Thursday, November 5, 2026

Dear Younger Me: Chill Out

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

You have the knowledge, work ethic, and drive to be successful, now just go out and do it.

This post is part of the #YPSportsChat Blog Series! This series will give young professionals an inside look at the intricacies of the sports business world and advice on how to navigate it.


Dear Dave,

Chill out. Seriously. You have the knowledge, work ethic, and drive to be successful, now just go out and do it. I know you’re set to graduate from Ithaca College next May, but just keep doing what you’re doing and everything will turn out okay.

You’re too concerned about having your entire future planned. Working in the world of sports media is all you wanted to do since high school, and there’s nothing that’ll stop you, so stop worrying about it for crying out loud.

Here’s what you don’t need to know you 21-year-old stallion:

1) Where you’re going to work and for how long

2) When the economy is going to swing the other way

3) If there will even be jobs available for you

4) How you’ll handle every possible scenario thrown at you

5) An answer to every single question

It can get a bit overwhelming if you listen too closely about the kind of life everyone else wants you to live, or how they think you want to live. While it is important to heed advice from trusted family, friends, and mentors, at the end of the day you are responsible for your own happiness.

The sooner you understand that the sooner you’ll find what you’re looking for. When there’s a job offer on the table, consult the circle, but do what is right for YOU.

My suggestion is to sleep on it, and see what your first thought is when you wake up tomorrow morning. Are you excited, or do you have a knot in your stomach that something isn’t quite right? Go with your gut. Even if it doesn’t end up working out, at least you’ll be able to look yourself in the mirror.

You notice something? I don’t have any technical advice for you, like what thingy-magingy goes to which whatzahoozit, but instead to set you up with the right mental state. You can acknowledge your shortcomings without ceding defeat. If you’re unsure about something, you already have the foundation to find the answer — just trust yourself.

The last thing is to keep your options open. Sure, it’d be great to head up the media relations department at the Boston Red Sox next year, but ummmmmm that’s unlikely.

Life is a funny thing, so go where the opportunities are and see what happens. Who knows, you might end up moving to Kentucky to work in volleyball (don’t discount it).

Ok I lied, I more thing. Social media’s gonna get pretty big soon.

Sincerely,

@DavidAPortney


Front Office Sports is a leading multi-platform publication and industry resource that covers the intersection of business and sports.

Want us to learn more, or have a story featured about you or your organization? Contact us today.

https://upscri.be/f32ae1

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Callaway Claims No Sales Hit From Good Good Driver Ad

But the golf-equipment manufacturer did say its consumer rating dipped.

Miami’s High-Priced QB Loses Top Target Before Notre Dame Clash

Mensah leads college football in multiple passing categories.

Cody Campbell’s Texas Tech Board Seat in Jeopardy After Elections

Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa could replace Texas university board members.
Tennis - U.S. Open - Flushing Meadows, New York, United States - September 10, 2026 Jessica Pegula of the U.S. reacts during the second set of her semi final match against Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka

WTA Takes Responsibility for Livestream of Pegula’s Hot Mic

Jessica Pegula called Mirra Andreeva a “diva” during a livestreamed practice.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

11/5/26 – Owners’ $100M Midterm Miss, College Sports Bill’s Uncertain Future, Peyton Tops ‘MNF’ List

0:00

Featured Today

Pickering High School North

High School Athletic Directors Say They’re Running ‘Mini Colleges’

ADs are managing a growing list of demands from athletes and parents.
October 30, 2026

How Injuries Hit Pro Marathoners in the Wallet

Staying healthy can get expensive—quickly.
Football - NFL - Houston Texans v Jacksonville Jaguars - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 18, 2026 The necklace of a Jacksonville Jaguars fan outside the stadium before the match
October 21, 2026

Die-Hard Sports Fandom Has Reached the Afterlife

Will fans pay $6,000 to memorialize their team loyalty?
October 20, 2026

Why Europe Is Pumping Out NBA Superstars

The NBA and NCAA have an increasingly European flavor.
October 15, 2026

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Sponsored

Temple Takes Your Sports Career to the Next Level

If you want to break through to the C-Suite , Temple University’s Executive Master of Science in Sport Business can help you up your game and accelerate your career. 
Sponsored

Networking With Purpose

Investing in the Ohio University PMSA unlocks access to one of the largest sports business alumni networks in the world.
Sponsored

University of San Francisco Is Your Ticket to the Game

Rated the No. 1 Sports Management program in California, USF has been a leader in educating industry professionals for more than 30 years.
Sponsored

How Jeremy Bloom Is Reinventing the X Games

Jeremy Bloom discusses transforming the X Games into a global brand.
Sponsored

UMass, McCormack Department of Sport Management Introduce Groundbreaking Women in Business Course

UMass’s Mark H. McCormack Department of Sport Management has announced the addition of a Women in Business course launching Spring 2021.
Sponsored

Sacred Heart University Gives Athletes and Students Hands-On Learning Opportunities

Professor Matthew F. Moran is training the industry’s next generation of exercise scientists at Sacred Heart University.
Sponsored

Ohio University PMSA Prepares Sports Professionals For New Normal

Two alumni of the Ohio University Professional Master of Sports Administration explain how they feel prepared for the future of sports.
Sponsored

Temple’s Sports Business Master’s Program Gives a Sports Media Pro Unique Perspective

Temple’s School of Sport, Tourism & Hospitality Management gave Sean Hanrahan the tools to elevate his career even after 30 years in the business.