The Florida Sun-Sentinel ran an interesting article about career coaching. They contrast two career coaches at different price points.
Reading between the lines, the more expensive coach focuses on results. She charges a lot more but she helped her client narrow down his focus to four states. She suggested using LinkedIn and other specific strategies. The less expensive coach seems to focus on self-exploration.
I definitely agree that you run a risk when you say, “I’m having trouble getting a job so I’ll just settle for what I can get.” But there’s nothing wrong with taking a bridge job – something that helps you get to your next one – or a perch job, where you hang out and earn while you look for your next job.