Many athletes dedicate so much of themselves to pursuing excellence in their sport of choice. It can be tough for some athletes to move on once the time for their sports careers has come to a close. You can’t keep competing forever and you need to have a plan for life after sports. Read on to examine this topic further and to get advice so that you can start considering what you want to do.
Your Identity
You likely identify as an athlete and it probably has been ingrained in you for a long time. This can make it difficult to transition into life after athletics. If you aren’t an athlete any longer, then what are you? Try to think of yourself as more than just an athlete but don’t be afraid to acknowledge how proud you are of your athletic accomplishments.
Multi-faceted individuals have an easier time transitioning into life outside of the athletic bubble. You can focus on financial pursuits, hobbies, and other things that are important to you. It’s also good to try to stay in shape and you should continue to train if you’re physically capable of doing so. Your experience in the athletic world can stay with you in a positive way.
Potential Depression
Some people wind up suffering from depression when they are no longer able to compete in athletics any longer. This is a normal response to losing something that has become a big part of your life. You need to acknowledge how you feel and you shouldn’t hesitate to talk to somebody. Working with a counselor or therapist to go over what you’re dealing with will help you to move forward.
You might reach a bit of a slump once your life after athletics has begun. This slump doesn’t have to stick around for long if you have other things that you can focus on. Address your feelings and know that life has so many possibilities for you to explore. This can be seen as the beginning of a new and fun chapter to your life.
Having a Financial Plan
Having a financial plan that you can follow is important when you’re an athlete. Of course, if you’re a professional athlete, then you might make enough money during your career that you won’t have to worry upon retirement. This isn’t the case for athletes who only make it to the college level and for many other athletes who aren’t playing for a major league team, though. For this reason, you should have a plan for how you are going to make money once your athletic days are finished.
Finishing college and getting a degree in something that you actually want to do is highly recommended. It can also be beneficial to consider investing some of the money that you might have earned during your career in athletics. Work with your family and financial advisors to come up with a solid plan. This will help you to transition from your career in athletics much more easily.