 Tim Moraghan |
When I turned 50 I was bombarded with well wishes and the buzz phrase that “50 is the new 40.” My mind believed and appreciated that sentiment, but the knees, back and golf game found that reality hard to accept. These days, turning 50 means many of us could be around for another 30 years. What are you going to do when your employer feels you have lost your edge?
Whether we like it or not, golf course maintenance is a career for the young. We have all been young – once – and realize the rigors and demands of the job require energy and stamina. However, youth and enthusiasm do not and should not replace maturity and experience.
So, what can you do to stay current and not damage your career as you enter the phase that could be an uncertain journey in your professional development?
50/20 Job Status
When you reach 50 and have been in a position for 20 years (50/20) there are several things to keep in mind:
- Learn and continue to understand and interpret club politics;
- Whether young or mature in your position, club politics is a vital aspect of your job. Be polite, professional and patient with all members during your tenure;
- Never show preference to any member; treat all members the same;
- Recognize the junior member you once requested to leave the golf course way back when, may eventually become either the green chairman or club president… and show you off the golf course;
- If you are 50+ and have been employed at a club for 15 to 20 years, do some arithmetic. Most club boards have 12 members and if you annoy one director per year, by the time you reach the 20-year milestone you will have upset everyone.
Stop Sabotaging Your Career
At 50+ you still have plenty to offer and are part of a desirable talent pool. Instead of looking over your shoulder for what may come down, take the opposite route and consider the following:
- Learn to assess the golf climate at your club, business or company. Judiciously monitor financial statements, budget reductions, staff layoffs, membership declines or reduction in daily play;
- Assess yourself and learn what barriers could be hindering your future and career. Understand in certain circles being a great golf course superintendent is not enough;
- Boost your creativity and visibility;
- Keep pace with technology, both on and off the golf course. Challenge yourself to learn new things;
- Begin to investigate ways to become integral to your club and its operations. Get noticed and seek approval for what you are doing, not what you are going to do;
- Know yourself, skills, interests and values. Coordinate them with the success of your golf course’s operating procedures;
- Avoid the Popeye Syndrome: “I am who I am;”
- If you do not care about adapting to a changing horizon, working with others within golf to enhance your situation or negating the perception that people over 50 are slow to change and become diverse in their profession, your career may come to an early conclusion;
- Do not become routine, complacent and comfortable in your current position. I have witnessed the downfall of many superintendents who assumed this posture;
- Allowing your staff to grow is one of the great aspects of being a teacher and mentor. However, do not let your staff grow and thrive while you sit; and finally
- Avoid “same stuff, different day” mentality.
Next Steps in Career Advancement
While there may be no need to revamp your resume just yet, it is beneficial to review it to insure it highlights your proven track record and sells your experience as a valuable asset to any organization, especially to your current employer. To achieve this:
- Continually refresh your skills and talents; investigate new training and learning methods;
- Identify and nurture relationships with peers or mentors. Networking with colleagues, clients, and friends will place perspective on this stage of your career and life;
- Study alternate and elective forms of education (beyond turf) such as finance and accounting, technology (computer, camera, and video), business and leadership;
- READ! “Readers become leaders!” and finally
- Have balance in life – the 24/7 excuse should not rule your career. Travel to broaden your horizons, see how it is done in other places.
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