Lately a colleague of mine brought this issue to my attention; athletes earn ridiculous amounts of money compared to teachers and nurses. Why is this true? It seems irrational to have an entertainer get paid more than a person that alters and possibly saves your life. For example, Kobe Bryant made fifty three million dollars between May 2011 and May 2012. The average income of a nurse here in California is a mere eighty one thousand dollars. Is there any justification to the entertainer to receive such a grand salary? Indeed there is.
Athletes and entertainers of the sort take a gamble, spending their energy and health towards something that might not work out. Becoming one of the best and most known athletes takes luck, skill, and hard work. Not everyone can make it as high up as Kobe Bryant despite what they think. The cost for being an entertainer/athlete is health, possibly education (can't dedicate full time), money (food/equipment) and the possibility of going into another competitive profession. Out of thousands of high schools only a select few play basketball in college. After college, even a fewer amount of people get to play in the NBA. There is always that possibility of not getting into the NBA, if it were that easy, we would all be playing professionally and be making millions a year.
To be a nurse or teacher is respectable and looked upon with honor. However, there is almost no risk by trying to become one. In order to become a teacher or nurse, you attend high school, college and maybe a medical or masters university, then apply for a teaching or nursing certificate. The road is simple and we were given guidelines as to what to do to get there, what grades are required and where and whom to talk to. You will always understand that if you meet the criteria, you will get the position. Not only is there no risk, but it's a safe job too! You can expect a steady income by working in those specialties.
Comparing the differences and similarities, we realize that Athletes may lose their position at any time and can have careers lasting only a couple of years while nurses or teachers can work a lifetime. After an athlete is injured and only made it collegiate basketball, what can they fall back on job wise if they don't meet the grade criterion because they didn't strive for the best grades, practice always interfered. In order to become a rich athlete, you need to be the best of the best, to be a nurse or a teacher you just need to do what you're told and there will seldom be competition because there are spots open everywhere. Athletes are needed as well, but in far smaller numbers.
Though professionals make ridiculous amounts of money, they deserve it. They overcame the odds and made it to the top. It was their hard work, dedication, talent, and luck that got them there and we should admire them for it. Being a teacher or a nurse is thought highly of, don't get me wrong, but the competition is far different and the salaries reflect it.
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