How Do We Find Career Clarity After Sports?

Not all, but a lot of us may have reached that point where something we do every day comes to an end; whether it’s our career, school, or business. When that chapter closes, it can feel unsettling. The structure, purpose, and identity built around it suddenly shift, so what’s next?

Finding clarity in our next chapter isn’t always straightforward, but the good news is that the skills and mindset that made us great in one area of life can help us succeed beyond it. I’ve worked with many athletes through this transition. Kohoo’s—a former world-ranked badminton player who made the unexpected leap into the Indian Police Services. Her journey offers valuable lessons on navigating career change with confidence.

Why Is Career Transition So Challenging for Athletes?

For years, our identity has been built around being athletes. The routines, the goals, and the competitive mindset have shaped who we are. When that structure disappears, it’s natural to feel lost. Kohoo experienced this firsthand when a combination of COVID-19 disruptions, health challenges, and a major injury forced her to step away from badminton.

At first, she resented leaving the sport she had dedicated her life to. But over time, she reframed the situation: What else am I capable of? Where can I make an impact? These questions helped her shift from focusing on what she lost to exploring new opportunities.

If you’re in a similar situation, the first step is to acknowledge the transition. It’s okay to feel uncertain, but our skills, discipline, and mindset can open doors in ways we might not have expected.

What Steps Can We Take to Gain Career Clarity?

Kohoo had a degree in economics but had never explored career options beyond badminton. To find clarity, she took intentional steps to uncover new possibilities:

1. Seek Guidance. She connected with career counselors, spoke with friends, and researched different industries. She quickly realized that many professionals were also figuring things out—she wasn’t as behind as she had feared.

2. Assess Your Strengths. The same discipline, resilience, and high-performance mindset that made her an elite athlete were valuable in other fields. She discovered that these qualities made her well-suited for the civil services.

3. Take Action. Instead of overthinking, Kohoo committed to preparing for one of India’s toughest exams. She applied the same structured approach to studying as she had to training, and within two years, she successfully transitioned into a new career.

The key takeaway? Clarity comes from action, not just reflection. If we’re unsure about our next step, we can start with small, intentional actions:

• Talk to professionals in fields that interest us.

• Explore a short course or certification to test new skills.

• Seek mentorship (2ndwind Academy can help!).

• Try out different roles through internships or volunteering.

How Can We Leverage Our Experience in a New Career?

The skills we developed in sports don’t disappear when we retire—they can be the foundation of our next career. Kohoo’s success in the civil services came from the same attributes that made her an elite athlete:

• Discipline and work ethic – Her ability to set goals and commit to long-term success translated into excelling in rigorous training and exams.

• Adaptability – Just like in sports, she had to adjust to new challenges in an entirely different profession.

• Performing under pressure – The ability to stay composed in high-stakes situations helped her stand out in her new role.

Our experience as athletes isn’t something to leave behind—it’s an asset that can help us excel in new ways. The challenge is learning how to apply those strengths in a different environment.

What’s Our Next Move?

Kohoo’s story proves that athletes can successfully transition into new careers. She went from striving for Olympic qualification to making a tangible impact through public service. While the journey wasn’t easy, she found clarity by seeking guidance, assessing her strengths, and taking action.

Our next chapter doesn’t have to be uncertain. We’ve already proven our ability to adapt, overcome challenges, and strive for excellence. Now, it’s about channeling that same mindset into something new.

Where do you see yourself making an impact? If you’re looking for career clarity, explore our resources at 2ndwind.io or listen to the 2ndwind Academy Podcast.

Our next step could make all the difference.