Career transitions can evoke a swirl of emotions, especially for those in the golf course superintendent industry.
The feeling of being at a career crossroads arises from a variety of circumstances ranging from uncertainty with current status, lack of upward mobility, personal and family obligations, and at times the mounting pressures or instability of finances. Alternatively, the allure of new challenges and growth offer career reflection points bringing significant self-doubt, anxiety and indecision.
I not only personally dealt with this, but see numerous professionals struggling with this decision and their overall career satisfaction. I empathize when at the proverbial fork in the road. With the benefit of hindsight and through our own research and better informed decision making, here are some thoughts for you.
According to our 2024 Golf Course Superintendent Employment Trend Study, 60% of today’s golf course superintendents are still excited about being a “Turfheads”.
Given golf’s recent boom and forecasted growth, I envision today’s top talent will continue to be pursued for their capabilities, accomplishments and visionary leadership. Salaries are increasing at rapid speed to the tune of 20-30% in many of our recruitment projects. It’s notable that this is probably the best employment market for golf course superintendents ever.
However, golf course superintendents need to weigh the risks of each choice and the impact on their long-term personal and professional goals.
Leaving a role might bring challenges and a renewed sense of career passion, but as I’ve personally experienced, the same problems you dealt with in your current role will carry with you to the next facility, role or golf course in a short time. Same circus, same characters, different location.
Develop a Personal Strategic Plan
Speaking on personal experience, developing a personal strategic plan to map out your goals over ten years ahead gives you the freedom to dream big, unbound by current limitations.
Consider spending time self-reflecting on your current role. Have you really given yourself the space to appreciate your existing circumstances? Consider some of the following questions:
- How do my past achievements and challenges align with the person I want to become?
- How often do I celebrate my achievements, no matter how small?
- How do I balance working toward long-term goals with enjoying the process along the way?
- Is the environment providing a safe, healthy space for myself and stability for my family?
- Have I consistently been rewarded, recognized and challenged?
You’ll begin to see patterns, notice recurring themes, and uncover what truly matters to you. When you celebrate each achievement along the way, you acknowledge your progress and reinforce the commitment to your dreams.
Looking back, I did not take moments to appreciate growth in my own personal career journey, as well as the steps I took. I ruminated on things out of my control, projected circumstances that weren’t based on facts, but worst case scenarios. It became a distraction to focusing on what I could control, and all the good things happening personally and professionally.
I find many professionals create a narrative in their head about why they need to move on to greener pastures thinking the external environment is going to generate happiness, balance and success. Often it is addressing the internal litigator that will change your attitude, altitude and career satisfaction.
If you think the club or organization down the street with the shiny newness doesn’t have the 10-percent group of naysayers, limited resources, governance problems, and a whole lot of other baggage; think again!
Some considerations to increase your satisfaction with your current role:
- Don’t let the profession define happiness, find outside interests and hobbies.
- Build relationships within your team, delegate and lead by example to promote a positive work culture.
- Develop soft skills including adaptability, handling constructive criticism, and emotional intelligence.
- Conduct salary reviews to address lingering pay gaps.
- Be willing to adapt to change and accept that some things are out of your control.
- Set realistic goals and work towards achieving them; take initiative in your daily role and relationships.
- Seek out professional development opportunities in areas that impact your personal growth, as well as overall business.
If you’re in need of further insight and best practices, set up a FREE Talent Strategy Call with our team.
About The Author
Tyler Bloom is the founder of Bloom Golf Partners. A former golf course superintendent and turf professional, Tyler’s love of all things golf began at the age of six when he stepped onto the course for the first time.
Tyler has an Executive Certifacte in Talent Acquisition fro Cornell University and a degree in Turfgrass Science from Penn State University. With 20 years of experience in the golf and turfgrass industry, Tyler has worked directly with reputable club leaders at some of the most prestigious clubs to place over 300 professionals in executive and management level positions throughout the United States.
Are you ready to build a top-performing team that drives results? Our proven framework, methodologies, and implementation is based on our personal track record of developing world-class teams. In addition to talent acquisition, we provide leadership development and ongoing consultative services for the golf course and club industry. Our team has personally coached and mentored dozens of future golf course superintendents across the United States.