When time is based on basketball seasons, life moves fast! Careers progress, leaving many coaches finding themselves torn between pursuing their passion versus aging obligations.
For those who dream of coaching, yet are occupationally tied to another profession the question arises: Is part-time coaching even possible?
My Dream vs. The Reality
Dream: After playing small college ball, my vision was to pursue Division 1 as a Graduate Assistant to soak up as much of a learning experience as possible from a larger staff.
The Reality: Landed at my high school alma mater as an assistant JV high school coach while starting as an intern for a small marketing agency.
Next Dream: Climb the coaching ladder from high school volunteer to full-time assistant at the collegiate level with hopes of becoming a Division III head coach sometime in my early 30s.
The Reality: Haven’t had a “Full-Time” salary role in basketball yet – and turn 35 this year.
None of this to say, I’ve had it rough or the landscape is that much different today (see below).
It’s meant to address two realizations that have occurred while pursuing this profession:
- Competition: There is always one other person willing to do more for less pay
- Money simply matters more and more as life continues
Full-time jobs, family commitments, and various responsibilities can seem like insurmountable barriers to pursuing a coaching career. So, is part-time coaching possible?
It becomes a question of what you are willing to prioritize while keeping a bigger goal in mind. Part-time coaching emerges as a potential compromise, allowing individuals to maintain a semblance of balance between having a professional, family, and coaching life.
The Challenges:
- Time Constraints: One of the biggest challenges faced by part-time coaches is the scarcity of time. Prioritizing practices, family events, and professional projects puts time management to the test. Plus, if full-time coaching is the ultimate goal it can become difficult to be away from the game without compromising professional development. With shorter windows behind the curtains of all coaching responsibilities – ask more questions, take more notes, and request any/all tasks that time permits.
- Compensation Woes: In most cases, part-time coaching positions come with a complementary thank-you stipend. But if the goal is to leverage the current role for future opportunities then the job itself remains full-time. This is where coaches often find themselves torn between passion for the game and the financial stability offered by their full-time jobs. The question of whether the love for coaching can outweigh the financial sacrifices becomes a case-by-case struggle.
- Connecting with Staff and Players: This honestly can feel like the biggest hurdle. Coaching is connecting, and building relationships with staff and players are crucial to the success of the program and the experience in itself. The lack of time can hinder building trust with players, supporting the temperature of the team, and collaborating with the staff for professional development purposes.
- Navigating Family Dynamics: The commitment to coaching can inevitably impact family dynamics. Late-night practices, weekend games, and the emotional investment required for coaching can strain relationships. Admittedly, without a spouse or kids priorities are narrowed to one which can allow part-time possibilities more forgiving. Otherwise, maintaining a healthy family life takes shared communication of the job and understanding the commitment it takes for the job. When there are two coaches in the household you’re just crazy.
The Rewards:
While the challenges of part-time coaching are undeniable, it is essential to acknowledge the silver lining that makes this balancing act not only possible but also rewarding.
- Nothing Like Being In The Gym: Even if it’s part time, there’s nothing like being in the gym on a consistent basis. Whether the role combines practices and games, or maybe just helping out with individual workouts during the day; our passion drives us to the gym because it is where we feel most impactful.
- Building Transferable Skills: Take advantage of the versatility that comes with balancing other jobs with coaching responsibilities. Common side jobs include teaching, remote recruiting, or freelance marketing. These all come with transferable skill sets that can potentially set you apart from other applicants in future coaching pools, or possibly prove as an optional career path. My “Letter of Recommendation” attempts to break down how coaching translates to corporate America.
- Play To Your Strengths: It’s not something we like to admit, but there are always certain aspects of the job that coaches are either not proficient at or consider actual work. If brought on staff for a limited time then look to double down on what you do best: full-time scout, dynamic recruiter, or skill development expert. Play to your strengths to provide the most value to the program while still utilizing that time to develop other areas for future opportunities.
- Continue Connecting: Don’t care what the role is labeled as, but a coach is a coach is a coach. If you’re on staff put that on the resume as Assistant Coach, then be transparent with the capacity of the job in the details added. Being part of any staff can help you run into the right people at the right time. Being on the sidelines can limit those networking opportunities that become pivotal during the coaching carousels come spring & summer.
When it comes to part-time coaching there are ways to carve out a role, but it does often come with its limitations. The balancing act between full-time profession, family dynamics, and basketball responsibilities demands a level of commitment, sacrifice, and strategic planning. However, it also can build a layer of resiliency that will prepare you for the complexities of coaching successfully. Part-time coaching is clearly possible; it’s just not easy. But you already knew that.
Good luck coaches and keep climbing!
Coach's Climb 