From Bright Lights to Quiet Nights
The Glory Days
A hefty income, fame, adoration from fans — all earned while playing a sport. Such is the world of a professional athlete. Then one day, it's over. Perhaps there's a career-ending injury, or maybe it's the physical beat down from years on the field or court. From time to time, it's the athlete who decides enough is enough, and calls it quits. But inevitably, the money and notoriety stop. And it's on to the next phase in life. The journey can be wrought with challenges, indeed, but those who ultimately make it through. Losing their fortunes, jail time and other "bumps and bruises" the former athletes experienced are all part of their stories — along with how they've managed to "reinvent their passion" and build new, successful lives, he said.
When the Cheering Stops
Is it time yet?
Retiring from sport is hard, whatever level you compete at. I’m not an elite athlete but my sport has been such a major part of my identity over the last 20 years that I’m going to find it hard to let go when the time to retire finally comes. I’m torn – on the one hand I love my sport and don’t want to leave it, but on the other hand I want people to remember me for the athlete I was, not the athlete I’ve become. Masters athletics does have some appeal and allowed me to become a national champion, but it’s hard to come to terms with not being able to run as fast as you used to, so I increasingly wonder if retirement is for me. For now the answer is no.
For many athletes retirement is just too hard, particularly when retirement is forced upon them (e.g. career injury) and evidence shows that depression, addiction and even suicide can be the consequence of retirement from sport. Various retired athletes, including boxer Sugar Ray Leonard, share their experiences of the difficulties in this BBC article. Psychological support for retiring athletes is very important. I say that both as a sport psychologist and an athlete facing retirement. Fortunately, athletes are becoming better prepared for career transitions and hopefully serious negative consequences will be increasingly less frequent.
The New You
Retirement is a very exciting time for most people. It’s a time when they’re finally able to travel and do some of the things they were never able to do while having the constraints of a nine-to-five job. While the majority of people look forward to retirement changes, they often fail to recognize that changing lifestyles after retiring can bring about some unexpected feelings, both emotional and physical. Many people find they need help coping with life transitions after retirement.
· s after retiring also includes learning to live with reduced income. However, Social Security payments and pensions can help immensely and allow you to have a regular money source, letting you plan things in advance. Sit down, with your spouse if you’re married, and work out a budget plan for your golden years.
· Changing lifestyles after retiring doesn’t have to be a source of stress. This is one of the most exciting times of your life, and retirement changes should be good changes. Coping with life transitions becomes easy when you plan for the future and learn to enjoy your new-found freedom.
What Now?
Remember that you have spent years gaining the talent and recognition in your sport. Upon retirement, you will likely be stepping into a field where your notoriety is minimal and others have spent years honing their skills. Not everybody follows your sport or even has the same passion for sport so you may be just like any other person applying for a job. Your name may get you an interview, but that’s usually all. Even if you stay within the sport, you will need to continue to develop the required skills to be considered a “hero” in your new position. Realize that you are changing careers and that necessitates not starting at the top.
Ouucch its Hurts!
Injuries
What now?
Suicide & Depression
The Simple Things
Boredom. Your job is a huge part of your life and usually takes up a big chunk of your time. The changing lifestyles after retiring include having a lot more time on your hands, which can often translate to boredom. You may find coping with life transitions becomes easier when you have hobbies to entertain yourself. Now is the time to try something new.
· Loss of friendships. As we get older, we tend not to go out as much as we used to, preferring to spend time at home with family. This means we don’t meet as many new people as we did while younger. Our changing lifestyles after retiring means we don’t have those work friendships to fall back on, either. To keep from feeling lonely, join organizations and be sure to keep in touch with friends and family on a regular basis.
· Identity crises. In today’s world, we’re usually defined by what we do. One person is a carpenter, and one is a lawyer. After retiring, you must deal with coping with life transitions in the form of losing a big part of your identity – your job. The good news is you now have the chance to change your identity – become a traveler, a gardener or a painter. Retirement changes can allow us to become the person we’ve always wanted to be.
· Physical changes. If you enjoyed an active job, you may find yourself gaining weight and feeling tired as after-retirement changes take place. Even if you spent all your time at a desk, the simple act of getting up at the same time every day and going to bed at the same time can keep you feeling healthy. When your regular schedule is interrupted your physical health may wane and you may find it more difficult when it comes to coping with life transitions. Try to stick to a schedule after retirement and exercise, eat well and get eight hours of sleep every night.
· Financial changes. Changing lifestyle