[QUOTE=JP;194326]I agree with the original post. I’ve been sailing for over 40 years. The reason I’m still out here (or trying my best to stay) is because I love being out there! What really made me decide to make a career out of it WAS the adventure. I loved the freedom of a seaman’s life- that I could dress like I liked, say what I wanted to, BE how I wanted to be- all that mattered was that I did my job. That part is pretty much over with. I regret it daily.
I loved the chance to travel the world, learn about new people and places. The money and the benefits were pretty good when I started (better than they are now when you consider ALL of it- and the effects of inflation). That part is also pretty much gone.
Personally, I stay out there now (or try to) because I just can’t find anything else I’d rather do for a job. I’ve been trying, believe me! After spending my life at sea, apparently I am only qualified for the lowest of the low shore side ‘opportunities’. After working my way up to Master Mariner. A decent job! I just can’t find it in myself to take a job as a ‘safety attendant’ for $14/hour being treated like shit and dealing with the brain dead for 12 hours a day. Plus wasting 2-3 hours on the road to get to/fro.
I would take a job as a galley hand over that! I’ve applied, but they’re not even hiring for galley hands!
I recommend fishing if you’re really looking for adventure. Excitement. All those things you mentioned in the original post. Last time I did it was mid 2010. It was still pretty wild. Can’t guarantee it still is, but you might want to check into it. Not sure how the pay is, I think it depends on where. My brother is still fishing in FL and barely surviving. I was in AK and did pretty good. I was also tuna fishing in the S Pacific and did OK there. It does get pretty dangerous, lots more than the oilfield now a days.
Good luck with finding some adventure. If you find some, let me know![/QUOTE]
Believe it or not, I have been able to find adventure having come ashore some time ago. Worked as a Class field surveyor for 10 years and it certainly had its moments. . . and now, over 19 years as an energy loss adjuster (insurance guy) and this is probably the most adventurous job I have had, easily on a par with going to sea. . .