Today’s Wall Street Journal has a front-page story that is essential reading for anyone thinking about getting into coaching.

It is called “The End of Employees” and one quote sums up the gist: “Never before have American companies tried so hard to employ so few people.” It gives numerous examples of companies – from Wal-Mart to Google (which has equal numbers of full-time employees and non-employees) – that are more reliant than ever before on contractors.

This is great news for those of you thinking about getting into coaching. It signals the opportunity to create a busy practice with multiple clients, whether focused on coaching along or on a variety of solutions including coaching, training, facilitation, speaking, writing, and consulting. The economy has shifted so that people who can bring value to companies will get hired – more easily than getting hired as an employee. Plus, you can have multiple clients rather than a single employer, which reduces your risk when companies continue to decrease their workforces. Meanwhile, your upside is unlimited.

I know this for a fact because that’s how I got started many years ago. I was building up my own practice part time while holding a full-time job. Within a year, I saw how much more I could earn on my own – even with a comfortable six-figure salary. It was a no-brainer to make the leap, and I haven’t looked back.

At the same time, we are getting more interest than ever before from managers and executives who are being laid off by companies that want to reduce the number of employees that they have.

This article should also be a wake-up call for those of you that still believe that full-time employment is your best option. It is not. You are at constant risk if you have no back-up plan, specifically in the form of a “flip-the-switch” business. This is a business you can turn on whenever you want. Coaching is a great example of a business that is perfect as a backup plan. Why live with insecurity?

At the Center for Executive Coaching, you get all of the tools and support you need to succeed in this crazy economy. You learn how to be a great coach to executives, leaders, and up-and-coming talent. You also learn how to get your practice up and running. We even show you how to branch out beyond coaching, into writing books, speaking, training, and consulting. I guarantee you that no other program provides the support and depth that give you.

Even if you think you are in a secure job right now, please consider joining one of our training programs to get certified as an Executive Coach. You never know when your company will decide that it wants even fewer employees. Set yourself up so that you are prepared.

Alternatively, if you are already working on your own and want a boost, we should talk. We have the programs that can help you be even more successful and satisfied in a volatile economy,

Contact us at any time!