Ask any overseas hooper about their season schedule, and you’ll probably hear a lot about practices, travel, and games—but there’s another part of the lifestyle no one talks about enough: the downtime.
And I mean a lot of downtime.
Whether you’re playing in a second-division league in Portugal, a mid-tier team in Germany, or even on a playoff squad in France, the reality is this: you’ll spend countless hours in your apartment with just your thoughts, your phone, and a Wi-Fi connection. For some, it’s Netflix and video games. For others, it’s homesickness and boredom.
But what if I told you this “dead time” could actually be career-defining?
Turning Dead Time into Development Time
Let’s be real. Overseas basketball contracts can range from barely livable to six figures, and unless you’re in that top 10%, chances are you’re not raking in NBA money. That’s why it’s critical to think long-term and leverage your time wisely.
During your downtime, you have a golden opportunity to invest in your future self—not just as a player, but as a professional beyond basketball.
Learn While You Ball: Remote Education Options
You’re not in college anymore, but that doesn’t mean your education has to stop. Thanks to modern tech and online platforms, you can keep learning—on your schedule, in your apartment, and often for free or low cost.
Here are a few heavy hitters to check out:
- Coursera – Partnered with schools like Duke, Stanford, and Google, Coursera offers over 4,000 online courses ranging from business and leadership to data science and wellness. You can even pursue full degree programs if you’re ready to commit.
- edX – Founded by Harvard and MIT, edX offers free courses (pay if you want a certificate) and access to online degrees. It’s a solid way to explore subjects that interest you—especially if you’re thinking about life after hoops.
- Udemy – Known for practical, skill-based learning (think digital marketing, photography, coding), Udemy is a good option for guys who want to learn something fast and actionable. Plus, it’s usually affordable and always on sale.
You don’t need to commit to a master’s degree overnight. Start with a short course. Learn something new. Keep your mind sharp.
Remote Work: Stack Bread While You Ball
Let’s flip the script for a second. You’re in a country where you don’t speak the language fluently. You’re paid monthly, sometimes late. And after rent, groceries, and the occasional Uber Eats splurge, you’re not exactly stacking money. Sound familiar?
Enter remote work.
If you’re disciplined and resourceful, you can pick up flexible side gigs that not only bring in extra income but also give you work experience and confidence off the court. Here are a few platforms that can help:
- Remote.co – Legit remote jobs across industries like customer service, virtual assistance, project management, and more. Perfect for those who want structure.
- FlexJobs – A paid site (small monthly fee), but every job is pre-screened. It’s worth it for those serious about landing a long-term gig.
- We Work Remotely – A free job board with a creative and tech-friendly edge. If you’ve got skills—or are willing to learn them—this is your spot.
Let’s be honest—if you have time to stream Netflix or log hours on Call of Duty with your boys back home, you have time to click into a course or apply for a remote position.
But I’m Just Focused on Hoops Right Now…
I hear you. Especially if you are a rookie early in the season, you’re be adjusting to new teammates, new systems, maybe even a new country. The culture shock is real. So the thought of “extra” work or learning might feel overwhelming.
But here’s what you need to understand: Your career is bigger than this season.
Imagine finishing your overseas journey with a degree in hand… or real work experience on your resume… or a fully-fledged side hustle that earns while you play. That’s not just “making it”—that’s mastering it.
This is the time to build your second identity—the one you’ll rely on when the ball stops bouncing.
I’ve walked this path myself—13 years overseas, living in apartments in six different countries. I know how quiet and mentally draining those afternoons can be. But I also know the value of building something real with the time you’ve got.
That’s why at SJM Consulting, I mentor players on more than just navigating contracts and agents. I help you build a mindset and roadmap that turns downtime into opportunity. Whether you’re trying to transition leagues, develop new skills, or prepare for life after hoops, I’ve got the real-world playbook—and I want to share it with you.
DM me @seanjmccaw on Instagram or visit www.seanjmccaw.com to set up a one-on-one consultation.
Let’s Talk…