The Career Comparison Trap in Football
I recently found myself scrolling through LinkedIn, seeing announcement after announcement of colleagues in the football industry landing impressive new titles and club positions.
That familiar knot formed in my stomach – a mix of happiness for them and that nagging voice asking, "Shouldn't that be me?"
If you work in football – or honestly, any competitive industry – you've likely felt this too.
It's that moment when you see someone's upward career trajectory and you immediately begin measuring your own progress against theirs.
And here's the interesting thing: this comparison trap is especially present in football, where the industry is incredibly tight-knit and dozens of qualified candidates often compete for few positions.
The Comparison Trap Is Real (And Normal)
During my time at Sky Bet, I watched close friends receive promotions to management positions.
They shared stories of their new responsibilities, mentioned their pay rises, and I found myself automatically thinking: "That's the path I should be following too."
This led me to apply for similar roles – roles that, through the application process itself, I realised weren't actually aligned with what I truly wanted.
The same pattern emerged in football. Seeing peers become heads of recruitment or lead data analysts at other clubs triggered an immediate response... "I should be looking for those exact same positions".
But should I really?
The Critical Pause: Self-Reflection
What I've learned – sometimes the hard way – is that the most valuable career move isn't always upward or identical to someone else's.
It's taking a deliberate pause to ask:
- What specific aspects of my current role energise me most?
- What does my ideal work-life balance look like in 1, 5, and 10 years?
- Am I chasing titles for validation or because they align with my strengths?
- What experience am I still missing that would make me truly effective at the next level?
Without this reflection, it's dangerously easy to chase positions that look impressive on paper but might not deliver what you actually need for fulfillment.
Creating Your Own Path in a Crowded Field
Football presents unique challenges.
Jobs can be scarce at times, competition is fierce, and career paths aren't always clear-cut. When everyone seems to be pursuing the same credentials and positions, it creates pressure to follow suit.
But rushing into applications for roles you're not ready for – or worse, roles you don't actually want – can lead to either disappointment or landing somewhere that doesn't serve your long-term goals.
Instead, try this approach:
- Map your actual interests, not just logical next steps
- Identify skill gaps you still need to address
- Consider lifestyle factors (the football career triangle)
- Define your own version of success (Is it impact? Seniority? Security?)
The Power of Strategic Patience
Sometimes the most strategic move when starting your football journey is patience – not stagnation, but intentional development while preparing for the right opportunity.
I've watched countless eager professionals frantically apply for every available position when they first enter football, only to burn out within months.
What they miss is that those early years are actually golden.
They're your foundation-building phase where you discover your true strengths, build the relationships that will sustain your entire career, and most importantly, identify which aspects of the industry actually light you up.
The skills you develop during this "patience phase" often become your unique edge that no rushed career path can replicate.
Your Next Step
When you feel that comparison sting and see someone else landing a new role, use it as a trigger for reflection.
What skills did they develop that made them attractive? Which skills align with your interests? What are your actual career goals?
Rember that it's natural to compare but you don't have to follow.
Have a great week.
Liam
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