10 Career and Job Search Lessons You Can Take from Baseball

By Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter

Baseball’s playoffs are here.

Stars have been made this season. Some were starting their careers and trapped in a system that leaves them in the control of their team for several years before they can test free agency and collect a big pay day and long term contract.

There are lessons we can learn from how baseball approaches paying its stars and midlevel performers that we can take into our lives.

1. Big market teams tend to pay more.

There are exceptions but teams from larger cities pay more for talent than small market teams. They can afford to make a mistake and often do. Money doesn’t guaranty their success but it can advantage them as long as they don’t overpay. Think big companies when you interview

2. Small market teams offer more opportunities to get a break.

While big market teams chase established stars, small market teams are likely to chase less experienced talent and offer them an opportunity. As you begin your career, early in a career, you may be better served by joining the smaller firm where you will have a real opportunity to learn and grow instead of being trapped in the systems bigger companies use to standardize performance.