Friday, October 9, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

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

UFL co-owner Mike Repole speaks to the crowd as the UFL franchise Louisville Kings are introduced at Lynn Family Stadium. Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Mike Repole Invests in Kentucky Derby Owner Amid Push for Change

The billionaire has amassed a 1.5% stake in Churchill Downs.
Soccer Football - Premier League - Everton v Manchester United - Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool, Britain - September 6, 2026 Everton's Ainsley Maitland-Niles celebrates scoring their second goal with Jack Grealish Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR 'LIVE' SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 120 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE FOR FURTHER DETAILS..

Everton Weighs Sale Less Than Two Years After Friedkin Group Takeover

Everton is currently seventh in the Premier League.

MLB’s Next 5 Years: Realignment, Expansion, and 154 Games?

The latest schedule proposal adds to major changes on the way.

Georgia-Alabama Braces for Hurricane, Trump Cancels Plans to Attend

Alabama banned tailgating and all outdoor activities on campus before noon.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/9/26 – MLB’s 154-Game Pitch, NFL Bets on SCOTUS, Shaq Says Barkley Isn’t Leaving

0:00

Featured Today

Action Images/Peter Cziborra

Is Leicester City’s $264 Million Price Tag Too Rich for Hungry Investors?

After falling from grace, how much is a former top club worth?
Oct 3, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer waits to run onto the field prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
October 7, 2026

Who Is Alabama Football in Year 3 Under Kalen DeBoer?

The No. 6 Crimson Tide host No. 2 Georgia on Saturday.
Cubs behind the scenes
October 6, 2026

Hollywood and TikTok: Sports Media’s New ‘Blueprint’

Teams and leagues are pouring money into the quest for fans.
October 2, 2026

How the Baseball Cap Became a ‘Behemoth’

The hat has become essential for athletes, fans, and the sports-agnostic.
Morishita-Sato-homerun-celebration-at-Meiji-Jingu-Baseball-Staidum-2025
September 28, 2026

Japanese Baseball Is Fighting Back Against MLB Talent Drain

Nippon Professional Baseball is reimagining how to be a global juggernaut.
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

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
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.