Survey Shows Superintendents Satisfied With Career

Would you do it over again?

More than four in five superintendents would become superintendents again, according to a recent in-depth survey by Golfdom. On the flip side, 18 percent would choose a different career if they could.

While that might appear to suggest a disgruntled profession, it’s on par with many others.

A 2004 study by Arizona State University Career Services found about 75 percent of respondents in the overall workforce across all occupations are satisfied with their career choices.

More than 90 percent of medical doctors and veterinarians say they would choose their career again; 87 percent of librarians say the same, and 75 percent of research engineers would do it all over again, according to respective professional magazines.

Long hours, job stress, compensation, unrealistic golfer expectations and access to affordable healthcare all rank as reasons superintendents might become disenfranchised with their jobs.

One respondent of the Golfdom survey said, “I feel sorry for many of the young people getting into this profession. Another said, “The ‘Would you become a superintendent again?’ question took me by surprise. My answer even more so.” He answered “no.”

But for the most part, superintendents report liking their jobs. “I think most of the stress that superintendents feel is self-inflicted,” one respondent wrote. “If you want to be a martyr, that’s what you’ll be. Get away from the course some time. It’ll be there tomorrow.”

For the second-consecutive year, superintendents say finding and retaining employees is their biggest professional concern (35 percent) followed by unrealistic golfer expectations (20 percent).

A new question this year focused on personal concerns: 36 percent report that their ability to retire troubles them most, while 29 percent said not enough free time. About half of respondents say they either have a little free time or no free time; the other half said they’re busy, but they have a life outside of work.

About half of superintendents say they should be the highest paid employee at a club, and just 20 percent say they make great money.