Moving on in Sport Science

It’s an old line that there are few fairy tales in elite sport, and most athletes don’t get to leave or retire on their own terms. Injury, being past their best, younger players and athletes coming through, losing the confidence of the coach or committee, family pressures, financial circumstances, or dwindling motivation are all factors we recognize in sport. Many of these also apply in occupational, employment, and professional settings, including sport-science practice and research. When the drum of moving on starts to beat louder and longer it’s time for self-reflection and decision making. Moving on, particularly after a long career or stint, is a big decision and it is worth looking both backward (to revisit the journey, experiences, and enjoyment) and forward (to new challenges and opportunities) for a 360° perspective. At the right time, it is worth discussing big decisions with family, close colleagues, and friends, as a problem or decision shared is often a problem or decision halved.