The Lessons Learned in 2020 will not be Forgotten

By: Kolby Castillo

This will be a recurring blog post every other Sunday when we do not post a Sports As A Job Podcast episode.

 If you predicted what was going to happen in 2020 please give me lottery numbers so I can win the big money. As the Sports As A Job team and myself recap 2020 we all agreed that 2020 was a year we will never forget. We saw our peers lose their jobs in the sports industry and many of you struggled to get into the industry due to things out of your control. Despite it all there is always a flower that blossom even in the worst environments. 2020 has provided lessons that would not have been possible if not for the extremes it put us all through. My situation in 2020 is one perspective of many. While I want to share the lessons I learned, I want to share the lessons that the Sports As A Job team has learned as well. Experience will always be the greatest teacher and coming in second are the experiences of others. Head over to Twitter and @sportsasjob with the lesson you learned in 2020. We'd like to retweet to share what you learned with others! Let’s take a look at the lessons the Sports As A Job team has learned from 2020.
 
Madison Hedding who has been the contributor for our Women in Sports Feature

“To everything there is a season.” And no matter what season you’re going through, you’re in that season for a reason. Trust in the plan for your life and enjoy the moment you’re in- it’ll lead to something more wonderful than you could imagine.
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Cullen Munz the Co-Host of The Cutback Podcast

Constant adaptability has been my lesson from the year. Given the circumstances of 2020, no two days were the same, and there was no ability to develop any sort of routine. I learned that you need to be ready for the unexpected and uncertain every day, and just take it in stride, all the while keeping in mind the bigger picture for yourself.

Ian Burleigh a Co-Host of The Cutback Podcast

Biggest Lesson of 2020? Patience. 2020 has reminded us just how little control we have of situations happening around us. As someone who has paired multiple trips to and from furlough with multiple knee surgeries complete with painfully slow and tedious rehab programs, my patience has been tested like never before. While it's easy to get caught up in all the "uncontrollable" happening around you, taking care of the "controllable" - your attitude, work ethic, the way you treat people, etc. - will ultimately define you. So... believe in yourself and that gut feeling, trust in your abilities, take care of your mental, stay ready and BE PATIENT... your opportunity soon come!

Kate Norum a Co-Host of The Rookie Contract Podcast

The biggest lessons that I’ve learned this year definitely have to deal with patience. Throughout the entire year, focusing on myself and, ultimately, finding a balance with work and school, has been tough but exciting. With 2021 approaching, I hope to start the year in the same frame of mind; being patient and to keep enjoying the ride.

Dakota Zientek a Co-Host of The Rookie Contract Podcast

"When I think about all of the lessons that 2020 has taught, whether intentionally or unintentionally, my biggest takeaway is learning the importance of being patient. This year has had lots of up and downs, but I can say with high confidence that a lot of the lows went lower than necessary due to a lack of patience. Not knowing where your next chapter begins is tough, and this pandemic has not made it easier. However, don't blindly be patient; be patient with a goal in mind, keep working towards it, but don't let patience (or a lack there of) be the root of your anxieties. We will all find our path sooner or later; you just have to be PATIENT."

My (Kolby Castillo) Lesson of 2020
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While it is important to find your area of passion and specialty in sports, 2020 has proven the importance of diversifying your skill set. My full-time job is the Assistant Event Management and Intramural Coordinator for the University of Minnesota - Crookston Athletics.  I organized our first home games this past weekend since February of 2020. It has been nearly a year in between doing what I was hired to do. I was fortunate to still have my job despite not having any home games or events. I found myself in a spot to provide value elsewhere. I understand for many people they were forced to be on the “sidelines”. I compare it to a football coach deciding on who makes the traveling roster. Compare player one who is just an offensive backup to player two who is a backup on offense and all special teams. The football coach will most likely go with player two who contributes in more aspects than player one. My prediction is that athletic departments and sports organizations will start looking for individuals that are able to contribute in two different roles. Budgets are getting cut and finding people with diversified skills may be important.

2020 will not be forgotten, there will be many lessons we have taken away and look forward to putting them to use in 2021. Thank you to you for being part of the Sports As A Job community and we look forward to continue to provide you with content to help you navigate the sports industry.