What is a Career Counsellor and Why Do You Need One?

Many people still hold the false perception that you need to be unemployed or in dire straits to seek career counselling. In reality, career counselling is something almost anyone can benefit from. To find out more, I sat down with Senior Resume Writer and Career Consultant at Resumes Done Right, Mel Peacock.

It’s a crisp spring morning in Melbourne, VIC, the home of Resumes Done Right. Mel is curled up on her sofa with her Cavoodle, Bailey, while we chat about her latest Netflix binge, with a Hans Zimmer soundtrack playing faintly in the background. But it doesn’t take long for our conversation to turn to today’s pressing topic – the cost of living.

“People are struggling,” Mel admits. “Rent is skyrocketing, fuel is biting into pay packets, and even groceries are becoming luxuries rather than basics. Families who were once comfortable are suddenly doing the maths on whether they can afford essentials. This has had a direct impact on career decisions. People aren’t just looking for jobs anymore – they’re looking for financial stability, flexibility, and security.”

She explains that when household costs rise faster than wages, people are pushed to rethink their entire career path. “We’re seeing a lot of career shifts into industries that offer stronger pay or better work-life balance. It’s not about passion anymore for many – it’s about survival.”

Current Employment Trends

Mel clears her throat, clearly eager to dig into what she’s seeing. “There are three key trends right now:

1. Remote and hybrid work – People are saving thousands by avoiding daily commutes. A job that allows you to work from home can make the difference between being comfortable or scraping by.

2. Side hustles and freelancing – Rising bills have pushed people to monetise skills they once saw as hobbies. From copywriting to baking, people are turning to extra income streams.

3. Part-time flexibility – Parents, students, and even mid-career workers are choosing part-time or flexible arrangements so they can juggle costs, studies, or small businesses.”

Mel’s Tips for Workers

“So how do you adapt?” I ask. Mel leans forward, ready with practical advice:

• If you’re job hunting, prioritise companies offering remote options – it saves money and time.

• If you’re freelancing, build a strong online portfolio and treat it like a second CV. But if you’re applying for employee roles, downplay self-employment – “hiring managers still worry business owners can’t take direction.”

• If you’re going part-time, target companies known for genuine flexibility, not just lip service.

“These small choices can give workers back some control,” she says.

What Needs to Change?

Mel is passionate when I ask about the future of hiring. “We need more pathways for people to re-enter or upskill. Paid internships, short contracts, even flexible traineeships could help people move into higher-paying industries. Not just for graduates – but for anyone who needs a chance to step into something new.”

Behind the Scenes of a Career Counsellor

Her own career began over a decade ago, helping unhappy employees find better-fitting roles within large organisations. “I realised I loved helping people connect their skills with opportunities,” she says. But the role isn’t always easy. “People come to me when they’re exhausted, defeated, or worried about how they’ll pay the bills. Sometimes I’m not just their career counsellor – I’m their sounding board.”

Her day is packed: meeting clients, rewriting resumes, researching industries, and strategising how each person can navigate today’s financial squeeze. “Every case is unique, but the goal is the same – helping people carve a path forward.”

Why Career Counselling Matters Now More Than Ever

As Mel explains, career counselling isn’t just for the jobless. It helps people understand their skills, strengths, and opportunities they may never have considered. “The rising cost of living has pushed people to rethink everything. Many are questioning whether their current career will sustain them long-term. That’s where I come in – to help them explore their options.”

A Story of Hope

She shares the story of Susan (not her real name), a single mother who once feared she’d never be able to retrain because of money and childcare. With Mel’s guidance, Susan mapped out a realistic plan – starting with a Certificate III that fit around her budget and family. “It wasn’t easy, but step by step she built a career in nursing. Today she’s qualified, working in a hospital close to home, and supporting her children.”

Mel smiles. “That’s why I do what I do. Rising costs can make the future feel impossible, but with planning, support, and the right advice, people really can turn things around.”