Career coaches believe tennis world number one Ash Barty’s shocking decision to retire from the sport at the age of 25 is an important lesson for youngsters.

“It’s hard to say, but I’m so happy and I’m so prepared and I know in my heart as a person right now, it’s true,” Barty said. via social media on Wednesday

In a moving interview with retired Australian tennis player Casey DeLuca, Barty said she felt it was time to pursue “other dreams”.

The tennis star said she had been contemplating the decision for a long time, but her view changed after winning the Grand Slam title at Wimbledon last year.

Despite achieving her “real dream” of winning Wimbledon, Barty said there was a small part of her that “wasn’t quite satisfied, wasn’t fully realized.”

“There was a change in my attitude at this second stage of my career that my happiness did not depend on results, and that success for me was knowing that I gave everything I could”, Barty said. He no longer has the “physical urge, the emotional desire” to continue to challenge himself at the highest level of tennis.

“I’m tired, I just know physically that I have nothing left to give and that’s success for me,” she said.

Barty said she understands that some may not understand her decision to back down, especially after winning her third Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January. Indeed, DeLuca reported that Barty is currently “one of the most marketable athletes in the world.”

However, Barty said that she had other goals that she wanted to pursue and they “not necessarily include traveling the world, being away from my family, away from home. Where I’ve always wanted to be”.

Independent career coach Emma Harrison said Barty was not the first in her family to make a big career change. Barty’s mother Josie was once a professional golfer and later became a radiographer.

Harrison, a senior lecturer in careers, guidance and counseling at Canterbury Christ Church University in the UK, told CNBC that it is important for anyone considering a career change to have the support of those closest to them.

More generally, Harrison said it’s interesting to note the growing number of people in their late 20s or early 30s who are facing a “quarter-life crisis” or their goals and priorities. are reconsidering.

She said it’s easy for people to feel “closed” in a chosen job or career, but we shouldn’t be afraid to change direction.

Harrison suggests taking the time to learn new skills and hobbies, as well as talking to others about their work experiences.

“Changing careers is common and while it can feel scary and overwhelming, it can also be invigorating and liberating and lead to better job satisfaction,” she said.

Similarly, career coach Liz Sebagh-Montefiore told CNBC that people face constant challenges in life. , It is normal to reevaluate the best way forward. ,

Sebagh-Montefiore, co-founder of consultancy 10Eighty, said it was important to redefine these changes as a side move rather than a step back.

For leadership and career coach Kat Hutchings, it was Barty’s admission that she didn’t feel quite complete after achieving her goal that provided an important lesson.

Hutchings told CNBC that we can sometimes try for a job title for years to get it and “it’s not what we expected,” but pointed out that it happens at all levels of management.

“This means that finding fulfillment and pleasure during the journey is even more important than the destination,” Hutchings said.

Hutchings said that Barty has admitted that she has given her all to professional tennis and that it is time for her to try something new.

“Going through different stages of a career (as opposed to a job for life) is a reality for present and future generations,” he said, adding that making active career choices rather than quitting or suffering is empowering.

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