Aim: The aim of this work is to investigate how ice hockey players and dancers perceive the concept of a "sustainable career". To address this objective, the following research questions were used: 1. How do elite ice hockey players and professional dancers perceive the concept of a sustainable career? 2. Are there any differences/similarities in the perceptions of a sustainable career between ice hockey players and dancers? 3. How can the norms of ice hockey and professional dance be understood through theories of power and surveillance?Theory: Foucault's theories of power, surveillance, and control were employed to understand the norms prevailing in ice hockey and dance.Method: The study is based on a qualitative approach with six semi-structured interviews. The respondents consist of three elite ice hockey players and three professional dancers. An inductive approach and thematic analysis are applied.Results: Through thematic analysis, three themes emerged: social life, mental health, and physical health, which addresses the three research questions.Conclusion 1. Balancing social life with hockey/dance is crucial for a sustainable career. Mental health is influenced by discipline and surveillance. The awareness of the athletes regarding what is sustainable versus what is unsustainable is clear, but according to the norms, it is performance that governs their choices. 2. The approaches to achieving balance differ. Continuing to train/play despite injuries was a similarity observed in both groups. 3. The norms that arise within both arenas are necessary for success within their respective domains. However, this goes against a holistic perspective that considers the needs of the individuals involved. Sustainability, therefore, does not take priority over performance; rather, it is the other way around. From a perspective of power, surveillance, and discipline, the internalization of norms is of utmost importance. Control over the individuals is key. While the individuals are free to make choices, they are only within the confines of these norms. Norms are internalized through the internalization of discipline, surveillance, and control.