Från arena till arbetsmarknad: En studie om tidigare elitidrottares övergång till arbetslivet

Sammanfattning

This study examines former elite athletes’ transition from an athletic career to working life. Elite athletes often end their sports careers long before traditional retirement age, which means that many need to establish themselves in the labour market after sport. This transition can involve challenges related to identity, education, work experience, networks and social support. The purpose of the study is to analyse how former elite athletes establish themselves in the labour market and which factors influence this process. The study is based on human capital theory and social capital theory. Human capital theory is used to understand the importance of education, work experience and skills developed through sport. Social capital theory is used to understand the importance of networks, contacts and social support. The study uses a mixed methods design. The empirical material consists of a survey with 41 former elite athletes and four semi-structured interviews. The results show that many respondents established themselves relatively quickly in the labour market after their athletic careers. Several respondents also state that they currently have a good position, a high level of responsibility and an income level equal to or above the median gross salary in Sweden. However, the results also show that the transition was not easy for everyone. The conclusion of the study is that labour market establishment appears to be facilitated when elite athletes develop resources outside sport during their athletic careers. Education, work experience, networks, social support and the ability to use experiences from elite sport in working life appear to be particularly important factors.