[JRutledge]

I will give a word of advice to a soon to be graduate from someone that was in a similar situation. When I graduated I took the money and did not consider any other factors when I took my job. For me that was a big mistake. I would have rather considered more of what my life would be outside of my job as well. I do not have any kids or any other responsibilities but myself. So I can officiate or hang out all the time on my days off if I see fit. That is not the same when you have kids and a family to answer to. I admit that I work my job to spend time doing other things and officiating is a big part of my life right now. In this current economy you are likely to change jobs several times over you life time. So this job that you might have will not be there in a few years or you will have much bigger opportunities. I know many officials that have lost their jobs to layoffs, corporate downsizing, department changes, position changes and any other corporate world stuff you can think of. This is really the case if all you have is just a Bachelors Degree and a company is starting you out at the bear bottom entry level position. If you get a Masters Degree you will have a better chance at choices. Even a Masters gives you a guarantee at anything. The person that got me started in officiating got his Master's Degree in Financing soon after he started me in basketball. Guess what he is doing today? Absolutely nothing as it comes to his Master's Degree. He is now a casino dealer making more than most salaried employees I know. He is also doing a little teaching on and for a college through the internet. So basically the job he was wanting out of college has never materialized and he is making more money than many people that got a degree in the very same program. Life is about twists and turns, take advantage of whatever skill you have now before it is too late if you are willing to sacrifice to get there.

BTW, I was a Political Science Major in college and that is what I have a degree in. The jobs I was offered before graduation had nothing to do with that major and every job I have had since has never had a thing to do with that major either.

I would not go in making demands, but I would ask a lot of questions to see if how much your officiating will be limited if you take a particular job. Way the pros and cons based on what is important to you and make decisions. Do what is best for you, not what is important to other people. You will have to live with your decisions. The reality is most jobs are not going to hinder your officiating that much if you are working games during the nights and weekends. We all have job limits and you will have some limits.

Peace