THE SEA IS CALLING

Inexplicably, and regardless of where they are from, some people are irresistibly drawn to the water. Oceans, rivers, even lakes, have been a big point of focus for all adventurers, who desire to feel the wind on their face, and travel beyond of what people usually do. And to fulfill that desire, they may choose a maritime career.

Back in the old days, seafaring was often synonym for a life-threatening career and luckily the majority of these risks are not to be worried about nowadays. Yet, when choosing this profession, one must be aware it requires a certain level of nomadic lifestyle that doesn't have to be a right fit for everyone.

If you are at this point in your life, when you are deciding what you want to do professionally, or you are coming to the point where you feel the need to change but are unsure if this is the best choice, you may be wondering: How do I know if I have what it takes?

In short - you won't know until you try it.

What you feel and imagine outside the deep blue, might show different from what you'll find onboard. Some will find it better than expected, while others will have a rude awakening, realizing that ship gig is not their cup of tea.

But, what if the sea calls you? How about looking at the ocean, and getting the feeling of wanting to be on the go? To explore, discover, see places, no matter how hard it can be? Then, fellow reader, you may be en route to having one of the most demanding, yet rewarding jobs in the world.

One of the eternal seafarers, dilemmas, is being torn apart between the sea, and life on land. While onboard, many dream about their families, and a sign-off date, but when finally at home, the air becomes different. After initial pleasure and peace, the call of the sea kicks in again. If asked to describe it, an inner itch, or an idea that keeps you up at night, would be the closest description of it. One of the famous seafaring countries uses a proverb saying that “Seafaring is a must”, which maybe describes it the best. Cruise ships crew has another one, which reflects on the race between the life on land, and at sea; “This is my last contract”, which in reality never happens. These examples are many.

How about you? What is your take about this? Are you still at home, and dreaming about the ship job, or you are an experienced seafarer with an eternal dilemma on where you will finally settle?

No matter which side you are on, there is a place for you on Crew Pages. It's built by people torn by the same challenges, genuine seafarers, like you are. Cause, if it gets so hard to decide whether it's land, or a sea, why wouldn't we have that one neutral place to meet, and discuss? Come on in, and share your point of view, finding some like-minded individuals at the same time.

*This story was written by an experienced crew member working on a cruise ship*