Occupational Conundrum....

[SOONERMAGIC]

Leave the golf industry?

Alright,

2 years ago I really really fell in love with golf. (the industry as a whole) I moved to Orlando to start the PGA program and get my Class A. I had a great job doing brokerage work for oil and gas companies around the country, the only downfall was I moved almost every year. These companies would hire me to start projects for them in various areas of the country/train new employees and move to the next big prospect. I made roughly $100k a year.

I now work as an Assistant Pro and Tournament Director and make right around $14k a year. Living with my girlfriend who makes around $45k a year helps things, but Im still hurting for cash and my previous lifestyle. I recently (today) was emailed by one of the old companies I used to work for. They approached me asking if I would do some title/consulting work for them from my home in Florida. ( I have been waiting for this day. ) The worst part of my old job was the location in which I was working. (usually Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Kansas) Basically not places you want to live in.

So my conundrum is now what to do. Do I work 3 days a week (making about $50k) and keep my golf job to have free playing priveledges or do I work full time (5days) making around $90k and just dump the golf job dreams of teaching golf/coaching collegiate golf.


hmmm....

Really struggling with this one.... Do I go make the good $$ or do I chase a dream and passion? Life.. what a motherf**ker!

Any therapy is greatly appreciated.

Z

[highergr0und]

Why not take the 90k job, live like you only earn 50-60, save a ton, and retire young to pursue the golf thing? You might still be able to maintain your certification and teach on the side a bit. Saving 30-40% of your income will add up really quick.

Do you have a way into the coaching lifestyle?

[enyce92104]

First and foremost what does wifey have to say about it? To take a pay cut never goes over well in the interest of "your" hapiness. Pursue the passion is something I always reccomend as I do what I love and it enables me to participate in my ultimate love regularly. Money isn't everything but hapiness is, and money can buy a lot of it, especially if you're married.

I concur with higherground. Take the higher paying job and save up. Nows a great time for 5-10 year investments, put your salary differential in an earning account and watch that puppy grow. Golf opportunities will always pop-up, not a 6 figure job. Ride out the ol' career for a few more years knowing you're saving for that dream job pay cut to come in and not affect your bank account or marriage.

[EK16]

I would take the part time job. Time is money. I'd rather be able to play 2 rounds of golf a week when I'm 30 vs 50.

[DRGJR72]

Man that is a tough situation.

I was a PGA member and worked in the industry for 14 years. The most I made in a year was 40k and that was working many, many hours. I actually interviewed for a HP gig just prior to my leaving the industry. They offered me less than I was currently making and would require a longer commute and more hours per week. That is where the golf industry is headed IMO. There is a surplus of under qualified people who are willing to take jobs for far less than established, experienced professionals, and companies are willing to undergo this risk at the expense of their brand and customers.

I now understand this mentality after leaving the industry and returning to school and getting my degree in Economics. It has shown me why the golf industry operates the way it does and allows good people to leave the industry in favor of less qualified replacements. Then, when you factor in the current economy and you see why the industry as a whole is struggling. They overbuilt in the early 2000's and it is now coming back at them. There are too many people for too few jobs. Not a great job market if you ask me.

I would suggest you get back into your old business. 100k is a 100k bottom line. There is nothing better than getting paid for what you do. Yes there is some value to passion and liking what you do, etc. But lets be honest...how many people actually like work?? If they truly liked it, it might be called something else. Work is what you do to make money.

While I love the game of golf and equipment and tournaments, working in the industry was a challenge. There are too many issues to list here in this blurb. There are many positives as it was far from all bad. But there are also considerable negatives to consider.

Bottom line is that the golf industry has it's draws and is a sexy profession on the outside, but it rarely delivers on the promise. Under normal circumstances it is a thankless career with short pay and long hours. There are exceptions and if you have the ability to fall in that category I would say go for it. But if you are destined to be a grunt for years to come, take the money and roll. Just do the math. 100k X 5 years = 500k. 14k x 30 years = 520k. Not to say that you would be at 14K for 30 years...but even if you normalize it out...you are still looking at 15-20 years to make the same money you will make in 4-7.

Do you want a job that pays you nice funds or do you want to chase a career in something that you have passion for? Plus if you make 100K...you can play golf pretty much wherever you want.

[leoh923]

To me, this is a no brainer. For starters, what would happen if you and your girlfriend split? How are you going to live on 14K? 100K a year will buy a lot of golf happiness, via weekend trips and vacations to resorts and courses that lots of people only dream about.
While chasing your dreams and passions may work out for people in movies and TV shows, this is the real world, and a solid career, and hefty paycheck usually work out better in the long run.

[matpatsheehy]

I frankly would take the more cautious approach. If your previous employer is open to you doing the consulting on a part time basis then I would opt for that while keeping my golf options open. You have obviously made an investment over the last couple of years to get into the industry. If you find that you really like the arrangement that you have then you can always change that part time gig with your old company into a full time gig.

Nothing will replace some of the free time you have now to hit balls or play a round of golf. Also, will you be travelling considerably for this gig? Will three days of consulting really amount to four days because of travel?

Happiness cannot be measured in money terms. If you can afford to live on the $14K and you wake with a smile on your face then why make the change. Money is not everything. Will your relationship survive if you are travelling?

I would move cautiously. I would pick up the gig part time and see if I can continue some of my golf work as well.

[ForeLeftPGA]

Personally I think that some of you are missing the point. I'm a PGA professional and have been the business for 15 years. I LOVE what I do. My father is in the IT world and has always offered me a job to make triple if not more than what I was making. I never took him up and I never will. Money doesn't alway buy happiness. Sure, it buys a jet ski and everybody knows that you can't be anything but happy on a jet ski. But how long does that last? You have to think about what makes you happy. If moving from place to place and making 100K per year is it, than do it. I make a great living and I wake up every morning excited about what I do. I wouldn't change a thing. Golf is my first love and I'm lucky enough to be able to do it for a living.

[bigmoneyp]

Not many people get to do what they love to do. If I were in your shoes I would work part time making 50k and keep the golf job. Doing what you love is great but happiness doesn't pay the bills.

[JLTD63]

Work to live...don't live to work. The golf industry is cool and all...I spent about 8 years in it, started as a range picker and was an assistant pro when I moved on...but it's a grind to say the least. Thankless in most cases...with long hours and short pay. There are perks and there are definitely things I miss about it, but I moved on and it was absolutely the right move for me.

If you decide to stay in the golf biz you're undoubtedly living for the work...and that's backwards for me. It's obviously not backwards for everyone though, and that's cool. We've all got different ways of looking at this weird thing called life.

By the way...how far into your books are you??

[cheeser]

I have to ask this question because I feel that some people make the golf profession to be a job full of hobos and poor people who work long "thankless" hours.

Do you really make $14K a year as an assistant pro? My neighbor is a class A pro and the house he's living in.....he couldn't afford on that salary. Mind you, this is New Mexico but I'm certain he's making more than $14K/year.

Anyway, to offer advice, if your previous employer is allowing you to work 3 days a week without having to move and you can keep your golf job, is there even a question to what you should do?

[JLTD63]

[quote name='cheeser' timestamp='1290193201' post='2798442']
I have to ask this question because I feel that some people make the golf profession to be a job full of hobos and poor people who work long "thankless" hours.

Do you really make $14K a year as an assistant pro? My neighbor is a class A pro and the house he's living in.....he couldn't afford on that salary. Mind you, this is New Mexico but I'm certain he's making more than $14K/year.
[/quote]


When I left my job as a first assistant in a golf-crazy part of Utah (2005) I was making $21,000 in salary, with nothing in the way of benefits like health insurance or retirement. I did supplement my income with lessons, junior clinics, etc...but the pay was low. I worked an average of 50-55 hours per week, and that number really isn't high at all...lots of assistants outwork that no problem.

I worked for a boss (pro) who still liked to work...he put in his time in the shop and in other areas as well. He was great to work for. I have lots of friends in the industry, and the going rate for an assistant pro around here is still about $18-$22K annually in salary.

As far as head pro jobs go...they CAN definitely make money. That doesn't mean they do though...the days of the "good old boy" type head pro jobs are just about over. Nowadays most head pros are simple employees like anyone else, where back in the day lots of pros also had a share of (if not all of) the pro-shop, the carts, the range, etc, etc. Pros that are lucky enough to be holding one of these jobs can make good money...100K+ definitely. Pros that are lucky enough to land at a good private club, etc can also make a good six-figure living. Most of the pros I know that work in a more "standard" job at a more "standard" course make somewhere around $50-$60K.

Like I did as an assistant many head pros supplement thier income with lessons, clinics, by playing, club-fittings, any number of things. If someone is a Class A PGA Head Professional they are probably making a decent living...most likely not getting rich by any stretch, but probably not starving. The starving was taken care of during that 10-20 year period as an assistant pro waiting to land a head pro job!

As far as the jobs being "thankless", well, I guess that's up for interpretation. Hours are pretty long and generally not ideal...every weekend and holiday without a doubt. A pro at a muni deals with unrelenting pressure to make the city money, and a pro at a private club deals with unrelenting pressure to make the members happy no matter what...while keeping the club profitable. Like one guy above said, it's sexy on the outside...not quite as much on the inside. But...like I mentioned before...there are perks, and there are things I miss just about every day.

[SOONERMAGIC]

So made the move, left my job as an Assistant, and went back into the Oil and Gas business. Its nice I can still work from home (via my computer) at least for the mean time.



I have definately been playing less golf, but i try to get out and hit balls at least a few days a week.



Sooo happy im not in a pro shop anymore....


Whew....

[GetmeouttaJersey]

Take your talents to South Beach like Lebron

[MadGolfer76]

[b]"Money can't buy happiness, but it can buy [i]off[/i] unhappiness."

- David Lee Roth[/b]

[Capecodder19]

If you're diligent about your books, get your Class A, and you pay your dues as an Assistant you will eventually get interviews for HP positions. From there its really up to you and how good you are at what you do.

You'll make a very good living and 4 months off in the winter to travel/play/teach doesn't suck either.

Anybody can have a normal job.

[SOONERMAGIC]

Yeah, did the golf pro thing for a couple of years, folding clothes, doing inventory, stocking shelves, and teaching junior clinics is not what I'm looking for....

[GetmeouttaJersey]

[quote name='SOONERMAGIC' timestamp='1301595118' post='3106237']
Yeah, did the golf pro thing for a couple of years, folding clothes, doing inventory, stocking shelves, and teaching junior clinics is not what I'm looking for....
[/quote]


I hear you and totally understand being in that situation. I graduated with a degree in Business Management with a concentration in Sports Management. I played golf in college and took the extra 5 classes to satisfy the requirements for the concentration. Almost everyone I talk to regarding golf and the industry tells me to get into the business and take your lumps intially and it will pay off. The problem is the AP positions pay literally nothing and the hours you work are outrageous. A lot of the time it negatively affects your golf game.

I'm still weighing my options. I'm working for a financial services firm that is paying my bills but is 180* from what I'd like to be doing. I would love to get an opportunity to represent a company involved in the golf industry but we all know that those positions have very high barriers to entry.

It's frustrating...The only positive thing is I have the money to pay my membership dues so that I can continue to improve my game (Hopefully)

[Capecodder19]

If you paid your dues you eventually see the profitability of those seemingly menial tasks:

-Folding clothing that you paid, say $25 per item for yet have them out there for $55 retail...makes folding almost enjoyable once you see that shop check.
-Doing Inventory is just part of eventually owning your own business, knowing what you have so you can order more and thus make more money.
-Stocking shelves is easy, do it off hours and you can crank music in the shop or even have a cold one at the end of the day, its all perspective.
-Junior Clinics..newsflash: kids are walking ATM machines. Take 10 kids, 1 hour a week, $20 each...$200/hour...yeah I hate Junior Clinics.

[gmangolf]

Money isn't everything. While I'd love to make 100k a year, I would hate always traveling or moving. If I could work roughly 3 days a week for 50K and do some golf work on the side, I'd jump at it. Seems like the financial job security you want (or at least better) and the opportunity to pursue something you are passionate about.

[varsityhacker]

I think you made the right move, you chased your dream and then found out that it wasn't as glitzy or satisfying as you thought it would be time to move on. Be thankful that you have the opportunity to get back in your old industry.

[philsRHman]

Good thread. I'm late to the party, but think you made the right call. It's not like you gave up your dream of being in the industry for a 30K dead-end job. You've chosen a field that's hugely more lucrative and there's no reason you can't continue to play, and potentially get back into the golf industry at a later time (the more corporate the game is getting, to more ways you can apply your talents in areas such as general management, finance, etc). My uncle was an assistant pro for years and I worked at a course for eight years through school and into my first couple years of working full-time. He always told me I'd enjoy it more on the other side of the pro shop counter and he's right. I'm doing well enough now that I've been able to join a club, take golf trips, afford to make golf my hobby, not my profession. The industry is full of guys burnt out on the game who want nothing to do with spending time at the course when they're already spending 60 hours a week there.

Good luck with the new job. On that salary, living in Florida, adding in your girlfriend's, you can be living like a king. But like some others said, you're in a great position to stash away a ton of cash now, while the gettins' good.

[GetmeouttaJersey]

[quote name='Capecodder19' timestamp='1301595964' post='3106279']
If you paid your dues you eventually see the profitability of those seemingly menial tasks:

-Folding clothing that you paid, say $25 per item for yet have them out there for $55 retail...makes folding almost enjoyable once you see that shop check.
-Doing Inventory is just part of eventually owning your own business, knowing what you have so you can order more and thus make more money.
-Stocking shelves is easy, do it off hours and you can crank music in the shop or even have a cold one at the end of the day, its all perspective.
-Junior Clinics..newsflash: kids are walking ATM machines. Take 10 kids, 1 hour a week, $20 each...$200/hour...yeah I hate Junior Clinics.
[/quote]


I think you're looking at this from the "best possible scenario"...

-1-5% of all HP are actually folding their own inventory, so, those $55 shirts aren't helping him personally.
-Who hasn't done inventory? I worked in a shop for 8 years before and during college and inventory isn't rocket science. It really sucks when you realize shoplifting is killing your profit margins...
-Stocking shelves is stocking shelves, whether it's on the clock or off. Unpaid shelf stocking can't be much fun...
-200/hour sounds great until you realize that your hours are severely limited. Sure, in the best case possible, you could have these luxuries. I know my fair share of HP's and none of them have the luxury of their own inventory and 200/hr junior clinics. I know of 1 HP that has his own inventory and a little time on his hands, he's also over 70 years old and has 3 assistants under him to do the dirty work...

[Capecodder19]

[quote name='GetmeouttaJersey' timestamp='1301599499' post='3106488']
[quote name='Capecodder19' timestamp='1301595964' post='3106279']
If you paid your dues you eventually see the profitability of those seemingly menial tasks:

-Folding clothing that you paid, say $25 per item for yet have them out there for $55 retail...makes folding almost enjoyable once you see that shop check.
-Doing Inventory is just part of eventually owning your own business, knowing what you have so you can order more and thus make more money.
-Stocking shelves is easy, do it off hours and you can crank music in the shop or even have a cold one at the end of the day, its all perspective.
-Junior Clinics..newsflash: kids are walking ATM machines. Take 10 kids, 1 hour a week, $20 each...$200/hour...yeah I hate Junior Clinics.
[/quote]


I think you're looking at this from the "best possible scenario"...

-1-5% of all HP are actually folding their own inventory, so, those $55 shirts aren't helping him personally.
-Who hasn't done inventory? I worked in a shop for 8 years before and during college and inventory isn't rocket science. It really sucks when you realize shoplifting is killing your profit margins...
-Stocking shelves is stocking shelves, whether it's on the clock or off. Unpaid shelf stocking can't be much fun...
-200/hour sounds great until you realize that your hours are severely limited. Sure, in the best case possible, you could have these luxuries. I know my fair share of HP's and none of them have the luxury of their own inventory and 200/hr junior clinics. I know of 1 HP that has his own inventory and a little time on his hands, he's also over 70 years old and has 3 assistants under him to do the dirty work...
[/quote]







-If you own your own shop, which is more than 1-5% of HP's, then yes you dont mind folding your own shirts..the better they look the quicker they sell.
-A well-run shop loses 3-5% of inventory due to pilferage...its the cost of doing business.
-$200 Junior Clinics are quite possible, although my assistants teach them, not me. You promote them, make them fun and safe and a doting dad will gladly give you their 7 yr old for $20 so they can go practice/play/answer emails for an hour. It happens every week at private clubs across the country.

There were many years as an assistant that I took home just enough to make rent, buy groceries, pay car insurance etc etc...but my point is MOST jobs you need to put in the time, pay your dues if you will. If you're willing to do that then yes you'll eventually be living the "best case scenario."


True story.

[tatertot]

Nobody ever said "Man, I wish I would have worked more" when they get old.

[GetmeouttaJersey]

[quote name='Capecodder19' timestamp='1301600507' post='3106537']
[quote name='GetmeouttaJersey' timestamp='1301599499' post='3106488']
[quote name='Capecodder19' timestamp='1301595964' post='3106279']
If you paid your dues you eventually see the profitability of those seemingly menial tasks:

-Folding clothing that you paid, say $25 per item for yet have them out there for $55 retail...makes folding almost enjoyable once you see that shop check.
-Doing Inventory is just part of eventually owning your own business, knowing what you have so you can order more and thus make more money.
-Stocking shelves is easy, do it off hours and you can crank music in the shop or even have a cold one at the end of the day, its all perspective.
-Junior Clinics..newsflash: kids are walking ATM machines. Take 10 kids, 1 hour a week, $20 each...$200/hour...yeah I hate Junior Clinics.
[/quote]


I think you're looking at this from the "best possible scenario"...

-1-5% of all HP are actually folding their own inventory, so, those $55 shirts aren't helping him personally.
-Who hasn't done inventory? I worked in a shop for 8 years before and during college and inventory isn't rocket science. It really sucks when you realize shoplifting is killing your profit margins...
-Stocking shelves is stocking shelves, whether it's on the clock or off. Unpaid shelf stocking can't be much fun...
-200/hour sounds great until you realize that your hours are severely limited. Sure, in the best case possible, you could have these luxuries. I know my fair share of HP's and none of them have the luxury of their own inventory and 200/hr junior clinics. I know of 1 HP that has his own inventory and a little time on his hands, he's also over 70 years old and has 3 assistants under him to do the dirty work...
[/quote]







-If you own your own shop, which is more than 1-5% of HP's, then yes you dont mind folding your own shirts..the better they look the quicker they sell.
-A well-run shop loses 3-5% of inventory due to pilferage...its the cost of doing business.
-$200 Junior Clinics are quite possible, although my assistants teach them, not me. You promote them, make them fun and safe and a doting dad will gladly give you their 7 yr old for $20 so they can go practice/play/answer emails for an hour. It happens every week at private clubs across the country.

There were many years as an assistant that I took home just enough to make rent, buy groceries, pay car insurance etc etc...but my point is MOST jobs you need to put in the time, pay your dues if you will. If you're willing to do that then yes you'll eventually be living the "best case scenario."


True story.
[/quote]


Congrats on your success. Unfortunately, you're in the minority by a long shot.

[Random Hack]

[quote name='tatertot' timestamp='1301600815' post='3106552']
Nobody ever said "Man, I wish I would have worked more" when they get old.
[/quote]

This.

[Carolina Golfer 2]

[quote name='ForeLeftPGA' timestamp='1290099714' post='2796822']
Personally I think that some of you are missing the point. I'm a PGA professional and have been the business for 15 years. I LOVE what I do. My father is in the IT world and has always offered me a job to make triple if not more than what I was making. I never took him up and I never will. Money doesn't alway buy happiness. Sure, it buys a jet ski and everybody knows that you can't be anything but happy on a jet ski. But how long does that last? You have to think about what makes you happy. If moving from place to place and making 100K per year is it, than do it. I make a great living and I wake up every morning excited about what I do. I wouldn't change a thing. Golf is my first love and I'm lucky enough to be able to do it for a living.
[/quote]

Nice Post!! Very refreshing to hear someone that is doing what they love and loves what they are doing, regardless of the industry.

[Capecodder19]

[quote name='GetmeouttaJersey' timestamp='1301601553' post='3106605']
[quote name='Capecodder19' timestamp='1301600507' post='3106537']
[quote name='GetmeouttaJersey' timestamp='1301599499' post='3106488']
[quote name='Capecodder19' timestamp='1301595964' post='3106279']
If you paid your dues you eventually see the profitability of those seemingly menial tasks:

-Folding clothing that you paid, say $25 per item for yet have them out there for $55 retail...makes folding almost enjoyable once you see that shop check.
-Doing Inventory is just part of eventually owning your own business, knowing what you have so you can order more and thus make more money.
-Stocking shelves is easy, do it off hours and you can crank music in the shop or even have a cold one at the end of the day, its all perspective.
-Junior Clinics..newsflash: kids are walking ATM machines. Take 10 kids, 1 hour a week, $20 each...$200/hour...yeah I hate Junior Clinics.
[/quote]


I think you're looking at this from the "best possible scenario"...

-1-5% of all HP are actually folding their own inventory, so, those $55 shirts aren't helping him personally.
-Who hasn't done inventory? I worked in a shop for 8 years before and during college and inventory isn't rocket science. It really sucks when you realize shoplifting is killing your profit margins...
-Stocking shelves is stocking shelves, whether it's on the clock or off. Unpaid shelf stocking can't be much fun...
-200/hour sounds great until you realize that your hours are severely limited. Sure, in the best case possible, you could have these luxuries. I know my fair share of HP's and none of them have the luxury of their own inventory and 200/hr junior clinics. I know of 1 HP that has his own inventory and a little time on his hands, he's also over 70 years old and has 3 assistants under him to do the dirty work...
[/quote]







-If you own your own shop, which is more than 1-5% of HP's, then yes you dont mind folding your own shirts..the better they look the quicker they sell.
-A well-run shop loses 3-5% of inventory due to pilferage...its the cost of doing business.
-$200 Junior Clinics are quite possible, although my assistants teach them, not me. You promote them, make them fun and safe and a doting dad will gladly give you their 7 yr old for $20 so they can go practice/play/answer emails for an hour. It happens every week at private clubs across the country.

There were many years as an assistant that I took home just enough to make rent, buy groceries, pay car insurance etc etc...but my point is MOST jobs you need to put in the time, pay your dues if you will. If you're willing to do that then yes you'll eventually be living the "best case scenario."


True story.
[/quote]


Congrats on your success. Unfortunately, you're in the minority by a long shot.
[/quote]






I have many friends in the business that are doing it better than me I'm afraid to admit...and all of them did their fair share of range picking, cart cleaning, hooks scrubbing, caddiemastering, spike-replacing to get to where they are today.

[RJRJRJ]

You made the right move. $100k vs. $14k. End of story.


Glad it worked out for you.