CAREER TRANSITION SERVICES
FOR THE PRO ATHLETE

Career transition is often a time of confusion, more questions than answers, and self-doubt. Like anyone, the pro athlete can experience these issues and more, such as health and self-image concerns, and the challenge of moving from an area of great specialization and time commitment into a new world of earning a livelihood. One study revealed that 33% of pro athletes experience at least one major problem in moving forward from sports into other work.

But with some planning and personal coaching you don’t have to be a statistic when it comes to career transition. Confusion and questions are normal starting points; they can be transformed into clarity, solid answers, optimism and excitement through exploration and planning. Career transition is a PROCESS of discovery about ourselves and how we can connect realistically with a world of possibilities. And it CAN be an enjoyable process with satisfying results.

Since 1990 I have assisted many hundreds of people of all ages and backgrounds with career transition and job preparation. Through my experiences with others and my own career transitions, I have come to adopt the following principles, on which my SERVICE is founded:

1. SELF-AWARENESS
A survey of your skills, interests, values, preferences and past experiences can be a useful starting point in moving toward your future work. These surveys can be done on-line and I can assist with interpretation.
2. DISCOVERY
We all have talents and potential that we are not aware of until someone helps us unlock them. The key to unlocking options that spark your interest lies in a series of one-on-one discussions with a facilitator such as myself. My job is never to tell you what kind of career you should choose, but to assist you to identify options for further investigation.
We have these discussions in person and/or by email or phone, depending upon your needs, schedule and wishes. My clients have often been amazed by the clarity and reassurance that has come to them through a series of discussions/interviews held over time. No real secret here—I listen carefully, ask timely questions and try to “walk a mile in your shoes”.
3. REALITY CHECK
Although there is plenty of available written information about careers, there is no substitute for speaking with people who perform the types of work that you are potentially interested in. I coach clients on how to set up these “informational interviews” and how to interpret the results. This part of the process will help you to move more confidently toward a career decision.
4. DECISION-MAKING
Progress is never in a straight line. When and if you run into obstacles along the way toward your next career, I will assist you to deal with them and move ahead. And hopefully we’ll share some laughs along the way.

If you decide to hire me, you will find me to be a good listener, non-judgmental, insightful, experienced and full of good humour. I enjoy most sports and I love seeing lightbulbs switch on.
I live north of Victoria, BC, Canada with my wife Iris, our pets Monty and Spike, and a dozen chickens. In our leisure time we enjoy tending our large vegetable and flower gardens and orchard.