7 answers
Skylah
Student
Maryland City, Maryland
5
Questions
Updated
742 views
Would track and basketball be a better career than taking my business to a professional level?
Which one is better?
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7 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
751
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
You could always try and do both.
Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Greg Lemond, and Usain Bolt are all examples of athletes who competed and ran businesss empires on the side.
It did help that they all became world class athletes, which assisted in their transactions with customers and companies. But ultimately, they all did both athletics and business at the same time.
Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Greg Lemond, and Usain Bolt are all examples of athletes who competed and ran businesss empires on the side.
It did help that they all became world class athletes, which assisted in their transactions with customers and companies. But ultimately, they all did both athletics and business at the same time.
Michael Tomassi
Offer Development/Contract Management
2
Answers
Roxbury Township, New Jersey
Updated
Michael’s Answer
If you want to make a career out of track or basketball, that would be great. You should always have a back up plan though. It's not a bad idea to think about other careers that interest you as well. You can start with track or basketball and see how far your career goes in sports. Afterwards you can always go back to school to pursue another career.
Karin P.
Lecturer
375
Answers
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Skylah,
Since I don't know you, or your athletic abilities or the probability that your business will succeed, I can't really make that choice for you. You'll have to look at the odds for success and have a Plan B in hand in case Plan A doesn't work out.
About which option are you more passionate?
Some things to consider:
How good are you in track and in basketball? I am assuming you play in a team and participate in track meets? How are your results? Has a high-level coach ever evaluated you? I would recommend to get the opinion of professionals what your potential ist and how far they think you can go.
Statistically, very few people make it to the top level in sports and have a good income. Some, of course, hit it big. You can't play all your life, you'll have to retire at a relatively young age. Also, you could suffer a career-ending injury which would shatter your dreams. So, if you go for the sports option you need at least a backup plan. If you get recruited by a college you could study e.g. sports science, sports management or maybe journalism to stay in the sports theme.
If you decide to build your business, there is of course no guarantee that you'll succeed either. You need a plan to expand your business to make it profitable enough. Have you got a solid business plan? How about finances, customers? Network, if you are not yet doing that and find some mentors who can give you advice on this front. And you also need a Plan B. Maybe studying business management would be a good idea.
You could also do both: play sports for a couple of years, but also go to school. After you retire you can still build your business.
Either way, you won't know what will be successfull unless you try, but it's your decision. If you go to college, at least you have a qualification to fall back on if Option A or Option B fail.
Either way, good luck!
KP
Since I don't know you, or your athletic abilities or the probability that your business will succeed, I can't really make that choice for you. You'll have to look at the odds for success and have a Plan B in hand in case Plan A doesn't work out.
About which option are you more passionate?
Some things to consider:
How good are you in track and in basketball? I am assuming you play in a team and participate in track meets? How are your results? Has a high-level coach ever evaluated you? I would recommend to get the opinion of professionals what your potential ist and how far they think you can go.
Statistically, very few people make it to the top level in sports and have a good income. Some, of course, hit it big. You can't play all your life, you'll have to retire at a relatively young age. Also, you could suffer a career-ending injury which would shatter your dreams. So, if you go for the sports option you need at least a backup plan. If you get recruited by a college you could study e.g. sports science, sports management or maybe journalism to stay in the sports theme.
If you decide to build your business, there is of course no guarantee that you'll succeed either. You need a plan to expand your business to make it profitable enough. Have you got a solid business plan? How about finances, customers? Network, if you are not yet doing that and find some mentors who can give you advice on this front. And you also need a Plan B. Maybe studying business management would be a good idea.
You could also do both: play sports for a couple of years, but also go to school. After you retire you can still build your business.
Either way, you won't know what will be successfull unless you try, but it's your decision. If you go to college, at least you have a qualification to fall back on if Option A or Option B fail.
Either way, good luck!
KP
Naim Rahaim
Basketball Coach, Sports Analytics, Athletic Director
32
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Naim’s Answer
Hello Skylah,
Deciding whether to chase a career in track and basketball or elevate your business to a professional level hinges on a few key elements:
Love for the Game: Think about which route resonates more with your hobbies and love. Do you find your heart beating faster for sports or for the thrill of running a business?
Talent: Assess your abilities and potential in both fields. Do you shine brightly in one sport or possess a unique business concept that you're confident will take off?
Career Span: Ponder over the lifespan of each career choice. Sports careers might be relatively brief due to elements like injuries and aging, while a thriving business could potentially offer a longer and more stable career.
Market Opportunities: Reflect on the demand for your talents in both sports and business. Are there chances out there in the market for you to shine and thrive?
Way of Life: Consider the lifestyle that comes with each career path. Sports careers usually come with demanding training schedules and lots of travel, while running a business might offer more flexibility but also demands a lot of commitment and effort.
In the end, the choice should be based on what fits best with your interests, abilities, and long-term aspirations. It's crucial to balance the advantages and disadvantages of each choice and select the route that feels most rewarding and holds the most promise for your future. Wishing you all the best in your decision!
Stay blessed!
Naim Rahaim
Deciding whether to chase a career in track and basketball or elevate your business to a professional level hinges on a few key elements:
Love for the Game: Think about which route resonates more with your hobbies and love. Do you find your heart beating faster for sports or for the thrill of running a business?
Talent: Assess your abilities and potential in both fields. Do you shine brightly in one sport or possess a unique business concept that you're confident will take off?
Career Span: Ponder over the lifespan of each career choice. Sports careers might be relatively brief due to elements like injuries and aging, while a thriving business could potentially offer a longer and more stable career.
Market Opportunities: Reflect on the demand for your talents in both sports and business. Are there chances out there in the market for you to shine and thrive?
Way of Life: Consider the lifestyle that comes with each career path. Sports careers usually come with demanding training schedules and lots of travel, while running a business might offer more flexibility but also demands a lot of commitment and effort.
In the end, the choice should be based on what fits best with your interests, abilities, and long-term aspirations. It's crucial to balance the advantages and disadvantages of each choice and select the route that feels most rewarding and holds the most promise for your future. Wishing you all the best in your decision!
Stay blessed!
Naim Rahaim
nicole goldsmith
2
Answers
Simpsonville, South Carolina
Updated
nicole’s Answer
Pursuing a career in sports is truly amazing, but it's equally important to have a solid education to support you. It's wise to invest the money you earn to secure a successful future. Take inspiration from great athletes like Usain Bolt and Michael Jordan who have done the same.
Joseph Foster
Explain technology to customers to help them make an informed purchasing decision.
6
Answers
Granite Bay, California
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Consider this: are you drawn to careers related to sports, or is your dream to become a professional athlete? The world of sports today offers a plethora of job opportunities, with roles like data science and AI playing a crucial part in the industry. Becoming a professional athlete, despite your natural talent, is a challenging journey. Even gifted athletes can face career-ending injuries. But don't let this deter you from pursuing your passion. It's smart to explore areas that pique your interest and gain knowledge in them, providing you with a variety of options. Remember, the world of sports mirrors life and work in many ways. The most successful athletes are not just talented, they are also dedicated and focused. Take Michael Jordan, for example, his exceptional work ethic and concentration made him an icon. So, keep striving, keep learning, and keep pushing your limits.
T T
23
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
T’s Answer
I would suggest pursuing sports as a passion and focusing on education and your future career at the same time. The chances of becoming a professional athlete are slim to none, so you should try to set yourself up for success in the event that sports does not work out as a career.