In a Japan Facing Labor Shortages, Athletes Become 'Immediate Assets' — Why Competitive Experience Is in Demand by Society

'I might not be able to make it in the real world.'

That is an anxiety held by many athletes.

As retirement approaches,
or immediately after deciding to retire.

Many athletes tuck this anxiety deep inside their hearts.

• I feel like I lack social experience

• Am I starting behind everyone else?

This anxiety is very quiet and very real.
And at the same time,it is difficult to voice as a weakness to anyone.

However, there is one thing I want to tell you first.

That anxiety
is by no means born from a lack of ability.

In fact, right now, Japanese society is the one that 'needs people'.

Please try shifting your perspective toward society for a moment.

The 'labor shortage' we often hear about in the news.
This is not simply a story about 'not having enough people'.

What many workplaces are truly struggling with is:

• people who do not give up halfway

• people who can recover even when the situation changes

• people who can look around and work as part of a team

In other words,
the reality is that there is a shortage of people who can be trusted with tasks.

And here, a disconnect is occurring.

Society is looking for 'such people,' but athletes themselves feel that 'I have nothing.'

This is not a difference in ability.
It is just that the 'language' of evaluation is different.

What workplaces facing labor shortages are looking for is,

the very 'strength forged through competition'.

Let's take a closer look at the specific skills valued in the workplace.

• The ability to make decisions even under pressure

• The ability to think while assuming that things will not go as planned

• The ability to think about what is needed next rather than waiting for instructions

• The ability to understand one's role and prioritize the team

Are these special talents?

No. They are
skills you have used almost every day during competition.

What is 'natural' for an athlete is
a 'highly desired skill' in society.

The reason you still lack confidence

is not because there is something wrong with you.

For a long time, athletes have been evaluated based on
'results', 'records', and 'wins and losses', which are
extremely clear criteria.

On the other hand, the criteria for evaluation change in society.

• Reproducibility

• Trust

• Consistency

• Impact on those around you

It is natural for your mind to struggle to keep up with
this 'shift in evaluation criteria'.

This is where many people
conclude that they 'cannot succeed'.

But what is actually happening is that
the value hasn't disappeared; it just hasn't been translated yet.

This Is How Athletic Experience Transforms into 'Immediate Assets'

For example—

• Pre-game preparation
  → Organizational skills and risk management

• Speed of adjustment
  → Ability to execute the PDCA cycle

• Experience on the bench or as a substitute
  → Organizational perspective and support skills

• Days spent in rigorous training
  → Perseverance and self-management

These are
not 'special powers belonging only to a select few athletes.'

They are strengths that anyone who has put in the work inevitably possesses.

And in these times of labor shortages,
society is in dire need of exactly these kinds of strengths.

The moment people realize they are 'needed,' they can look forward.

I have heard an episode from the front lines of support.

A former athlete who initially seemed lacking in confidence
had their expression change the moment they were told this in the workplace.

'You're a big help.'
'Can I leave this to you?'

Before achieving results,
they regain the 'sense of being relied upon.'

In that moment,
the feeling that 'maybe I will be okay in society'
quietly begins to sprout.

This is not a special success story.
It is a change that naturally occurs in people who have been able to translate the strengths they acquired through sports into the language of society
.

The era of labor shortages is a tailwind for athletes.

Japanese society from here on out will value

• people who can grow and contribute, rather than perfect candidates

• We are looking for people who can persevere as part of a team, rather than those who can do everything alone.

We are looking for this.

This is the very environment that athletes have been accustomed to for many years.

In other words—
it is not that you are behind, but that the
times have finally caught up with you.

Conclusion | You don't have to find the answer right away

There is no need to decide your career path immediately after reading this article.

To start with,

• try putting your competitive experience into words

• try talking to someone about it

• try experiencing a small workplace

That alone is enough.

If you cannot organize your thoughts alone, I highly recommend using second-career support services.
Utilizing support is not a sign of 'weakness' but a
'strategy'.

Your competitive experience as an athlete is
truly needed in Japan today.

Once you realize that,
taking the next step should feel more natural than you think.

Future Co-Creation Career Lab - Masaharu Onuma
I provide dual-career and post-retirement career support for athletes.
Learn more here: https://www.miraicareerlab.com/
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