James RitchieCareer Guidance & Transition Support
Non-clinical career planning for students, professionals and first responders.Helping you make clear, structured decisions about what comes next - whether that’s identifying, staying, pivoting, or stepping away from a defining role.
About James
I’m James Ritchie - though most people call me Ritchie.I provide practical career guidance/career counselling for people navigating change, uncertainty, or transition. I work with clients from many backgrounds and have particular experience supporting first responders and service professionals.As an Advanced Care Paramedic, with firefighter training, experience in the military reserves, and involvement in search and rescue, I understand the culture of service roles and the challenge that can come with considering change, especially when identity, burnout, or when long-term sustainability become real concerns.My work is non-clinical and structured. I focus on decision-making, skills translation, and realistic planning, yet I place no judgments on why we are working together. Each person has their own story.Academically, I hold a degree in Youth and Community Studies, a Master's degree in Education, built on a Postgraduate Diploma in Careers Guidance. My aim is to bring clarity, perspective, and forward movement to career transitions., with no judgments and my full support.
Who?
Who I work with
I work with professionals across a range of sectors. I have particular experience supporting:• First responders and service professionals
• Paramedics, firefighters, military, and SAR members
• Professionals experiencing burnout or career fatigue
• Individuals considering leaving high-identity roles
• Those seeking clarity without therapy or coaching hype
• Students in high school, college, or university
• Those who have left employment against their own decisionThis service is focused on career guidance and transition support.
While my guidance training is counselling based, it is an important distinction that these sessions are not mental health counselling.
How?
How I can help
- Career Direction & Decision-Making
- Clarifying options when you feel stuck or uncertain.
- Career Transition Planning
- Supporting structured exits, pivots, or internal moves.
- Skills Translation
- Identifying and articulating transferable strengths.
- Resume & Interview Strategy
- Developing confident, coherent application materials.
- Education & Retraining Decisions
- Evaluating pathways before committing time or cost.My approach is calm, realistic, and focused on practical next steps.
What?
What do the sessions look like?
- 60-Minute Career Guidance Session
- A focused conversation to clarify direction and next steps.
- 60-Minute Deep Dive Session
- A structured session for complex decisions or transition planning.
- Sessions are conducted online, at a place convenient to you within the Victoria region, or at my home office.This is a non-clinical career guidance service focused on decision-making and planning.
Availability
My availability can change week to week, based upon other clients or work. That being said, I recognize that people have busy lives, kids, and inflexible work schedules/shifts. Therefore, if my times are don't work for you, please get in touch so we can work something out together.In addition, if your need for an appointment is more pressing due to pressures or circumstances, please message indicating that your need for meeting is more urgent.
Standard Pricing
$140
60 minute appointments. This includes any pre-work necessary, as well as a brief report following our session.
Student Pricing
$100
I recognize that being a student is challenging financially, therefore special student pricing is available for those in high school, college or university.
Financial hardship
Financial hardship - If things are financially tight at this moment, and you cannot afford my services, then please reach out confidentially to me to discuss.
Ready to book a session?
Click the button below to see when we can meet.
© James Ritchie. All rights reserved. 2026