Picture this: You’ve just stepped off the podium. The cheers fade, and suddenly, the structured routine that has defined your life is gone.
What comes next?
If you’re anything like I was, this question is unsettling. When I retired from football, I quickly realised that having a solid plan wasn’t just helpful…it was necessary.
I’ll be honest: the pivot out of sports wasn’t easy. The structure, identity, and purpose that came from competing were gone. But what made the process smoother for me was knowing I had taken small steps during my career to prepare for what came next. Mack, a former Australian swimmer I spoke with on the 2ndwind podcast, shared a similar story:
“Swimming was everything for me, but I always knew it wouldn’t last forever. My parents drilled into me the importance of a backup plan. They’d say, ‘What happens if you get injured tomorrow?’”
It’s not just about preparing for the worst, it’s about setting yourself up for a fulfilling second chapter.
How Can You Plan For Your Next Career?
1. Stay Curious: What Interests You Outside of Sports?
For me, curiosity was a lifeline. During my career, I started to ask myself: What else could I be good at? What else excites me? These questions helped me discover passions I hadn’t considered before. I’d talk to people, explore different fields, and take note of what sparked my interest. Mack described a similar journey:
“I didn’t know what I wanted to do, so I talked to as many people as I could. Every conversation gave me a new perspective. I started to see what excited me and what didn’t.”
Start small. Is there a topic that’s always caught your eye? A skill you’ve wanted to try? Your curiosity today could pave the way for your career tomorrow.
2. Invest in Education: Are You Building Transferable Skills?
Education doesn’t have to mean enrolling full-time in a degree program. It can be as simple as taking online courses, attending workshops, or shadowing professionals in fields that interest you.
Personally, I leaned heavily on skills I developed during my athletic career; like leadership and problem-solving, but I also wish I had invested more time in structured learning. Mack’s approach to education reminded me of my own efforts to balance learning with competing:
“I pursued a business degree alongside my swimming career. It took eight years, but it gave me a foundation for my future.”
Even small steps toward learning something new can make a big difference. For me, it wasn’t about rushing to complete a degree but rather building knowledge over time. Whatever your path, start gaining experience or credentials while you’re still competing.
3. Build Your Network: Who Can You Learn From?
Networking was a game-changer for me. I’ll admit, it felt awkward at first to reach out to people outside the sports world, but those conversations opened doors I didn’t even know existed. I’d ask questions, listen to their experiences, and piece together what resonated with me.
“I reached out to anyone and everyone, even strangers on LinkedIn. It wasn’t about asking for a job, it was about learning from their experiences. One conversation led to another, and eventually, I found my way into advertising.”
In my case, networking wasn’t just about job opportunities; it was about gaining clarity on what paths I could take. Start with people you know and ask for introductions. Be curious and genuine in your conversations, and don’t hesitate to connect with new people who inspire you.
What Actionable Steps Can You Take Today?
Schedule a Conversation: Identify one person in your network or on LinkedIn whose career you admire. Reach out for a coffee chat or virtual meeting to learn more about their journey.
Explore an Online Course: Pick one skill or topic you’ve always been curious about and find a short course to start building your knowledge.
Start a Skill Audit: Write down the skills you’ve gained from sports (e.g., teamwork, resilience, time management) and brainstorm how they might apply to different industries.
Are You Ready to Take Control of Your Next Chapter?
Your career as an athlete is just one part of your story. With a solid backup plan, you can step into your second chapter with confidence and clarity. I’ve been where you are. I know the uncertainty, the fear of the unknown, but I also know the incredible opportunities waiting on the other side.
The discipline, resilience, and focus that made you successful as an athlete will carry you far in any field. Start planning today. Explore your interests, invest in your growth, and build a network that will support your transition. When the time comes, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running.
Ready to learn more about transitioning out of sports? Check out our resources at 2ndwind.io and dive into inspiring stories on the 2ndwind podcast.
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