Snag Business Presents: Why NOT to Work In the Sports Industry
As someone who's spent a significant part of my career in sports marketing, including a stint with the Detroit Red Wings and the PGA TOUR, I can attest to the many benefits of working in the sports industry.
However, it's only fair to discuss some challenges you might face and why a sports career might not be for you.
Long Hours and High Pressure
The sports industry is known for its long hours, particularly during the season or leading up to significant events. It's "cool" to be at every home game, but in a sport like baseball with 81 home games, understand that you are not a professional fan, you are there to work and you'll be working evenings, weekends, and holidays.
The pressure can also be high, with tight deadlines and high stakes, especially on the professional level. More money, more problems.
Lower Pay (Initially)
While there are undoubtedly high-paying roles in the sports industry, the majority of positions offer lower salaries than similar roles in other sectors. It can take time and hard work to climb the ladder and increase your earning potential, and you often need to hop from job to job to move up as teams traditionally run (surprisingly) lean. I won't say cheap; I'll say "lean" and "budget-conscious," so internal promotions and raises are typically hard to come by.
A sales role with a competitive commission/bonus structure is a great way to maximize your earning potential.
Competitive Nature
Breaking into the sports industry can be challenging. Supply and demand come into play here because there are only 122 major professional sports teams. Look at any team's website to see a listing of their front office directory. It's a competitive field with many people vying for a very limited number of positions.
Start with internships or lower-level jobs and work your way up, especially targeting ticket sales positions as they are the most plentiful and have the highest turnover, so they are hiring often.
Less Stability
Job security can be less predictable in the sports industry. Teams and organizations can go through ups and downs, and job stability can sometimes be tied to team performance or financial success.
Another consideration is the event of a work stoppage or lockout. I was hired by the Detroit Red Wings 6 months before the 2012 NHL labor dispute, and at the time, 28 of the 30 teams laid off a significant portion of their business operations staff until the lockout ended. Luckily for me, owner Mike Ilitch and the Red Wings were one of the teams that kept the organization in place, or else my career might have been over before it actually started!
Work-Life Balance
With the demanding schedule and high-pressure environment, achieving a healthy work-life balance can be challenging in the sports industry. It requires setting boundaries and taking care of your physical and mental health.
The stress on your social life and relationships is real. You'll have to sacrifice time with family and friends. During the season, I found dating next to impossible - you just don't have the time or energy. Make sure you prioritize exercise and live a healthy lifestyle to take on the daily grind of the job.
Lack of Geographic Flexibility
You may be tied to a particular location if you work directly with a team or a specific event. This can limit your flexibility if you're looking to move or travel. There are only so many job openings, and each receives thousands of applications.
Make sure you are ready for the commitment and that your significant other/family is on board with relocation if an opportunity presents itself.
In Closing
There is a brief overview as to why someone would not want to work in sports. Despite these challenges, many people find fulfilling and rewarding careers in the sports industry, myself included.
It's a unique field that offers the chance to combine a passion for sports with a professional career. However, it's essential to consider the potential downsides before diving in to ensure you're making the best choice for your personal and professional goals.