SEE ALSO:
Navigating Sports Abroad blog post.
Play Abroad 101 for the most accurate preparation in print.
The Pro Player Timeline: Daily
& The Pro Player Timeline: Weekly.
Seeking more information? Check out this Beyond Athletic podcast:
Pro sports are cyclical. What might be a frenzy of hiring in August right before the season starts can occur again in January at mid-season transfer periods. Players coming out of university eligibility are ready to go pro at different times, depending on graduating in December or May.
How you handle the months of your year will vary depending on if you are already signed and with your team or not signed with anyone yet. The first section of this post will deal with "When you are signed," and the second section of this post will give advice for what to do "When you are not signed yet."
MAY - CONTENTMENT & PEACE
Contentment and peace can come in many forms. It could be the end of your season abroad, and you are satisfied with a fabulous time of performance and growth. You could also be at peace because your season is finally over and you will not need to return to the same place and people ever again. For those who are still looking to get their foot in the pro sport door, your contentment may stem from knowing you have explored all of your options and networks, and you know you have done your best and are ready for whatever happens next.
Whatever your situation, it is very important to strive for contentment and find your peace in the month of May. This is a quiet month once any possible playoff matches have finished, and it is the best time of the year to breathe, relax, and enjoy the fact that you are able to entertain the idea or reality of playing your sport as your job.
Discover May as your opportunity to be at peace with where you have been, where you are at, and where you are heading. Use the free time to go on trips you have been looking forward to, visiting family and friends, and really take your mind off your sport for a while. The next months of summer have to really focus on season preparation, so May is the best time to be happy with how far you have come!
More inspiration here >>> Live Well 2019: May
When you are signed...
Upload 1-2 more full match videos from the second half of the season to your Google Drive and link to your CV.Keep in touch with your new community.
Take a 2-4 week break from your sport and social media, in order to enter June back on track and ready to go.
The next round of brand-building will include seeking out sponsors and really zoning in on the 2-3 strongest social media platforms for you to focus on (both what has been more natural for you and what has garnered the most interaction should go into which ones are "best").
When you are not signed yet...
Follow team pages and profiles on Facebook and Instagram.
Make your own profile on sport forums that post jobs (example for French volleyball: www.volley-zone.com).
Use Duolingo to practice any language, but especially one that you have already spent time learning while in school or through your experiences.
See if you can get into your country’s national team practices just as an extra practice player or even any kind of helper.
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