Gen Z, the generation born between 1995 and 2012, is set to become the largest demographic for life coaches as they seek ways to improve self-esteem amongst increasingly hectic lifestyles. Demand has been steadily rising amongst family-focused life coaches since 2017 when 35% of Gen Z had a life coach.
Industry professionals are keen to point out the difference between life coaching and therapy with many Gen Z availing of both. While therapy is a slower process, focusing on deeper feelings, coaching is goal-oriented with a positive focus.
Life coaching provides teenagers and young adults with the opportunity to focus on their career and personal growth. Working with a teen life coach provides a chance to prioritize long-term goals, develop personal interests, and strive for a better work-life balance.
Today’s teenagers and young people face unique challenges as a generation caught between wage stagnation and growing numbers of degree-holding professionals ever increasing.
Gen Z, famously more open about their feelings and desire to use self-help services like therapy and life coaching than previous generations, is the target demographic of ‘My Teen Life Coach’. Liezel Lane, the agency’s head coach, emphasizes the importance of parents being involved in the process.
“Parents often have a hard time navigating the challenges teenagers face on a daily basis, from being overwhelmed at school to facing anxiety from social media, lacking motivation, and struggling with self-control,” Liezel Lane explains, suggesting that teen-focused life coaching is the solution as “many kids thrive after life coaching as they have a neutral third-party to speak to, who have already navigated these challenges and can approach problems with a positive, can-do attitude”.
It’s a thought that’s echoed by the agency’s teenage clients, who often suggest the idea of life coaching to their parents initially. Stefan Argreado shares that “My life coach comes to each session with warmth and empathy…helping me navigate big and small problems.” Another graduate of the agency’s life coaching program, Teresa Lu, adds that “it has been wonderful in my journey of healing and self-growth, as I’ve learned so much about myself”.
Gen Z faces a unique set of challenges with many having gone through their formative years during the pandemic. Life coaching provides an opportunity to reflect inward and learn to play the long game by establishing short and long-term goals. Gen Z knows that life coaching isn’t therapy, serving as a positive opportunity to develop self-confidence and overcome anxiety.
With the support of life coaches, Gen Z can play the long game and take control of their future.
