As I sit down to share this update with all of you, I'm filled with a mix of emotions. The past 10 months working at Men in Blazers have been a rollercoaster that I could never have anticipated when I first embarked on what I believed to be my dream job. It was a journey that challenged my love for soccer, tested my family bonds, and ultimately led to a profound period of self-reflection and change.
The Dream Job That Wasn't
Joining the Men in Blazers team during last year’s Women’s World Cup, I was over the moon. Soccer wasn't just a job for me; it was my passion, my escape, and now, my livelihood. But as the weeks turned into months, the dream began to unravel. The job demanded everything from me - 12 to 14-hour days, seven days a week, with my only respite being the brief moments spent dropping off my son at daycare. My family life suffered immensely. My wife and son became fleeting presences, glimpsed in the early morning rush or in the quiet of a house long asleep.
As my work consumed me, my relationship with soccer began to sour. Matchdays, international breaks, even the background noise of a game on TV became sources of resentment. My love for the game was fading, overshadowed by the relentless grind of content creation and the pressure to constantly engage on platforms like YouTube and TikTok. It was a stark realization: the job was stripping away the joy I found in soccer, turning passion into obligation.
The final straw came with promises unkept. Despite growing the channel from 30,000 to 200,000 subscribers and securing significant brand partnerships, the salary increase I was led to expect never materialized. Instead, I was met with more responsibilities and no recognition for the success I had helped build. It was a harsh lesson in the importance of having agreements in writing, but more so, it was a wake-up call about what I truly valued.
Rediscovering What Matters
Among the chaos, there were moments of clarity and joy. Working with talents like Sam Mewis and the dedicated team Sophie and Ruby on The Women's Game reminded me why I loved soccer in the first place. Their humility, passion, and dedication were a beacon during my darkest days, reminding me of the joy that can be found in the game.
This period of intense work also brought into sharp relief what I was missing at home. The realization that I was absent during the formative months of my son's life and unable to support my wife in the way she needed was devastating. Soccer, YouTube, TikTok - none of it was worth sacrificing the moments that truly matter.
Thankfully, life has a way of offering second chances. I'll be transitioning back into financial planning, a role that not only allows me to impact lives meaningfully but also grants me the work-life balance I desperately needed. This change has brought me back to my family, allowing me to be the husband and father I strive to be.
Looking Forward
My experience in the soccer content creation world was not without huge personal milestones. It taught me valuable lessons about the importance of balance, the dangers of letting work consume one's life, and the need to stand firm in one's values and agreements.
I'm excited to announce that I'm returning to create regular content on It's Called Soccer, focusing on authentic coverage of US soccer, including the national teams and MLS. With my UEFA coaching license, new connections in sports media, and a renewed sense of purpose, I'm eager to share my love for the game with all of you once more. And yes, the weekly podcast with Tom covering US Soccer will be back, starting this Monday, April 8th.
To everyone who has followed my journey thus far, thank you from the bottom of my heart. It's been a wild ride, but I'm coming back stronger, more balanced, and more passionate than ever. Here's to being a positive voice in US Soccer fandom and to enjoying the beautiful game together, in all its glory.
Welcome back, Jake! We missed you and look forward to fresh content and your unique perspective. We all learn more from our mistakes than from our successes. This experience will clearly will make you better for it.
Welcome back! Keep looking forward!