Why do I love my cruise ship job – and why would I possibly want to retire from it?
I love my job. For whatever reasons, I might be in minority compared to all the people who go through their work routines and jobs, simply out of habit or necessity.
Job provides finances, which in turn give you security, that’s the way the system works. But what about the other side of the medal, being inspired and passionate about what you do? How much more you can accomplish when you are able to provide nourishment for your soul, along with your body?
I am lucky enough to be able to do just that, and meet some amazing, inspiring and crazy people along the way! Working, or more appropriately, living aboard a cruise ship, can provide that, in addition to lots of other perks. First of all, the “small” expenses from land life disappear on board, as the food, housing and utilities are all free! Those things are all provided, and even though there is always something you can spend your money on, if you choose, you can save every last cent of your paycheck. And that makes a huge difference if you want to buy any of the major items (house, car etc.) back home. Huge wad of cash usually does! Secondly, you get to travel to some amazing places you otherwise most likely never would! It is true that cruise ships, especially the big ones, stay in port only for a day, so you’ve got only several hours to explore. Of course, that is not enough time to properly experience any new culture, but hey! You’ll get another chance next week! Along with trying new foods and things, you’ll also meet new people and make new friends. It is a somewhat special atmosphere, knowing that regardless of rank and position, all of you are “in it” together. Different cogs of one floating-city machine.
And cruise ship is a city, from gym to crew bar, from coffee shops to ice cream stations, from football court to nightclub, from gossips to love dramas.
Perk of my position is also my contract, which is “10 weeks on – 10 weeks off”, meaning for the time I spend on board, I get equal time off. Most of the other positions do 4-5 or even 8 months contracts, with less time off, so you’ll never hear me complain about my contract. It allows me to basically work half a year, and vacation the other half. Compare that with the average number of vacation days “land” job offers and it won’t even come close. That kind of freedom allows one to pursue other passions and hobbies, albeit 10 weeks at a time. The other side of that equation is that you don’t get paid while off, so you’re only spending, which offsets your savings. Still, the fact that you can save most of your money from on board and still have a side hustle back home, makes it extremely unique. And to top it all that, I get to actually have fun driving that floating city! Boys will always love toys, and they don’t come any bigger, so to speak!
So, why would I want to retire from all that? Well, who doesn’t want to retire from their job?! 🙂
In all seriousness, the hard moments are those when you are leaving your loved ones behind to go on board. It doesn’t get easier, and I imagine it’s going to get harder from August for me, when our little one is set to arrive. He will not understand why do I abruptly need to leave, nor the time lost can be recovered. Our time is the most valuable commodity we have, and as amazing as my contract and schedule are, it still means I am away for half of the year from those closest. I do not want to miss that first step or word or not be part of my family and friends’ lives.
So, there you go, I love my job. But I love my family and friends more.
How to reconcile those two seemingly opposite desires? Well, my answer is to become financially independent (check out here our first step towards it), meaning that job loses that “forced” edge. From there on, I work because I truly want to, not because I need to. And that makes a world of difference. That change of perspective also means one can afford to be selective on “when” to work and devote your energies to a job. To get there, I will to need to be the best at my job and learn and evolve with it. When you are the best at something, you are afforded more options. And who knows what new things you can learn every day and improve your life?