How to transition from being a pro athlete to a successful business pro

Alex Opacic • Jun 14, 2018

How to transition from being a pro athlete to a successful business pro

As a professional athlete you were loved and idolised by your fans, teams and coaches (most coaches anyway). You were financially rewarded and were extremely good at what you do. People went out of their way to be around you – brands, agents, advisors, businesses all wanted to be associated with you.

That’s all in the past now, today you are retired from your sport. Especially if you’ve recently retired, you are probably not thinking about what’s next yet…but trust me, that will come at you very fast, like a ton of bricks! There will be a morning you wake up and think “Shit, what do I do now?”

The transition from being a professional athlete to a business owner or employee can be extremely daunting and challenging. You’re used to people saying “yes” to you, agents taking care of your needs, coaches giving you direction, assistant coaches setting up your daily & weekly schedules, scouting reports on other teams/players drawn up for you, people taking care of your needs at every turn, all you gotta do is turn up and play….all the sudden that’s all GONE! You’re agent is too busy looking for his next superstar athlete, coaches are focused on current players and now you’re not sure who to trust with your money or who to turn to for advice.

Less then 1% of the population become professional athletes. Millions of people try and yet you are one of the few that gets to live out your childhood dreams. The amount of commitment and effort it takes to become less then 1% in any field is ridiculous. Any employer would love to have that level of commitment in their business. Other skills you’ve developed in your sport can be easily transferable to business and the non-athlete candidates you’re going up against may not possess – team work, social awareness, handling media, speaking in a public environment, answering tough questions live on TV, competitive AF, resilience, handling losing, coachable and much more.

You’re extremely likeable, people want to be around you and hear your story. This is why networking is a great way to meet business professionals and hiring managers. Leveraging your LinkedIn profile can help you land your ideal job. The ability to network, build and maintain business relationships can really set you apart from other employees. Being active on LinkedIn, attending networking events, joining your local chamber of commerce are all great ways to create a reputation in the business world.

When networking, your selling points are: “Public speaker, motivator, retired pro athlete, financial and equity analyst, business development manager, relationship manager.” These are all experiences you’ve had as a professional athlete: speaking to groups of people, motivating community groups, dealing with large amounts of money, networking with sponsors and attracting members.

There are many opportunities for retired athletes. Ride the wave of confidence from being a pro athlete, keep an open mind and attack the only way you know. Trust me, pro athletes become even better business professionals! 

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When Athletes Should Consider Quitting Their Sports Dreams Introduction: Every aspiring athlete dreams of reaching the pinnacle of their sport, whether it's the NRL, AFL, NBA, MLB, NFL, or the Olympics. The journey is often characterized by unwavering dedication, years of training, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. But for most athletes, the path to professional success is a challenging one, and very few will ever get to taste the glory of the highest level of competition. In this blog post, we'll explore the critical decision point that many athletes face around the ages of 24 to 26 – the moment when they must decide whether to continue chasing their sporting dreams or shift their focus to a different career path. Drawing from personal experiences and insights, we'll discuss why making this decision sooner rather than later can be beneficial. The Typical Athlete's Journey: The majority of athletes start their journey with the dream of competing at the highest level possible. From ages 13 to 21, they pour their heart and soul into their sport, fueled by the hope of making it to the big leagues. However, the harsh reality is that only a tiny fraction of athletes achieve this dream. By ages 21 to 24, many athletes find themselves at a crossroads. They might not have made it to the top level, but they are still determined to keep trying. They continue to play at lower levels, often balancing it with part-time work or studies. From ages 24 to 30, some athletes still haven't achieved their ultimate goal. Yet, they continue to play because they love the game and hold onto a glimmer of hope that they might still make it. In the meantime, they might scrape by with a full-time or part-time job. The Decision Point: Around ages 24 to 26, most athletes come to a pivotal decision point. It's a moment of truth – do they persist in their athletic pursuits or choose a different path? This is a critical juncture that can shape the rest of their lives. For those who choose to move on, it can be an incredibly tough decision, but one that often leads to a fulfilling and successful future. This choice allows them to redirect their focus towards building a career outside of sports. Personal Experience: The decision to move on from a sports dream is never easy. It can be an emotional and challenging process, as I experienced when I chose to leave basketball at the age of 26. However, looking back, it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. It allowed me to discover new passions and opportunities that have enriched my life. Why Quitting Sooner Can Be Advantageous: Diminishing Odds: As each year passes without reaching the top level, the likelihood of "making it" decreases. It's essential to be realistic about the chances of success. Falling Behind: Athletes who continue to pursue their dreams may find themselves falling behind in terms of developing a career in other fields. Starting early in a new career can provide a significant advantage. Personal Growth: Quitting the relentless pursuit of athletic success can offer a chance to mature, explore new interests, and develop a well-rounded life. Conclusion: While the allure of an athlete's life is undoubtedly enticing, there comes a time when reality must take precedence. Choosing to move on from one's sporting dreams at the right moment can open doors to a world of opportunities and personal growth. So, if you're an athlete who hasn't reached your sports dream by ages 24 to 26, it might be time to consider a different path. Remember that it's not a defeat but a strategic choice that can lead to a more fulfilling and successful future. Don't hesitate to reach out to others who have walked this path for guidance and support – there's a world of possibilities beyond the playing field. If you require further support on this topic, get in touch with the team at A2B .
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