How can someone prepare for something like retirement when you don't know when it will happen?

If someone enters a career that's known for its short work-life spans, such as professional sports, it's important that they are properly prepared for the life that will come after their career ends. While most young people aren't ready to think about retirement, it is a reality.

Organizations can work with their players to teach them how to get ready for the upcoming life changes, whether they are sudden or planned. Having experts speak with them about financial issues could help prevent the money problems that might happen once the big pay checks are no longer in the picture. Speaking with counselors about the transition from playing to retiring might help give the players a new perspective on how things could be following retirement.

If retirement is due to a career-ending injury, providing the player with good pain management skills can help prevent, or lessen, the cycle of chronic pain. Ensuring that the retired players have access to mental health care professionals and providing good follow-up may also help catch those who might otherwise fall through the cracks.