If you’ve been exploring the idea of coaching in Germany, you’ve probably come across the AVGS voucher. On paper, it sounds perfect: the government covers the cost of your coaching, and depending on the hours you’re granted, this can be worth thousands of euros.

And let me tell you — I’ve been on both sides of this system: as a coach who works with AVGS-funded clients, and as a client myself, back when I was starting my own business.

When I was granted my AVGS voucher years ago, I received 80 hours of coaching. That’s right — about €9,000 worth of professional coaching, fully covered. At that time, I didn’t have the funds to invest in coaching myself, so this voucher was a blessing. Without it, I wouldn’t have been able to afford that level of support.

So before I dive into the disadvantages (and there are a few), let me be clear: this article is not here to discourage you. It’s here to open the door to the behind-the-scenes reality so you can make an informed decision about whether AVGS coaching is right for you.

The Advantage of AVGS Coaching

Let’s start with the obvious:

It’s financed by the government. For many people, especially when unemployed or transitioning, investing €2,000–€10,000 into coaching just isn’t possible. The AVGS voucher removes that barrier.
It provides access to a substantial amount of coaching. Depending on the voucher, you may be granted dozens of hours that would otherwise be out of reach.

For this reason alone, it can be life-changing. It was for me.

The Disadvantages Nobody Tells You

Now here’s the candid truth: AVGS coaching comes with rigid rules, intense timelines, and limited flexibility.

1. Stiff Timelines

Once you agree on a start date with your coach, that date is set in stone.
Most providers use a booking system where your hours are tracked, and your signature is required after each session — sometimes even the same day.
You’re obligated to complete the program within the timeframe stated on your voucher.
Usually, this means 8 weeks (sometimes up to 10) to complete the entire program.

Now imagine squeezing 80 hours of coaching into 2 months. That’s a lot. In my case, it was summer, which meant sacrificing vacations and rearranging life to fit the program.

2. Frequency of Sessions

You must meet with your coach at least twice per week.
You can’t skip sessions. Vacations aren’t allowed during the coaching period.
If you’re sick, you need formal permission or sick leave from the Jobcenter or Arbeitsamt. Your coach can’t grant that — they are bound by the voucher rules, just like you.

This level of intensity may sound productive, but it can also feel rushed.

3. Lack of Flexibility

The rules of the voucher are not between you and your coach — they’re between you and the Jobcenter/Arbeitsamt.
Your coach has no authority to adjust the rules. They must deliver the coaching exactly as outlined in the voucher.
If your life circumstances shift, there’s very little room to adapt.

My Experience (and My Clients’)

When I went through AVGS coaching myself, I was grateful for the opportunity. It truly helped me kickstart my journey. But I also remember how exhausting it was: two to three sessions per week, constantly rushing from one breakthrough to the next without much time to breathe or reflect.

Now, as a coach, I see my clients go through the same. Many are surprised by how rigid the system is, and some feel disappointed because they expected more space for soul-searching or exploration.

What Happens in Private Coaching

With privately financed coaching, it’s a completely different story:

We set the pace together. For most of my private clients, one session per week is the sweet spot.
This gives them time to digest new insights, let ideas land, and allow real transformation to happen in the space between sessions.
There’s flexibility — if you need to skip a week, take a vacation, or adjust the schedule, that’s possible.

In my view, this flexibility makes private coaching more sustainable for deep exploration, career crossroads, or early-stage business ideas that need space to mature.

Who AVGS Coaching Works Best For

AVGS-sponsored coaching is rushed and purpose-driven. Its main goal is clear:

Get you back into the job market.
Or get your business up and running quickly.

It works best if:

You already have a certain level of clarity.
You’re ready to commit to an intense, short-term program.
You can handle the structure and want to move fast.

It may not be the best fit if:

You’re still soul-searching or massaging early ideas.
You need more time to reflect and grow into your next chapter.

The Bottom Line

AVGS vouchers are a blessing — but also a commitment. They can give you thousands of euros’ worth of support, but the trade-off is intensity and rigidity.

Private coaching, on the other hand, requires financial investment but gives you complete freedom: freedom to go at your own pace, freedom to explore more deeply, and freedom to adapt coaching to your life.

Neither is “better” — it depends on where you are in your journey.

Additional Resources

If you’d like to explore this topic further, I’ve written more in-depth articles to help you understand the ins and outs of AVGS coaching and other ways to finance support:

Your Next Step

If you’re considering coaching and wondering whether to use the AVGS voucher or invest privately, I’d be happy to talk it through with you.

Book a free call with me today and let’s explore which option makes sense for your current situation, your goals, and your resources.

Not yet ready for a call but curious? Send me a message via email or WhatsApp — I’ll gladly share my candid advice.

Until our next breakthrough!

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