Life as the partner of a professional footballer involves constant adaptation, with career moves often necessitating swift relocations and presenting financial uncertainties, even for players in lower leagues.
Jessica, whose partner Owen's career is the primary focus for their family, has put her own legal career on hold to support his football aspirations. She now works in social media and shares her experiences online, often using hashtags like #wag and #waglife. "My career can be picked up at any time - whereas his career is right now and you've really got to take every opportunity," she stated. "As much as people say it's a glamorous lifestyle you do make sacrifices so your partner can have their dream and get themselves as far as they can in football."
This dedication to her partner's career means Jessica often has to compartmentalize her emotions, particularly regarding their living situation. "We usually rent newer houses that are a blank canvas so we can make them our own, although this last season the accommodation was provided furnished by Argyle," she said. The family often stores personal belongings to make temporary accommodations feel more manageable, referring to their current residence as "the holiday house" to help their son, Xavier, cope with the transience.
Financial Realities and Career Uncertainty
Contrary to the stereotype of footballers' partners living extravagant lifestyles, Jessica emphasizes the different financial realities for players outside the Premier League. While top-tier players can earn substantial weekly wages, those in leagues like League One face a different economic landscape. "When you think 'Wag' [players' wives and girlfriends] and you think 'footballer', both of those terms come with this stereotype that our lives are easy," Jessica explained. "People also put League One players in the same bracket as Premier League players."
The inherent uncertainty of a football career, including the possibilities of relegation or injury, directly impacts players' wages and future prospects. Jessica recalled an instance at Portsmouth when, despite not being involved in a particular season, her partner's wage was affected due to the team's relegation. "You have to be prepared for everything. You just can't live outside of your means," she advised. She also noted the good fortune of her partner avoiding significant injuries, acknowledging that career-ending injuries can occur close to contract expirations.
Impact on Family Life
The nomadic lifestyle also affects the couple's children, four-year-old Xavier and two-month-old Etta. As Xavier approaches school age, the need for stability becomes a significant consideration. Even routine events, such as planning his fourth birthday party, are complicated by the unpredictability of their location. "We couldn't plan to have a party in Plymouth with balloons and cakes etc because we didn't know if we were going to be there," Jessica said. The party was ultimately held near her family in Stoke-on-Trent to ensure it could proceed regardless of Owen's job situation.
Despite these challenges, Jessica aims to frame the frequent moves as a positive life lesson for their children, highlighting the opportunity to experience different places. "I think it's teaching them a good life lesson that they don't need to be tied to one place," she commented. They actively prepare Xavier for potential moves by discussing the benefits, such as retrieving his bike from storage, to encourage a focus on gains rather than losses. Xavier's enjoyment of football, including new team kits and fan chants, also helps him embrace the dynamic nature of their life.