Finding Career Joy: Why I Chose Book Coaching Over Traditional Education

by Erin Radniecki

What do you do when you’re ready for a change not just in your job, but in your career path?

This was the question I faced in 2020. Having worked in sustainable agriculture for over a decade, and feeling disillusioned after surviving an organizational restructure, I decided it was time for something new. After some discernment I had decided that I wanted to pursue one of my passions: books!

I was pretty anxious about the change. How exactly would I make this transition? What would it look like? Where would I land?

Since I was at the midpoint of my working life, obtaining some additional education seemed like a good place to start. So, I began researching Master’s degrees in Library Science.

Okay, maybe researching is a strong word.

I googled a little about MLS degrees in general, but I never felt motivated to do more. I didn’t make a spreadsheet comparing universities and degree programs. I didn’t investigate to see if I’d need to take any standardized tests, or learn about financial aid.

My apathy had me wondering, why was I not driven to move forward? I had identified that it was time to give my energy to books, and I’d always loved libraries and admired the important work that they do. Heck, my mom is a retired school librarian! Why wasn’t I feeling the energy I needed to propel me down this new path?

The answer was that although I was intensely interested in books, I instinctively knew that that degree and that career weren’t going to be a fit for me.

First, the cost of the degree was going to be in the tens of thousands of dollars, and it would take me over a year to finish the program. I was nervous about taking on that level of financial commitment, and as a working parent I wasn’t sure how I would find the time or energy to take classes.

Second, getting the degree was just the beginning. Once I graduated, I would need to find a job, something that was largely out of my control. My family wasn’t looking to move, so that job would need to be in my local community. Since libraries are open evenings and weekends, I’d need to be available during those hours. How would I balance that with parenting and life?

Plus, there were all my usual anxieties about working for others. You see, I’m your typical do-my-work-well, don’t-cause-any-trouble, stress-about-the-small-stuff, type of person. In short, I’m the type of employee that employers love to have, but I’m always low-key stressing out on the inside. Would a new job in a new career be any different? Or would I still be dealing with the same issues in a new environment?

I came to realize that getting that Master’s of Library Science was going to be an expensive way to kick the proverbial career can down the road a few more years, where I’d likely find myself in the same position - overcommitted, stressed, and worried about meeting the expectations of others.

However, I had found an alternative that sounded intriguing: becoming a book coach.

The cost of certification would be much less than obtaining an advanced degree. The coursework seemed rigorous and directly applicable to the job. I could do the lessons when it fit into my schedule, which was usually evenings after kids’ bedtime. That all sounded good.

But what about the work itself? Did I want to start my own business? To be responsible for all the decisions? Could I market myself and find clients? Would I even be any good at book coaching?

After reviewing all of Author Accelerator’s materials for people considering certification, I surprised myself by saying yes, I can do this! Changing careers went from something I lacked the confidence to try, to something I was excited to be undertaking.

Flash forward a few years and here I am, with my small-but-growing business.

I’ve learned a lot, and continue to learn more every day. Of course there’s been a learning curve, but I’m certified in fiction, calling my own shots in my business, doing things on my terms, and trying to provide the best support I can to my clients. I can take time for my family when I need to (hello, cold and flu season!) and grow at my own pace.

What about all those worries I had? The fears about making decisions, and being good at coaching. One of the biggest surprises for me has been that I am so much less stressed as a small business owner than I was as an employee. I no longer have to worry that I’m meeting a supervisor’s expectations, or about organizational upheaval that is out of my control. Instead, I can focus on building relationships with my clients and making sure they feel supported.

My progress has come to be thanks to two things: continuous, small steps to grow my business, and the support I’ve received from the Author Accelerator community. Although I’m a solopreneur, I know that I don’t have to go it alone. I have an encouraging crew behind me. 

I haven’t once regretted walking away from the Master’s degree path, and I’m excited to see where I choose to take my business in the future.

Visit Erin’s website here.