Matt’s story:
Finding clarity, and a way to honour both his career and his creativity

When Matt first came to coaching, he was standing at a crossroads - not just in his career, but in his identity. After nearly a decade at the same financial planning firm, he felt undervalued, under-stimulated and ready for change. At the same time, he was fiercely devoted to his music, pouring hours into writing, producing and tracking the progress of his releases. Both paths mattered to him deeply, and he couldn’t see how to do justice to either.

His words summed it up perfectly:

“I want to make the right move for my career, without sacrificing the thing that brings me the most joy.”

Early exploration: getting clear on what matters

Our first sessions focused on getting everything out of his head and into the open. After some exploration, Matt realised just how central music, family and freedom were to his happiness. He wanted progression and recognition in his financial planning career, but not at the cost of the things that gave his life colour.

He also noticed something important:

the idea of taking a major exam again had become a “grey cloud” hanging over his decision-making, bigger in his mind than it needed to be.

Seeing all of this laid out clearly helped him slow down, step back and think about the whole picture rather than each decision in isolation.

Big decisions, bigger shifts

As opportunities emerged, Matt used coaching sessions as a thinking space to weigh up not just the titles and salaries, but the lifestyle and identity each role represented.

Gradually, something clicked. He began gravitating toward the role that offered progression, a sense of future, and the culture he’d been missing - even though it came with the exam he’d been dreading.

To help him manage that fear, we used NLP anchoring. He immediately connected with it. By linking a moment of confidence to a physical cue, he created something he could use whenever doubt crept in.

The music question: making peace with his creative drive

Alongside all of this ran Matt’s relationship with music.

It was a lifelong passion, but instead of bringing him joy, it had started fuelling frustration and self-pressure. He described checking streaming stats “like a drug” and feeling like he’d failed because he wasn’t making music full-time.

Through coaching, the question softened. Instead of “How do I make it big?” it became:

“How do I build a life where my music fits, grows and makes me proud?”

Visualising his ideal week helped him see where music could naturally live. Working from home twice a week. Protecting evenings. Being fully present with his family and letting creativity be the thing that energises him, not something that exhausts him.

The shift was subtle but powerful: success was no longer measured in streams or fame, but in how alive it made him feel.

Stepping into change with confidence

As the job offers firmed up, Matt became clearer and calmer. He recognised the role that truly aligned with his values - progression, culture and challenge - and prepared to step into it with intention.

He began to see that he didn’t have to abandon anything.
He could be a brilliant financial planner and a committed musician.
He could support his family and honour his creativity.
He could move forward without losing himself.

Each session strengthened that sense of balance and identity, helping him take the next step with confidence rather than fear.

Where he is now

Matt is entering a new chapter with far more clarity, confidence and stability. He’s taken on a role that lights him up, with progression built in and values that match his own. His relationship with music is calmer, healthier and more joyful. And instead of feeling torn between his two worlds, he’s building a life where they coexist.