Ama La Vida Coaching Reviews: Real People, Real Breakthroughs

Achieving Goals

07/31/25

Lauren Bonheim

If you’re here, looking into Ama La Vida Coaching reviews, you’re probably wondering: Does this coaching thing actually work? And maybe more importantly—is it worth the investment? 🤔 We get it. Coaching isn’t cheap. It’s vulnerable. And it’s a time commitment. But if you’re stuck in a job that drains you, navigating a career pivot with no map, or silently screaming, “There’s got to be more than this,” then coaching might be the most important investment you’ll ever make. Below, we’re sharing real Ama La Vida coaching reviews—from folks just like you—who decided to stop spiraling and start building a career (and life) that actually feels good! Why People Work With Us: The Moment Something Snaps Whether it’s burnout, boredom, or the quiet panic of “I should be farther along by now,” most people come to us feeling stuck. They’ve been applying, applying, applying. They’re saying “yes” when they mean “no.” They’ve hit a wall, but don’t know which way to turn. Take it from our client Evan. Evan had a quiet, gut-level knowing that something needed to change after 11 years at the same company. He didn’t just want a new job. He wanted a fresh start, a life that felt like his again. Clarity > Chaos: What Happens When You Actually Know What You Want Career confusion is loud. Career clarity? Game-changing. Once you understand (and own) your passions, gifts, values and purpose and zero in on the destination you’d like to target, the rest of the steps start to reveal themselves. With his coach, Evan unpacked what actually mattered to him—his values, his purpose, his passions. The work didn’t just help him build a résumé; it helped him build career clarity. And from there, everything else changed too. What we’ve realized through supporting thousands of clients: people don’t need more advice. They need to pause long enough to hear their own voice. That’s what coaching with Ama La Vida offers: a mirror, a map, and moments to reconnect with yourself. We don’t tell you what to do. We help you figure out what you want to do. Then we walk with you and guide you while you do it. Coaching + eCoaching = Transformational Magic Ama la Vida is so much more than just one-hour zoom calls. We love a good coaching session. But make no mistake: that’s just one part of the magic. What really sets our programs apart is what continues to happen between the sessions—when you’re reflecting, questioning, journaling, and connecting the dots. That’s where our signature eCoaching programs come in. Think of eCoaching as your personal development portal. You get access to structured content, self-paced reflection exercises, and prompts designed to help you dig deeper, get unstuck, and create the clarity you’re craving. One client, Jemma, came to us during a career transition. She knew she wanted a change, but didn’t know what that change looked like yet. “The e-Coaching course was very supportive, informative and helpful during my career transition. Personally I was looking to make a change but wasn’t sure which direction to head. I discovered that the exercises in the program were like someone handing me the keys to my own future.” – Jemma The exercises helped her shift how she thought about her options, uncovering answers that had been there all along—she just needed the right framework to surface them. Every ALV coaching client gets access to these digital coaching programs in their account. So if you’re someone who likes time to think, write, reflect, or revisit a tough topic later, that’s all baked in. You can log in anytime between sessions to reflect, revisit a prompt, or keep building clarity at your own pace. Want to try it for yourself? We’ve pulled one of our favorite eCoaching modules into a free downloadable workbook, so you can get a feel for the kind of reflection, insight, and action this work unlocks. Download it, dive in, and see what starts to shift when you finally make space to hear your own voice. Your Career, Your Coach, Your Fit Ama La Vida isn’t isn’t cookie-cutter coaching. It’s tailored to you. Because we understand that a coach who gets you changes everything. When you join Ama La Vida, you don’t get randomly assigned to a coach by an algorithm. You meet with a real, live human—one of our Relationship Strategists—who takes the time to understand your story, your goals, and what kind of support you’re really looking for. From there, we match you with the coach who’s the best fit for you, not just on paper, but in vibe, style, and substance. And the best part? You’re never limited to just one voice. You’ll also have access to expert-led Celebrity Sessions™ with other coaches on our team when you want to dive into something specific. From Seattle to Chicago to Sydney, our coaches and clients span industries, cities, and career stages—but they all have one thing in common: they believe work should support a life you love. Pivots, Promotions, and Permission to Want More Maybe you’ve been successful on paper—but secretly feel like a fraud. Maybe you’ve been promoted, but you’re feeling unfulfilled. Or maybe you would like to explore a path that feels more meaningful. You’re not wrong for wanting something different. And you’re definitely not broken. It means you’re ready for something more aligned. At Ama La Vida, we support clients through both career growth and career change. Sometimes that means pivoting. Sometimes it means rising where you are. And sometimes? It means taking a completely unexpected route. Just ask the Big 4 consultant who came to us filled with doubt, fear, and guilt about walking away from a high-paying role. Coaching helped her untangle those emotions, reconnect with her values, and design a career on her own terms. Today, she runs her own business—and her life feels like hers again. Want to see what that kind of shift can look like? Read our case study: How Coaching Can

Career Clarity: Find Direction & Design a Career You Love

Self Awareness

05/31/25

Lauren Bonheim

Career Clarity isn’t just about choosing the “right job.” It’s about finally being able to exhale because something clicks. It’s about knowing that you’re on the right path, not just chasing someone else’s version of success. Many people who come to us for career transition coaching are already ambitious, accomplished, and “doing great” on paper. But on the inside? Something feels off. Take Alexandra. On paper, she had it all together. But she told us, “I was in a job I didn’t love and had no idea what I wanted to do with my career.” She wasn’t lazy, wasn’t lacking talent. She was just tired. Tired of mindlessly scrolling the job boards and receiving half-baked advice. Tired of trying to figure it all out without a clear roadmap. So, she intentionally made a change and got support. Using the process outlined in this article, Alexandra stopped spiraling and found the clarity and confidence she was looking for. And guess what? She didn’t just land the right role—she found that deeper sense of alignment she’d been chasing. If you’re nodding along right now, this article’s for you. Let’s cut through the noise and help you find the career clarity (and confidence) you’ve been craving. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ama La Vida | Online Career Coaches (@alvcoaching) Why Having Career Clarity Matters Getting clear on who you are now—what drives you, what’s changed, and what’s holding you back—isn’t just a fluffy “self-help” exercise. It’s the foundation of a fulfilling, sustainable career. Without it, you’re throwing darts in the dark. As a Career Coach, one of the most common (and costly) mistakes I see most people make: You’re feeling stuck or downright miserable in your current job, so you panic-search LinkedIn, start eyeing roles that look almost identical to the one you’re trying to escape and mass apply with the same outdated copy of your resume. Sound familiar? If you don’t slow down to gain career clarity and figure out why you’re unhappy in the first place, you’re just going to carry that confusion with you, into the next role, the next team, the next “maybe this time it’ll be better” leap. It’s like moving across the world to “start fresh,” only to realize you packed all your problems in your carry-on. (I know from experience. 😬) You don’t need another job you’ll dread in six months. You need a clear direction, purpose and a career path that feels like it was actually created for you. This is exactly why the first phase of the Ama La Vida Career Method is all about looking inward before you launch your job search. Because a successful career transition doesn’t start with scrolling job boards, it starts with getting radically honest with yourself. Look Inward First: Explore Your Strengths, Interests & Values At Ama La Vida, we break career clarity into four parts: your passions, purpose, values, and gifts (aka your strengths). We’ve learned what works from experience guiding thousands of clients through career transitions. The magic is truly in the self-reflection. As our COO, Foram puts it: “Our clients find the most insight during their self-exploration, which not only helps them figure out a career path that they may not have thought out but also allows them to carry these insights into their daily life. It’s a win-win!” The clarity you uncover now won’t just help with your next career move. It will support you for the long haul in different areas of your life. So before you scroll through another job board or rewrite your resume, start here: What Lights You Up? (Your Passions & Interests) You don’t have to turn every passion into a paycheck, but weaving some of them into your work will keep things fun and fulfilling. These are the things that make you lose track of time. The things you’d do even if no one paid you (but, please, still get paid). Think hobbies that you pursue in your free time, topics that energize you, or the kinds of work that leave you buzzing rather than burned out. Reflection questions: What Are You Naturally Good At? (Your Gifts & Talents) These are the technical skills, strengths, and quirks that make you, well, you. Maybe you’re the go-to for keeping calm amidst the chaos. Or the one who can build a killer project plan spreadsheet in under 10 minutes. These gifts are the secret sauce that make you shine. Reflection questions: What Matters Most? (Your Values) This is the piece almost everyone skips. But ignoring it is like building the foundation for your dream home on quick sand. (Spoiler: it won’t hold.) Your values pretty much influence everything you do. And if they don’t, you’re most likely feeling misaligned. Values should come into play when you make any kind of decision, including assessing career choices, what kind of work culture best fits you, and whether or not you’ll feel aligned in your role. Not everybody will thrive in a highly structured, rules-driven organization. But on the flip side, not everyone feels comfortable in a fast-moving, loosely defined environment either. If you value creativity, innovation, and agility, a workplace bogged down by red tape probably won’t be the best fit. But if you crave stability, clear expectations, and a dependable routine, a startup-style culture with constant pivots might leave you feeling overwhelmed. Knowing your values helps you recognize what’s truly non-negotiable. It’s what keeps you grounded when making tough decisions or evaluating options, and helps you understand why something may feel off. Reflection questions: Why Does It All Matter? (Your Purpose) Before you panic and try to write a life manifesto, take a deep breath. This isn’t about solving all the world’s problems. It’s about identifying the kind of impact you want to make in this season of your career. Your purpose probably will change and evolve along with you. What matters is that it’s meaningful to you in some way. Reflection questions: But, What If

The Benefits and Importance of Career Planning + Free PDF

Achieving Goals

12/09/24

Lauren Bonheim

Let’s be honest—questions like “Where do you see yourself in five years?” can feel downright intimidating. But understanding the importance of career planning is the first step toward creating a future that excites you. While it’s perfectly normal to feel unsure about what you really want, having a clear plan helps turn uncertainty into opportunity. Whether it’s funding a lifestyle you love, finding fulfillment in your work, or creating work-life balance, career planning gives you a roadmap to get there. Without it, those big dreams can stay just that—dreams. Already convinced? Download your free career planning PDF now to gain clarity, solidify your goals, and take aligned action toward your dream career! What Is Career Planning? Think of career planning as your personal GPS for professional success. It takes getting really clear on your dream job(s) and mapping out the steps to make them a reality. Having a career plan isn’t just a nice idea—it’s your secret weapon for being purposeful and strategic about where you’re headed. A solid career plan includes both long-term and short-term goals. By connecting the dots between your short-term actions and long-term vision, you’ll create a clear path to go from “What’s next?” to “I’ve got this!” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ama La Vida | Online Career Coaches (@alvcoaching) Your Career Path Doesn’t Have to Be Linear Many of us have been taught that a career should be linear—think, climbing the corporate ladder. For some, it certainly can be! But consider the idea that career planning is a fluid process and something that must be revisited as you, your life and your priorities change. Career planning does not necessarily mean that you always stick to your plan. Effective and intentional career planning is often flexible. It involves regularly reassessing your goals, adjusting your plans as needed, and being open to new opportunities that come your way. You may go through the same process multiple times throughout your professional journey as your needs and priorities shift! Why Is Career Planning Important? Finding success and happiness in your career starts with clarifying what truly matters to you—and planning to make it happen. By taking a closer look at what you love, what you’re good at, and what you want to achieve, you can set yourself up for a fulfilling career that aligns with your passions, strengths and goals. Investing time in creating a clear career plan lays the groundwork for making informed decisions about your future career moves. As you consider options like additional education (hello, graduate school!), training opportunities, and various career choices, you can always come back to your career plan for guidance. You’re Likely to Spend One-Third of Your Life at Work Did you know that the average person spends around 86,400 hours of their life at work?! 🤯 If you’re not happy with your job and professional life, in the short-term it may not seem like it matters all that much. You might think it’s fine, for now, but over time it can lead to frustration, burnout, and even depression. The good news? With a solid career plan, your work can become more than just a paycheck—it can be a source of inspiration, fulfillment, and purpose. Take Ownership of Your Career Journey Smart companies get it—they know that offering professional development programs is a win-win. They support their employees to define their career paths while providing the training needed to develop new skills and make progress toward their career goals. But here’s the thing: While it’s great to have support from your organization, your family, your professional network, or mentors, this is your career. At the end of the day, you are the one who has to take responsibility for your own career growth. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ama La Vida | Online Career Coaches (@alvcoaching) In order to take ownership of your career journey, you’ll need to be proactive, stay focused, and plan ahead to make well-informed decisions that shape your career one step at a time. 5 Benefits of Career Planning Need further convincing? Here are five powerful benefits of career planning and reasons why you shouldn’t wait to create yours. 1. Your Career Plan Is the Compass for Your Professional Journey Think about it: it’s hard to get somewhere if you don’t know where you are going! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ama La Vida | Online Career Coaches (@alvcoaching) Just as you would not get into your car and drive aimlessly with no destination in mind, it would be equally inefficient to make career decisions without knowing what direction you want to pursue. Career planning provides valuable insights and self-awareness, helping you evaluate different job opportunities in relation to your bigger-picture goals. 2. Having a Career Plan Will Help You Stay Motivated Throughout your career, it’s normal to experience fluctuations in motivation and job satisfaction. Changes in work responsibilities, organizational alignment, and managerial relationships can all impact how you feel about your current job. And when these feelings of insecurity and self-doubt arise, they may prompt questions about your career path. Having a clear vision can serve as a source of motivation amidst these uncertainties enabling you to stay focused and continue on your path with confidence. Even if these times of doubt lead you to pivot careers, knowing your priorities and long-term goals will help you weigh your options and identify your best next steps. 3. A Career Plan Will Help You Be Flexible in a Competitive Job Market “Just because you made a good plan, doesn’t mean that’s what’s gonna happen.” – Taylor Swift Your professional journey is constantly evolving. True career planning involves recognizing this fluidity and embracing it. A proper plan will include actions aligned with your interests and objectives, such as focusing on skill development through additional education or training, professional networking through industry events, and joining relevant professional associations. As you continue with professional growth and self development,

Tips for Job Searching in 2025: Advice from Ama La Vida Career Coaches

Career Transitions

10/21/24

Lauren Bonheim

The job market has shifted dramatically in recent years, leaving many traditional tips for job searching in the past. Digital transformations, remote work, and the rise of personal online branding have completely changed how we approach finding a new job. In 2025, job seekers need to revamp their tools, strategies, and skills to keep pace with a fast-moving, tech-driven workforce. While some job seekers see these changes as roadblocks, we at Ama La Vida view them as chances to help our clients stand out in a competitive market. Navigating the world of artificial intelligence (AI) and applicant tracking systems (ATS) is now a must, but as Harvard Business Review points out AI will actually create job opportunities, not diminish them. That’s why we’ve pulled together top tips from Ama La Vida’s Career Coaches, who stay on top of the latest trends to help you tackle your job search with confidence. With the right strategy, job hunting doesn’t have to feel like a full-time job! Don’t Do It Alone: Get the Support You Need for Your Job Hunt Before we dive into the Ama La Vida Coaches’ top tips for job searching, let’s take a quick step back. What we know for sure at Ama La Vida is that success with your job search isn’t just about checking tasks off your to-do list—it’s also important to align your job search goals with your values and long-term career path. We know, it’s a lot to consider. If even just opening this article feels overwhelming, or you’ve tried many of the following strategies and still feel stuck, it may be time to seek support. The key to a successful job search is honing in what works best for YOU. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ama La Vida | Online Career Coaches (@alvcoaching) Ama La Vida Career & Leadership Coach Sophie Leroi sees job hunting as a team sport. She believes that reaching out to others and enlisting their help is a necessity that will make the job search process more efficient, less frustrating, and more enjoyable. Some tips from Sophie: So if you’re feeling stuck, unmotivated, or overwhelmed, don’t go at it alone. Book a call with Ama La Vida to find out how our Career Coaches can help make your journey more strategic, supportive, and successful. Outdated Tips for Job Searching That Don’t Apply Anymore Modern hiring practices are reshaping how candidates get noticed, and some old-school strategies just don’t cut it anymore. Let’s take a look at some familiar advice that may have been effective in the past, but today might actually be working against you. “Finding a job is a numbers game.” Flooding the job market with your resume in hopes of landing a job rarely works. Resume spamming with generic applications is a surefire way to land your materials in the “no-pile.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ama La Vida | Online Career Coaches (@alvcoaching) Most employers are using automated systems to scan applications, which means quality over quantity—so personalize your applications, research the company, and reach out to recruiters and hiring managers directly. It’s about standing out, not blending in. “All job openings can be found online.” While it’s true that many open jobs are posted online, relying solely on applications through job boards could be holding you back. In 2025, a successful job search will require a multi-faceted approach—networking, building relationships, and attending industry events are just as important as browsing online listings. Many positions are filled through connections, not postings. “One resume fits all.” Gone are the days of using a one-size-fits-all resume to sell your experience. With many organizations using AI-driven applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes before they ever reach a human, it’s essential to customize your resume for each position. You’ll need to fine-tune your experience to highlight the specific skills and keywords in the job listings to increase the chances your application materials will pass the initial screening and get in front of the hiring manager. “Strong application materials are the most important part of your job search.” While important, your resume and cover letter are just one piece of the puzzle. In today’s job market, your online presence—a robust LinkedIn profile, personal website, or portfolio—can be just as significant. Many recruiters use LinkedIn to source candidates before job openings are even made public, and some roles allow you to apply using just your LinkedIn profile. This all ties into the multi-faceted approach we mentioned earlier, ensuring you’re visible and accessible in all the right places. “You need to meet 100% of the job requirements to apply.” Think you need to meet every single qualification listed before you apply? This common myth holds many job seekers back from throwing their hat in the ring for positions they’re qualified for. Job postings often outline the skills and experience of their ideal candidate, but this list is not necessarily the minimum requirements. If you meet most of the core qualifications and have relevant experience, apply! Use your cover letter to showcase how your unique skills can bring value to the position. “Wait until you’re ready to leave before job hunting.” As Ama La Vida Leadership & Career Coach, Jen Maynard puts it, “One of the best career moves is to start searching for your next role while you’re still employed and not urgently needing a change. Most job seekers wait until they’re desperate to leave or have already lost a job, which can lead to rushed decisions or missed opportunities. By starting early, you can explore job opportunities thoughtfully, network strategically, and tailor your resume to each position without the pressure of needing immediate results.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ama La Vida | Online Career Coaches (@alvcoaching) Being proactive in your job search allows you to be more selective, focusing on finding the right fit for your skills, values, and goals. It also positions you to stay ahead of

Should I Quit My Job Quiz: 5 Minutes to Help You Decide

Achieving Goals

09/23/24

Lauren Bonheim

Feeling stuck at work and finding yourself constantly wondering “Should I quit my job?” 🤔The truth is, most of us have been there at some point! Deciding whether it’s time to walk away from a job can feel daunting, but that’s where our 5-minute Should I Quit My Job Quiz comes in. We know that leaving a job is a big deal. That being said, it’s incredibly important to be in the right role, especially when you consider that the average person will spend 30% of their waking hours working. Yes, you read that right! 🤯 That’s why we created this quick and easy quiz to help you reflect on your current situation and get clarity on whether it’s really time to pursue new opportunities. Once you have your results, keep reading, because there’s more to explore beyond the quiz! We’ll also break down what your score means and guide you towards your best next steps. Ready to get the answers you’ve been looking for? Let’s do this! 👇 Should I Quit My Job Quiz: Do I Stay or Do I Go? This 20-question quiz takes less than 5 minutes and offers valuable insights to help you decide whether or not it’s time to look for a new job. We’ll dive into how to interpret your results below so you can plan your next steps. How to Calculate Your Quiz Score Rate the below statements based on your current job experience on a scale from 1 to 5. Then add up your responses to get your final score. 1 = Strongly Disagree 2 = Disagree 3 = Neutral 4 = Agree 5 = Strongly Agree Quiz-Taking Tip: When possible, avoid selecting ‘3’ or ‘neutral’. Instead, lean toward either agreeing or disagreeing. Only choose ‘neutral’ if you really can’t decide, as this won’t help in making a decisive decision. Take the “Should I Quit My Job Quiz” (TypeForm Quiz Below) Interpreting Your Quiz Results: Let’s Make Sense of your Score Now that you’ve taken the quiz, it’s time to dive into what your score reveals about your current job satisfaction. Below, you’ll find a quick summary of each score range to help you understand your results and offer guidance on how to move forward. Reflect and Reassess You scored between 20-40 Your responses suggest that you’re not exactly satisfied in your current role. This could be a good time to reflect on whether this job aligns with your values, goals, and well-being. Consider exploring what’s missing (hint – the statements that you scored particularly low) and ask yourself whether these can be addressed. If not, it might be time for a change, so consider exploring new opportunities that better align with your needs. Address Challenges You scored between 41-60 You’re not completely dissatisfied with your current job but seem to be facing some notable challenges. Review the areas where you scored 3 or below and consider if these issues can be resolved through discussions with your manager or adjustments to your approach. Reflect on whether the positive aspects of your role (those you scored 4 or 5) outweigh the negatives. If the challenges seem too significant or unresolvable, it might be time to explore other opportunities. Refine Your Experience You scored between 61-80 Your answers suggest that you’re generally content with your role, though there may be some areas worth addressing. Take a closer look at the statements where you scored lower and consider how these factors might be impacting your overall job satisfaction. Before making any major decisions, explore ways to address these concerns proactively within your current role or company. Reflect on what’s working well and think about how you can build on these positives to enhance your experience. Maximize Your Potential You scored between 81-100 Your responses indicate a high level of satisfaction with your job. You seem to be in a role that aligns well with your needs, values, and professional goals. Continue to nurture and invest in your current position, while staying open to opportunities for further growth and advancement. Even if you’re content with your job, consider exploring ways to challenge yourself and expand your horizons within your role. Reflect on how you can continue to evolve and explore opportunities to take on new projects or responsibilities that align with your interests and future career goals. Dig Deeper: Do a Gut Check and Reflect on What Matters This quiz is just one piece of the puzzle. While it offers valuable insights, it’s important to consider your bigger picture—such as your current priorities and personal values. Keep in mind that this quiz gives each statement equal weight, and what we know for sure—life rarely works that way. What’s important to you is likely to shift depending on where you are in your journey. At certain times, like preparing for a major life event such as having a baby or buying a home, stability and compensation might outweigh other factors. On the other hand, if you’re early in your career or exploring new paths, purpose and passion may be at the top of your list. The key is to understand that not all elements of your role are equal, and their importance can fluctuate with your circumstances. That’s why we encourage you to take some more time to reflect on what truly matters to you in a job right now. You took the time to complete a “Should I Quit My Job Quiz,” which means something is prompting this reflection. What is it? We’d also like to acknowledge that ‘should’ is a loaded word. Only you know what’s best for you! To guide your deeper reflection, ask yourself: Trust your instincts, and give yourself some space to explore what’s really driving your decision. What Now? Turning Your Insight into Action So, you’ve taken the quiz and reflected on your answers—now what? Whether your results nudged you toward staying with your current role or looking for a new job, it’s time to turn that insight into action.