For athletes, the mindset of hard work, discipline, and preparation doesn’t stop at sports—it’s becoming increasingly important for career success. With an uncertain job market, economic instability, and rising living costs, relying solely on sports or NIL deals isn’t enough. Although I completed four years as a DI athlete, that didn’t guarantee that I would be successful. The world doesn’t offer you handouts and a little secret: many folks don’t want to see athletes succeed in jobs outside of their ‘sports lane’. All of the jobs I’ve held in marketing, education and fundraising, I can count on one hand the amount of times I worked alongside former DI athlete. It’s up to us to be proactive about career preparation, side hustles, and business opportunities that can set us up for long-term financial security. If you want to control your future and build wealth beyond sports, here’s why work ethic and career prep will be crucial—and how you can start leveraging opportunities now.
How to Leverage Opportunities Now
1. The job market is tough—start preparing now. Athletes often enter the workforce later than their peers, which means fewer years of career-building experience. Add in a competitive job market, and those who don’t plan ahead will struggle to find well-paying opportunities.
🔹 What You Can Do:
- Start career networking early—connect with alumni, mentors, and professionals in industries that interest you.
- Build marketable skills while still playing—learn about sales, social media, business, or coaching.
- Create a LinkedIn profile and start documenting your experiences outside of sports.
2. NIL opportunities are not guaranteed. Many college athletes are earning money through NIL deals, but these opportunities can disappear as quickly as they arrive. If you’re not planning for the long term, you could find yourself without income once your eligibility ends.
🔹 What You Can Do:
- Use NIL money wisely—invest in skills, save for the future, or fund a business idea.
- Work with brands that align with your long-term career goals so endorsements can transition into career opportunities.
- Build your personal brand by consistently creating content that showcases your expertise and personality.
3. Side hustles can create long term income streams. Even if you don’t land a big NIL deal, side hustles can provide income and career experience. The best part? Many of them require little-to-no startup costs and can grow into full-time businesses.
🔹 What You Can Do:
- Start a blog, podcast, or YouTube channel—use your platform to share insights on sports, fitness, or personal finance.
- Open an Etsy store or sell digital products like workout plans or coaching templates.
- Offer training services to younger athletes in your sport—build a brand as a mentor and expert.
4. Entrepreneurship is more accessible than ever. Traditional 9-to-5 jobs aren’t the only way to make a living. With today’s technology, athletes can launch businesses with minimal investment and build multiple streams of income.
🔹 What You Can Do:
- Learn about freelancing opportunities in social media, graphic design, or content creation.
- Sell merchandise or create an online coaching business through Instagram, TikTok, or a personal website.
- Partner with brands for affiliate marketing—earn money by promoting products you already use.
5. Financial security comes from effort, not luck. Athletes who succeed after sports are the ones who treat their careers like they did their training—with discipline, strategy, and long-term vision. The economy will always have ups and downs, but those who put in the work now will have more options later.
🔹 What You Can Do:
- Develop a strong work ethic outside of sports—treat every opportunity like a step toward your future.
- Be willing to learn and adapt—the job market changes, but those who stay ahead of trends will always find success.
- Take ownership of your career—don’t wait for opportunities, create them.
The days of relying solely on sports or NIL deals are fading. Work ethic, career preparation, and smart financial moves will determine who thrives in an unpredictable world. Remember, you already have the skills—discipline, time management, and resilience—to succeed in any career.