“We were getting a bit tired of that constant 'almost'” – Maik Kuivenhoven is seeing the rewards of a far-reaching decision

Maik Kuivenhoven has taken a significant step forward in his darts career this season. The 38-year-old Dutchman reached a Players Championship final for the first time and secured his place at the World Darts Championship before the summer.

He will return to the World Championship after more than four years away. His improved results have followed a change in his working life. Last year, Kuivenhoven decided to reduce his hours and accept a different role, giving him more time and energy to devote to darts.

Speaking on the Sportnieuws.nl podcast Darts Draait Door, Kuivenhoven explained that balancing work, family and his darts career had demanded a great deal from him for years. The lack of time to practise had been a particular frustration, so he discussed a change to his duties with his employer.

"We've been working on that for about a year now. I take two extra afternoons off a week to focus on getting more rest. I've also changed roles. I'm no longer a manager, but now have a work preparation position."

The change means Kuivenhoven no longer has to fit all his practice sessions into the evenings. He now has more opportunities to prepare for his matches.

"It ensures there is a bit more peace and quiet and that I can just train a bit more, so to speak. So it doesn't always have to be in the evening after work, after the children are in bed. I know that it can be done during the day now too. I do notice that it is a lot more relaxed than it used to be. And in terms of darts, it seems to be working out well too, because this year is actually going pretty well."

Kuivenhoven is not entirely free from work when he travels abroad for darts tournaments. He remains available to his employer and still handles a few tasks when needed. The main difference is that he is no longer responsible for managing staff.

"But the pressure of providing people with work is gone now. It's just keeping up with emails now, doing a few small things. Basically the simpler work with less pressure. That really makes all the difference."

The darts player knows he is in a fortunate position. Not every player has an employer willing to adapt their workload to the international darts calendar. "There are plenty of darts players who simply have to take vacation days or unpaid leave. So you should be very happy with a boss like that."

The decision to reduce his hours did not happen overnight. Kuivenhoven discussed the options at length with his girlfriend. He felt he could achieve more in the sport, but had often fallen just short at key moments.

"I had to try something. Because we were getting a bit tired of that constant 'almost'. This was one of the options. It’s not exactly jumping into the deep end, it means working fewer hours, and the hours I’m still short on besides that... Well, that is unpaid leave. But anyway, I’m very happy that my work agreed to it."

It was also important that his whole family supported the decision. Working less meant accepting a reduction in income. We decided that together. Like: ' Hey, we have to do something, so we’re going to make some sacrifices here to gain something on the other side .'"

Kuivenhoven has also seriously considered his future as a professional darts player. When he had to fight to regain his Tour Card, his girlfriend urged him to keep going. "I talked to my girlfriend about it two years ago and she said: ' Well, I don't know what you think, but you are just going back to Q-School and you are just going to get that tour card again. Quitting... no way .'"

This season’s results have strengthened Kuivenhoven’s belief that he made the right choice. His first Players Championship final and early qualification for the World Championship reward the effort he has put in over recent years.

The Dutchman has previously climbed to 48th in the world rankings and believes he can reach that level again.

"What I do for it, what I am willing to sacrifice for it, and what my girlfriend is willing to sacrifice for it, together with the children. Then it would be a shame to throw it all away like that. You are so close. I was also ranked 48th in the world. It is easily possible. I am still convinced of that. But it has to fall into place at some point, and it seems to be doing so this year."

Kuivenhoven’s financial situation also differs from that of players who rely entirely on prize money. He and his girlfriend can support their family through their regular incomes, so he does not have to play every match with financial obligations weighing on his mind.

"That's just a nice little extra. Ultimately, we can manage with my work and my girlfriend's work. So it is extra, and that is really nice. As for the money, actually, I don't look at that. I do it for the darts and not necessarily for the money at the moment.”

Kuivenhoven says that financial security removes a significant amount of pressure. His prize money gives the family more options, but they do not need it to cover their regular expenses.

“Then you also don't have the pressure of having to perform for a mortgage, school fees, or the children. If you do have to think about that, it is terrible. Working alongside it, that is simply the foundation. And of course, we do fun things with the money I earn from darts, but it is not necessary.”