Today I sat down and decided to write my next blog, and to be honest nothing came to mind. My mind was really overwhelmed by work.
See I don’t have your normal fisherman job on the side; however, my job is just as demanding as the sport of bass fishing. While I sit here and write this, a number of things are running through my mind job-wise, and fishing-wise.
I now have a grown-up job, so to speak, and quite frankly it’s amazing! Yes, I said amazing, because it is. I work for a company that is outside the sport of bass fishing yet directly involves many bass fishermen on the recreational side.
Today I’m going to talk about picking a job that works with fishing, but more importantly an example of how the company I work for helps me succeed.
This is a subject that many fishermen talk about. How do they afford to fish, and in some cases, fish professionally?
I have been extremely fortunate that the company I work for is very understanding about me fishing. However, there are companies that are similar that probably wouldn’t be as understanding.
I work for is United Labor Group, LLC. It’s a division of Dilling Group, Inc., an industrial contractor with headquarters in Indiana. United Labor Group is an industrial staffing contractor that provides skilled craftsmen to industrial and select commercial contractors.
A lot of people ask me how I fit in. As a project coordinator, I get to participate in the fun part of our company. Now there are many different forms of coordinating, and for this particular job, the coordinating is even more different.
I get to work from home but do go on the road to assist in the management of all different types of trade jobs for specific contractors. I work mainly from a computer and make about a million phone calls a day. What we do is maintain and grow a database of highly qualified journeyman millwrights, electricians, welders, and many other trade jobs. It’s a rewarding job because I get to help someone acquire a much-needed job.
So you ask how does that involve fishermen? A lot of these guys I find work for are anglers. Many of them have use their specific trade to be able to fish and in some cases work months at a time just so they can take a few weeks or a month or two off to fish.
Now you ask how this kind of job benefits someone trying to fish full-time or become a professional fisherman? The job I do is a very high octane and ever changing job. I do multiple things for my team and do them proudly.
There are three key things to look for when looking for a job that will allow you to fish:
- Working from home is a big plus. I am able to work my own schedule and it allows me to have time to go through all my tackle and keep things super organized.
- Having management that understands fishing is a huge plus. So when you go and talk to the president of the company or maybe your boss, bring up fishing and make it well-known that you have every intention of fishing on your free time. In some cases, you can invite them along. Some people think this is bad practice, I believe it is just doing what is necessary for you to complete your goal!
- Always, always, always stay focused on what matters most. If fishing is your No. 1 priority and your job strictly prohibits you fishing, it’s time to move on.
A great man once told me “Son, if you’re going to have a job, at least make it one you love, no matter how much money you’re making. If you can’t go to your job and have a great time doing what you’re doing, then you’re in the wrong profession.”
This is a quote from my father, a retired football coach of more than 30 years. He never stopped doing what he loved.