Business & Enterprise
Building something of your own, with your eyes open.
Self-employment, trades, franchises, property or a company of your own. Fast to start and slow to pay. This pathway rewards planning, cash-flow discipline and a realistic runway — the same habits that made you coachable as a player.
Cost
Highly variable. Set a realistic startup figure and a personal runway figure before you start; don't rely on projected revenue to cover living costs.
Duration
Weeks to launch. Usually much longer to reach a stable income.
Earnings
We don't publish earnings figures. Pay varies by role, region, employer and experience, and we won't estimate yours. Check current advertised salaries for any role before committing time or money.
Who it suits
- You've got an idea, a trade, or a network you can actually use
- You can tolerate irregular income for a period you've costed out
- You prefer autonomy over structure
Entry requirements
- No formal entry requirements to start as a sole trader in the UK, but you must register with HMRC for self-assessment.
- Some trades and sectors require licences, insurance or certification — check before you trade.
First actions
- 1Write your idea in one sentence and name the customer who pays for it.
- 2Work out your minimum monthly personal cost of living — the real number.
- 3Talk to one person already doing it and ask what they'd do differently.
Resources
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Questions people actually ask
- Should I invest my remaining football earnings?
- We can't give financial advice. Speak to an FCA-regulated financial adviser before committing savings, and be cautious of anyone promising guaranteed returns.
- Do I need a business plan?
- You need clarity on customer, price, cost and runway. The document matters less than the numbers being real.
Get a plan built around your situation
Answer the transition assessment and Life After Football turns these routes into a 90-day plan with the next actions in order.
Start your free assessment