“Only CEOs Can Afford a Coach” Busting the Myth That’s Keeping Women Burnt Out and Stuck
- Merly Hartnett
- Jul 10
- 5 min read
Let’s be real for a second.
If I had a dollar for every time I heard someone say:
“I’d love to work with a coach, but I just can’t afford it…”
Well... I’d probably be able to coach for free.
And I get it because I've been there myself, and it's a widespread dilemma.
The idea that only successful, wealthy people can access coaching is deeply ingrained. We picture coaches working exclusively with CEOs in suits, not with mums juggling a part-time career, the never-ending laundry, and thinking about what to cook every second of the damn day. (Update: I recently borrowed a book from the library that's now on my "to-buy" list, as it's been a lifesaver in this department - We're Hungry by Food Blogger Ciara Attwell.)
But here’s the thing no one tells you:
You don’t need to be a CEO to need support.
And you certainly don’t need to be wealthy to deserve it.
Coaching Isn’t a Luxury. It’s a Lifeline.
Coaching isn’t some elite performance perk reserved for Fortune 500 executives. It’s a lifeline for the rest of us, the burnt-out professionals, the quietly overwhelmed mums, the high-achievers stuck on autopilot.
It’s for the women who cry in the car after work because they feel guilty for not being “present” at home.
For the ones who wake up at 3 a.m. wondering if they’re in the right job… or even the right life.
For the women who keep everything running but feel like they’re falling apart.
If that’s you, please know this:
You don’t need to hit rock bottom to get support. And you don’t need to ‘earn’ the right to invest in yourself.
"Before working with Merly, I was constantly overwhelmed, juggling a demanding job and family life as a single parent, feeling like I was barely keeping it together. The stress was relentless, and I was on the verge of burnout. After working with Merly, I feel empowered and in control. I’ve learned how to set clear boundaries between work and family life, and my stress levels have drastically reduced. I now manage my time more effectively and no longer feel like I’m just surviving ... I’m thriving, both in my career and as a mum. I can’t recommend Merly highly enough! Her guidance has been truly life-changing." - Nicole
It’s Not About More Information
When I first hired a coach, I thought I needed more strategies, more how-to steps, more secret formulas everyone else seemed to know about but me.
But what I realised is this: coaching isn’t about more information. We can Google that. We can even ask AI.
What coaching gave me and what I offer my clients is a rare and powerful space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with who you are outside of the chaos.
That’s where real transformation begins.
And here’s what’s wild: Coaching often saves time, energy, money, and mental health down the track.
Because burnout has hidden costs:
The sleepless nights
The missed family moments
The job dissatisfaction
The lost identity
The health flare-ups
The quiet resentment
and the decision fatigue that chips away at your confidence.
When you work with a coach, you're not buying “advice.”
You’re investing in clarity, energy, direction and often, a plan to finally stop spinning in circles.
Coaching Has Changed. The Price Tag Has, Too.
There are so many flexible, affordable coaching models available today, from group programs to free workshops and digital self-paced support, that you don’t need to earn six figures to begin.
I created Nurture Ambition for this exact reason.
And honestly? It might surprise you to know I’ve coached stay-at-home mums, single mums working part-time, and women earning under $100K. This isn’t just for those at the “top of the ladder”, it’s for anyone ready to take a step toward themselves.
“But I Just Don’t Have the Money Right Now…”
Let’s talk about this because this is where so many women get stuck.
You see the value of coaching.
You want it.
You know it could help.
But when your budget is already stretched between bills, groceries, kids’ activities, and the rising cost of living, it can feel out of reach.
That’s not a lack of commitment.
That’s real life.
So let’s bust the idea that coaching is some all-or-nothing elite investment.
Because coaching can be accessible, even on a budget.
How Coaching Can Be More Accessible:
1. Group Coaching Programs
Think of this like a shared table of support rich with connection, stories, and transformation, often at a lower cost than 1:1 work. I’ve seen the power of women rising together. The breakthroughs in these settings are just as real. You can join my group coaching waitlist here.
2. Flexible Payment Plans
Many coaches (myself included) offer weekly or monthly payment plans to make support more manageable. Some even offer sliding scale options or partial scholarships. (Psst, if you’re on my mailing list, you’ll be the first to hear when these become available.)
3. Short-Term or One-Off Sessions
You don’t need a six-month package to see real change. A single clarity session can unlock more than months of going it alone. I offer this through my career consulting services.
4. Self-Paced Courses and Digital Tools
When time or money is tight, digital resources like workbooks, mini-courses, or guided journaling prompts are an affordable and empowering place to begin. I’m slowly building out these resources inside the Nurture Ambition blog for this exact reason.
5. Free Resources You Can Use Now
From blogs and email newsletters to Instagram content, many coaches offer free value regularly. If you’re already following me, you know I share tips, reflections, and encouragement weekly. If not, join my mailing list, it’s a great place to start.
What It Really Comes Down To…
Sometimes it’s not about whether we can afford a coach. It’s about whether we believe we’re worth investing in.
And I say this with love: you are.
You don’t need a new title, a raise, or external validation to deserve support. You just need the courage to say: “I matter. My wellbeing matters. My dreams matter.”
Because when you start showing up for yourself, things begin to shift.Your confidence. Your energy. Your clarity. Your relationships. Your work. Not because you’ve become “better” but because you’ve remembered who you already are.
But Don’t Just Take My Word for It...
"Since starting with Merly, I’ve noticed a positive shift in my confidence and sense of professional identity. Her extensive experience in workplace culture and recruitment ensures I leave each session with invaluable insights and practical tips. Merly creates a safe, non-judgmental space where I can show up as I am. She tailors each session to meet my needs in the moment — whether that’s sharing knowledge, offering reassurance, providing actionable advice, or celebrating my wins. Through our work together, I’ve gone from feeling low in confidence to reconnecting with a sense of pride in my achievements. I highly recommend Merly to anyone looking for supportive and expert career coaching."— Hayley
"I cannot stress how important it is to have someone of Merly’s calibre to support you and coach you each impactful step of the way. Sure, you can try to do it by yourself, but her intrinsic knowledge of what will work for you specifically is of high value to me. She is more than a personal cheerleader and kickass fountain of information — she is someone who understands with compassion and generosity."— Ashley
If you’ve been quietly telling yourself, “Coaching isn’t for someone like me,” consider this your permission to think again.
Explore my coaching options designed for real women living real lives
Book a free clarity call, no pressure, just a safe, honest conversation
Subscribe to my emails for weekly encouragement and inspiration
You don’t have to be a CEO to get support. But you can be the CEO of your own life.
And that? That’s more than enough.
Comments