When Dave and I began cruising in 2002, we met few cruisers working while cruising. Most were retirees, although we knew a couple that were younger and had windfalls from businesses they helped start. And a few were on a one- or two-year sabbatical.
In seven years of cruising the Sea of Cortez, we met maybe ten cruisers who periodically stopped cruising to work, generally as delivery captains or crew, or medical professionals on temporary assignment. Zero that were truly working while cruising, other than a few who wrote magazine articles for a little supplemental income.
Now? It seems like half the cruisers we meet are working anywhere from half- to full-time.
What has changed? Availability of good internet.
In turn, this has radically changed the average age of cruisers, making it possible to cut the dock lines at a far younger age. And I think it’s great!
You never know what the future may bring, in terms of your own health and that of loved ones. Cruising is physical, and starting younger is certainly easier. Go now, if you possibly can!
Otherwise, start planning now to go sooner, rather than waiting for retirement. Can you do your job remotely? If not, what would you like to do that could be done remotely and would provide an adequate paycheck? If you need training, get it. Start making contacts in that field. I’d even suggest starting work – remotely – in your new field.
As you’re thinking about working while cruising, there are a couple of important points:
- Work with deadlines rather than a fixed work schedule is easier to do while cruising. A fixed schedule can interfere with weather windows, or make you miss excursions with friends. If you only have deadlines, you can arrange your work hours as you see fit.
- Jobs where you have Zoom meetings at set times can also be tough as you have to plan to be in a place with good internet for the meeting (StarLink makes it easier, but you’re still not going to want to be in a meeting while underway!).
- Most countries have strict rules prohibiting in-person work in the country while there on a tourist visa. Therefore, occupations such as haircutter, boat electrician, or diesel/outboard mechanic aren’t good – you could be either deported or fined for working in the wrong place!
Another question to ask yourself is how much money you really need. Is it worth delaying your departure 5 years for a little larger or newer boat, or a few more creature comforts? A simpler boat with lower maintenance costs could also be the difference between working full-time and working part-time.
There are no absolute answers. Everything is a compromise. I’m just very glad that Dave and I started when we did and didn’t wait any longer.
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