Once the cheering stops: The life of a retired pro-athlete

Imagine being told what to do the last 10 years in your life, and then suddenly you’re granted with unlimited freedom. Some may jump with joy while others look to the sky for answers. Life of the retired athletes varies, but for the majority life itself takes a 180 degree turn. Those who have spent their earnings early in their career often find themselves in financial turmoil upon retirement. Furthermore, many athletes face numerous challenges during the transition from professional lives to their retired lives. For instance, athletes are left with little training and experience in the real world after retiring. Some believe they can just hop into broadcasting and be naturals, yet this is rarely the case. Athletes have not had much success integrating into the corporate world after retirement. It’s hard to enter the work force in your 30’s when others have been climbing the corporate ladder for over a decade.

I think the transition that athletes face is difficult by nature. Putting yourself in their shoes gives useful insight in examining this. Imagine living in the limelight during your career, making millions of dollars and recognized on a national and world stage. People expect you to drive a Ferrari and own a 5 million dollar mansion. Athletes spend huge portions of their earnings early on, conforming to US sports cultures. It’s hard to look twenty years down the road when you’re looking through the eyes of a superstar.

I have empathy for some of these athletes. Although they live the dream during their careers, life after retiring is difficult. I also understand the reckless spending athletes commonly exhibit. US sports culture elevates athletes to another level where they feel they are invincible. I watched the 30 for 30 “Broke” a couple months back and it changed my mind completely.  Many people are ill-informed on the issue.