How does one become a life coach? A life coach is a very real thing and I'm sure it's a lucrative gig if you can pull it off. From what I've seen on TV (Full disclosure: that's my only source for research on this topic.), a life coach basically is someone who tells you what to do or not do. Of course, there's some new age thinking and esoteric platitudes that go along with the advice, but it really boils down to simple common sense.

Q: Should I go out with a guy I met in a chat room?

LCA: Do you feel safe doing so? Do you feel comfortable talking to him in person. Remember...a chat room is different than sitting across from each other over dinner. You need to answer these questions before deciding.

Q: Should I buy a new Lexus?

LCA: Why do you want a new car? Do you need a new car? Are you able to afford a luxury car? Could you get by with a less expensive car?

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Very general examples to be sure, but that's about what it boils down to. Does someone really need to pay someone to answer basic questions that one should be asking oneself anyway?

Another occupation that puzzles me is "lifestyle expert." What sort of background does one need in order to be a lifestyle expert? I don't recall seeing any subjects pertaining to this field when I was in college, and I would think that if one wants to become an expert on something he or she should at least be educated at the college level. After all, where does the term "expert" come from? Something else that puzzles me about this field is that these experts are generally pretty young...younger thirty years old. How does one become a bona fide expert at such a young age? How many lifestyles can a person study and analyze in just a few years? My idea of an expert is one who has immersed himself into the field, lived it, breathed it, and after many years has gleaned the most important factors from that lifestyle to pass on to others. I don't see that being possible from someone who is a mere decade away from legal voting age.

These questions trouble me so. Perhaps I should find a life coach and discuss them. Oh, Lord, I need some guidance!!!