If you are already following your passion but are not making the necessary income, Craig will help you define a path to accomplish this.

If you already know what your passion is and simply have a hard time coming up with ways to leverage what you do, Craig will help you with practical and creative ideas to help you make progress toward your goals.

Q: Can the program help me deal with life’s other challenges that come up; relationships, finances and emotions?

A: Yes. It’s difficult to pursue one’s passion in mid-life without some or all of these issues coming up. Together, you and Craig will pursue ideas, strategies and methods to help you deal with the tough questions that will come up.

Q: I’m feeling like I should also see a therapist. If I see Craig, does that mean I don’t need to also see someone else?

A: Craig will assess this need when you initially meet. While there are some challenges that require the medical model of intervention, Craig feels very qualified to assist in the many issues of life that may come up as you pursue your vocational passion. His method does not involve labeling of your condition. He focuses, instead, on each person as a unique individual who just wants to make a difference in the world.

Q: How long will it take? How long will I work with Craig?

A: Each client is different. On average, Craig’s clients work with him for three to six months, one hour at a time every other week. In each session, you’ll work with Craig to put together a clear plan, with new ideas that will move you toward what you want in life. You’ll become clear about what you want, and you’ll develop momentum in moving toward it.

Craig recommends the three-month program for people who:

are already following their passion and need additional ideas and support; or
already know what they want and simply need help with the implementation.

He recommends the six-month program for people who are motivated to take action now to move toward what they what, but they still need to identify their goals or have other difficult challenges to overcome.

The 12-month program is recommended for people who see themselves in a combination of the above categories, or who feel that the investment of having a personal coach to assist with their plans over a longer period would be of great help.

The Executive Coaching is recommended for senior level managers. These coaching sessions focus on organizational challenges, leadership development, personal challenges, and work related growth.

Q: How do Craig’s services differ from those of other coaches?

A: Craig works exclusively with mid-life clients. This is his passion, his niche and his specialty. Craig draws from 25 years experience in corporate life, 11 years of doctoral research on human development and his own mid-life transition and personal journey. He has experienced first-hand much of what his clients are going through, and that makes him an empathetic coach to those in mid-life.

Q: Does Craig deal with other life challenges as well?

A: Many of Craig’s clients who seek to make changes in their vocational lives also encounter financial, emotional and relationship challenges along the way. His background in human development allows Craig to help make a difference in these areas as well.

Q: How do I work with Craig?

A: Craig works with his clients throughout the United States and Canada by phone.

Q: Can Craig help me follow my passion and earn an income at the same time?

A: Craig is highly creative and looks forward to brainstorming all the possibilities. At the same time, he will remind you that your dreams are possible, despite the financial obstacles. If you review Craig’s coaching testimonials, you’ll read about the successes that his clients have achieved with Craig’s assistance.

Q: Why does Craig do this work?

A: Mid-life vocational counseling is very fulfilling and meaningful for Craig. He has been curious all his life about why some people seem to be so happy with their chosen work while others are so miserable. The purpose of Craig’s life is to help people in mid-life discover and live the work that draws from and enhances their passions. He chooses to work with people one-on-one, so they can make a difference for themselves and for others along the way.

Q: How much does coaching cost?

A: Craig currently offers three-month, six-month and 12-month programs. Here are the details:

THREE-MONTH PROGRAM

This program begins with the Vocational Passion Assessment. This is a one-time, detailed appraisal with 100 questions.

You’ll take this assessment on-line at a private, client-only web site. It will be sent to Craig for analysis.

Craig will then provide both verbal and written feedback. This feedback provides the baseline for your work with Craig. You will then meet with Craig every other week for one-hour sessions, over three months.

The three-month package includes unlimited e-mail feedback for three months. Typical response time is 48 hours. Additionally, there will be follow-up work for you to do after each session. Craig will touch base with you on it, via e-mail, between sessions.

The three-month plan includes Craig’s book, P is for Perfect: Your Perfect Vocational Day, and Craig’s new audio CD, “How to discover and live your vocational passion now.’’ The package also includes free admission to Craig’s every other month phone tele-class and you can attend from home. The tele-class, “How to make meaning and money in mid-life,” provides interviews with others just like you who have made the leap toward greater vocational fulfillment and meaning in their lives. This is a great opportunity to ask Craig questions and learn from the questions, answers and challenges of the other attendees.

This package also includes a one year supply (over 12 CDs) of past shows and multiple guests from Craig’s “How to make meaning and money in mid-life” series. Additionally, you will receive a copy of the Craig’s new E-book, “Discover and Live YOUR Passion 365 Days a Year.” This is an extensive E-Book that will supplement the work you will do with Craig in the sessions.

Finally, you will receive access for life to Craig’s new on-line community where you may review Q & A’s and start to collaborate with Craig’s client community.

Your investment for the three-month package is as follows:

A one-time payment of $1500, in advance of the first session; or,
Three equal payments of $566 a month, charged monthly to your credit card.

Payments can be made online at www.thevocationalcoach.com.

Online payment is preferred. Special arrangements for payment by check can be made with Craig.

SIX-MONTH PROGRAM

As with the three-month program we’ll start with the vocational passion assessment. This is a one-time, detailed appraisal with 100 questions.

This assessment is taken on-line at a private client-only web site and sent to Craig for analysis.

Craig then provides both verbal and written feedback. This provides a baseline for your work with Craig. You will then meet with Craig every other week for one-hour sessions, over six months.

The six-month package includes unlimited e-mail feedback for six months. Typical response time is 48 hours. Additionally, there will be follow-up work for you to do after each session. Craig will follow up with you, via e-mail, between sessions.

The six-month plan includes Craig’s book, P is for Perfect: Your Perfect Vocational Day, and Craig’s new audio CD, “How to discover and live your vocational passion now.’’ The package also includes free admission to Craig’s every other month tele-class, which you can attend from home. The tele-class, “How to make meaning and money in mid-life,” provides interviews with others just like you who have made the leap toward greater vocational fulfillment and meaning in their lives. This is a great opportunity to ask Craig questions and learn from other’s questions, answers and challenges.

This package includes a one year supply (over 12 CDs) of past shows and multiple guests from Craig’s “How to make meaning and money in mid-life” series. Additionally, you will receive a copy of the Craig’s new E-book, “Discover and Live YOUR Passion 365 Days a Year”. This is an extensive E-Book that will supplement the work you will do with Craig in the sessions.

Finally, you will receive access for life to Craig’s new on-line community where you may review Q and A’s and start to collaborate with Craig’s client community.

Your investment for the six-month package is as follows:

A one-time payment of $2500, in advance of the first session; or
Six equal payments of $450 a month, charged monthly to your credit card.

Payments can be made online at www.thevocationalcoach.com.

Online payment is preferred. Special arrangements for payment by check can be made with Craig.

12-MONTH PROGRAM

As with the three-month and six month programs we’ll start with the vocational passion assessment. This is a one-time, detailed appraisal with 100 questions.

This assessment is taken on-line at a private client-only web site and sent to Craig for analysis.

Craig then provides both verbal and written feedback. This provides a baseline for your work with Craig. You will then meet with Craig every other week for one-hour sessions, over a full year.

The 12-month package includes unlimited e-mail feedback for 12 months. Typical response time is 48 hours. Additionally, there will be homework for you to do after each session. Craig will follow up with you, via e-mail, between sessions.

The 12-month plan includes Craig’s book, P is for Perfect: Your Perfect Vocational Day, and Craig’s new audio CD, “How to discover and live your vocational passion now.’’ The package also includes free admission to Craig’s every other month tele-class, which you can attend from home. The tele-class, “How to make meaning and money in mid-life,” provides interviews with others just like you who have made the leap toward greater vocational fulfillment and meaning in their lives. This is a great opportunity to ask Craig questions and learn from other’s questions, answers and challenges.

Finally, you will receive access for life to Craig’s new on-line community where you may review Q and A’s and start to collaborate with Craig’s client community.

The investment for the 12-month package is as follows:

A one-time payment of $4500, in advance of the first session; or,
Twelve equal payments of $391 a month, charged monthly to your credit card.

Payments can be made online at www.thevocationalcoach.com.

Online payment is preferred. Special arrangements for payment by check can be made with Craig.

EXECUTIVE COACHING SESSION

Craig also offers Executive Coaching for senior level managers. These coaching sessions focus on organizational challenges, leadership development, personal challenges, and work related growth.

The investment for the coaching session is as follows:

A one-time payment of $2500, in advance, for a bi-weekly session via phone or face to face, depending on location, for 3 months
A one-time payment of $5000, in advance, for a weekly session via phone or face-to–face, depending on location, for 3 months

Note: Expenses will be charged if Craig is required to travel out of the San Francisco Bay area.

Payments can be made online at www.thevocationalcoach.com.

Online payment is preferred. Special arrangements for payment by check can be made with Craig.

Q: Does Craig offer individual appointments for people who want just a couple of sessions to focus on and solve a specific challenge?

A: Yes. These sessions are scheduled, based on availability, at a rate of $175 per hour.

Q: How do I get started with Craig?

A: It’s easy. Call him directly at 415-457-0550 or e-mail him at craig@thevocationalcoach.com. He will be happy to have a brief phone call or e-mail exchange to get you started. Additionally, if you know in advance which program you are interested in, you can simply sign up by making the appropriate payment in the shopping cart at Craig’s website.

Q: What forms of payment does Craig accept?

A: He accepts all major credit cards and/or checks. The preferred payment method is your major credit card, using the shopping cart on his website. The cart is set up to handle recurring billing. Each program comes with a discount if full payment is made in advance of the first session.

Q: Can I talk to current or past clients to help me with my decision?

A: Yes. Simply review the “real story” profiles and testimonials listed here. Then, let Craig know which person you’d like to follow up with. He will provide you with contact information.

“I’ve been working with Craig weekly for several months. I am continually impressed with how intuitive Craig is. He always has my best interests and objectives in mind, even when I veer off track. I’ve read the books (P is for Perfect, Zen and the Art of Making a Living, What Color is Your Parachute, Career Guide for Creative and Unconventional People, etc.) and I’ve met with other career counselors. I’ve gone to University career centers, spent hours online, and done work on my own trying find a career that combines my passions, talents and experience. I can honestly say that I’ve never been so on-track. I feel incredibly lucky to have found Craig. I profit from his career and interpersonal wisdom. My sessions with Craig are absolutely the best investment I have made in my vocational life. Anyone who is not satisfied with their vocational life WILL benefit immensely from working with Craig.”

– Lance A. Wexler, from California

“Craig helped me to focus my energy on what I love to do rather than on just finding another job. With his guidance and counsel, I have started going down a path I never would have thought of on my own. He’s been a great coach and mentor.”

– Minna Vallentine, from California

“Craig combines intellect, creativity, caring for people, research and humor in a unique synthesis that makes a positive, special and inspiring difference to all those with whom he works.”

– Dr. Jeremy J. Shapiro, New York City, professor and author, Mindful Inquiry

“Clearing the fog, enhancing personal and career clarity, showing how my ideal career is attainable. All now! These are just a few statements that describe the value of working with Craig. In a short amount of time he has helped me become focused and has guided me toward my goals. I highly recommend him.”

– Jim Goebelbecker, from Boston