From Eredivisie Striker to Bus Driver: A Look at Athletes’ Post-Career Transitions
Former Eredivisie goalscorer Rick Hoogendorp is now a bus driver. The forward, who played for RKC Waalwijk, had the opportunity to join Celta de Vigo, a top club in Spain, but things didn’t head as planned. Hoogendorp also hopes to return to professional football one day.
The Unexpected Turn: From Pitch to Public Transport
Hoogendorp’s career shift highlights a growing trend: athletes seeking new paths after retirement. “Last summer I didn’t have a club anymore,” Hoogendorp stated. “Then you start to think. Sitting at home from your fifties isn’t an option. Touring coach seemed like something I’d enjoy. I took the test in September and heard I qualified. I started on October 3rd. Six weeks later, I got my bus license. I’ve been officially employed since December 1st.”
A Missed Opportunity in Spain
Hoogendorp’s career could have taken a different trajectory. While at RKC Waalwijk, Celta de Vigo showed interest. “The club had loaned me from RKC with an option to buy,” he explained. “According to Johan Cruijff, Celta, with players like Claude Makélélé, Goran Djorovic and Alexandr Mostovoy, was the most beautifully playing team in Spain. Marcel Brands, then director of RKC, came to watch. We played Real Betis at home. I had a chance like Arjen Robben in the World Cup final. The ball hit the post via the goalkeeper and came back into the field. ‘If you had scored, that contract would have been yours.’”
Reflecting on a Satisfying Career
Despite the missed opportunity, Hoogendorp remains content with his playing career. “RKC grew from a relegation candidate to a club that was challenging for European football. I also played for Wolfsburg, where Klaus Augenthaler was the coach. After a year, I returned to ADO because I wanted to play. That’s where I scored my hundredth goal in the Eredivisie.”
The 100th Goal and Continued Ambition
Reaching the milestone of 100 Eredivisie goals wasn’t straightforward. “After my 99th goal, Ruud Mansveld already had a shirt printed with 100 on it. I had to undergo hernia surgery. After that, I didn’t play much under coach André Wetzel. I walked around for three months with that T-shirt with 100 under my regular shirt.” Despite his new career, Hoogendorp still harbors hopes of returning to professional football. “I expressed that about ten years ago, and it’s still true.”
The Rise of Second Careers for Athletes
Hoogendorp’s story isn’t unique. Many athletes face challenges transitioning to life after sports. Factors driving this trend include shorter career spans, increasing financial pressures, and a desire for continued purpose. The need for retraining and career counseling for athletes is becoming increasingly apparent.
Beyond the Field: Skills Transferability
Athletes possess a unique skillset that can be valuable in various industries. Discipline, teamwork, leadership, resilience, and time management are all highly sought-after qualities. But, translating these skills into a marketable resume requires deliberate effort and often, additional training.
Future Trends in Athlete Transitions
Several trends are shaping the future of athlete transitions:
- Increased Entrepreneurship: More athletes are starting their own businesses, leveraging their brand recognition and network.
- Focus on Education: A growing number of athletes are pursuing higher education during or after their careers to prepare for new opportunities.
- Mentorship Programs: Programs connecting current and former athletes with mentors in various industries are becoming more common.
- Financial Literacy: Improved financial education is helping athletes manage their finances and plan for the future.
FAQ
Q: What are some common career paths for retired athletes?
A: Common paths include coaching, sports broadcasting, entrepreneurship, and roles in business and finance.
Q: Is it tough for athletes to transition to new careers?
A: Yes, it can be challenging. Athletes often need to acquire new skills and adapt to a different operate environment.
Q: What resources are available to help athletes with career transitions?
A: Many organizations offer career counseling, financial planning, and networking opportunities for athletes.
Did you know? Approximately 78% of NFL players experience financial stress within two years of retirement, highlighting the importance of financial planning.
Pro Tip: Start exploring career options and networking with professionals in your desired field well before your athletic career ends.
What are your thoughts on athletes transitioning to new careers? Share your comments below!
