Transitioning from a life of sports into the real world can be challenging. Many athletes have spent years in structured environments focused on training and competition, and when that chapter ends, it can leave a void. I remember graduating during the recession of 2008 feeling overwhelmed and slightly unprepared to tackle ‘life after sports’. Finding a job, a new place to live, researching insurance options, and more weighed on me. Today, athletes preparing to enter the workforce have to adapt so quickly. Whether you’re a mentor, a new leader, or perhaps working with former DI, DII, or DIII athletes, there are ways to assist these individuals in finding their footing in this new phase of life. Here are seven essential ways to help them adjust.
How to Help Athletes Adjust to Life After Sports
Financial Literacy. For many athletes, life after sports might be their first opportunity to fully manage their finances. Financial literacy is crucial, as it encompasses essential skills like budgeting for rent, food, and health or auto insurance, while also prioritizing saving and investing. These athletes may have missed out on learning these basics while focusing on their sports careers. Guiding them through this can significantly ease their transition, helping them to plan for both immediate needs and long-term financial security.
Time Management. One of the first things a former athlete will notice is the shift in how much free time they have. During their athletic careers, their schedules were jam-packed with practices, games, and study sessions. With sports no longer dictating their routines, they now have the opportunity to refocus and leverage their new-found time to advance their professional and personal lives. Helping them develop new structures for time management can ensure they maintain productivity and focus on their future goals.
Career Guidance. The transition from sports to the professional world often comes with uncertainty, especially for those who may not have had time to prepare through internships or job searches. Mentorship can be invaluable in helping former athletes navigate this new landscape. Whether it’s assisting with resume building, identifying transferable skills, or connecting them with networking opportunities, a little guidance can go a long way toward helping them land on their feet professionally.
Competitiveness & Routine. Athletes often have an innate drive and competitiveness that propelled them to success in sports, but once they retire from athletics, they need new outlets for that energy. Help them channel their competitive spirit into new goals, whether personal or professional. This might include setting career benchmarks, fitness goals, or even starting entrepreneurial ventures. Finding a new routine to replace their former training schedules can also help them maintain balance and productivity.
Mental Health. The mental health of athletes is just as important as their physical health, especially in the transition period. Adjusting to life without the constant pressures of training, competition, and performance can leave athletes feeling lost. It’s vital to help them understand what a healthy life pace looks like outside of sports, and to provide resources or guidance on maintaining good mental health through therapy, mindfulness practices, or community support.
Nutrition. Former athletes often need to reassess their nutrition as their caloric needs and exercise levels change. Helping them understand what types of food to buy, how much to eat, and how to adjust their diets for a less active lifestyle is crucial. Nutrition can still play a key role in maintaining their health, but the approach will differ from their competition days.
Give Grace. Perhaps the most important thing to offer is grace. The world today is vastly different from even four years ago. From the post-pandemic shift in work environments to housing market challenges and economic uncertainties, this generation of graduates is navigating uncharted waters. It’s crucial to recognize that their transition will be shaped by these external factors, and providing understanding and support as they figure out their new path is essential.
Helping athletes transition out of sports is about offering practical tools and emotional support. By fostering financial literacy, guiding them in career decisions, and helping them maintain mental and physical well-being, we can ensure they have the foundation to thrive in life beyond athletics. Whether you’re mentoring a former athlete or working alongside one, these steps can make all the difference in their journey.