Five ways to regain your identity after leaving a long-term job like Gary Lineker

Marie-Claire Dorking
·Contributor
Updated ·4 min read
Gary Lineker has presented Match Of The Day for 25 years, but has confirmed he is leaving at the end of the season. (Getty Images)
Gary Lineker has presented Match Of The Day for 25 years, but has confirmed he is leaving at the end of the season. (Getty Images)

Gary Lineker is stepping down from presenting Match of the Day at the end of the season, a role he has held for 25 years, the BBC has confirmed.

The former footballer has presented the flagship football highlights programme since 1999, but will remain with the broadcaster until the summer of 2026, after the conclusion of the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. He will also continue to front the BBC’s coverage of the FA Cup until his departure.

"After 25 seasons Gary is stepping down from MOTD," Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport confirmed. "We want to thank him for everything he has done for the show, which continues to attract millions of viewers each week. He'll be hugely missed on the show but we're so happy he is staying with the BBC to present live football."

Leaving a long-term job can impact your self-esteem but there are ways to rediscover your identity. (Getty Images)
Leaving a long-term job can impact your self-esteem but there are ways to rediscover your identity. (Getty Images)

While Gary Lineker may well move on to other presenting opportunities, leaving a job you've held for an extensive period of time can impact your wellbeing - and identity.

According to a YouGov survey, 53% of British people feel proud of what they do for a living, and more than two thirds of workers (69%) say they find their job fulfilling. Therefore a loss may be felt when leaving a long-term role, says life coach and business founder Leona Burton. "The reality is that for many of us, our careers become not just what we do, but a huge part of who we are and when we walk away, even by choice, it can leave us feeling a bit unmoored," she explains.

Burton says the emotional impact of leaving a familiar role often mirrors other major life changes, and there can be a sense of loss, a need to grieve, and sometimes even a questioning of one’s worth or direction. "We become so accustomed to the routines, accolades, and the social status our work brings, particularly for someone as high profile as Gary Lineker, that leaving it behind can feel like we've lost a part of ourselves," she explains. "This shift can spark feelings of confusion, anxiety, and even a touch of grief, as we navigate what’s next," she adds.

There's a positive, though. A big transition brings an opportunity to rediscover ourselves and there are some simple steps you can take to regain your identity and embrace this new phase.

Setting new goals and reframing your mindset can help rediscover your identity post job change. (Getty Images)
Setting new goals and reframing your mindset can help rediscover your identity post job change. (Getty Images)

Now’s the time to reconnect with what brings you joy and fulfilment outside of work. "Ask yourself what hobbies, interests, or causes light you up," suggests Burton. "Revisiting these areas can help you reconnect with parts of yourself that may have been on hold."

Reframe this transition as a time to create new, meaningful goals. "Setting small, achievable milestones in areas unrelated to your past role can help shift your focus from what you left behind to what lies ahead," Burton explains.

A big part of identity is rooted in our daily routines, so Burton recommends designing a new schedule that incorporates time for self-care, learning, and exploring new interests. This will help you to create a "new normal" that feels authentic to you.

Take stock of what you achieved in your role and remind yourself that those skills and experiences are yours forever. "Your job title may change, but your abilities, strengths, and experiences are still part of who you are," Burton explains.

"Remember, this is a beautiful, albeit challenging, opportunity to redefine who you are on your terms, so embrace it as a journey of self-discovery."

Working with a life coach or therapist can be invaluable for unpacking the emotions tied to this transition and gaining tools to reshape your identity. Burton also suggests trying to find a community, with others going through similar changes, as this can provide comfort and perspective as well as new opportunities.

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