Save Yourself from Drowning

Consider jumping off the boat.

Have you ever had a moment you are sure will change the course of your life? I remember that moment in my life, and I hope it is one of many to come. Recognizing I was floundering and being open to alternative possibilities allowed me to pivot my career into a life-changing adventure.

Someone called my desk on a sunny Saturday afternoon because they were confident I’d be there. They were right. Although I had just put in my full work week, I was at the office. Again.

A series of terrible personal disappointments had led me to bury myself in work. I didn’t see that for what it was at the time. It happens to many of us.

When things are going wrong absolutely everywhere else in your life, it is easy to focus on the one thing that seems to be going right. For me, that was work. I progressed in my job, felt successful, and told myself I was happy for a long time.

The call with my co-worker took almost 2 hours that Saturday. I had been called outside of business hours many times over the years. Seemingly out of nowhere on this day, I had the thought, “there has to be more to life than this.” Huh? Where did that come from?

I wish I could say I chucked my work for the day, got out and enjoyed my weekend, but I didn’t. The thought had taken root, though, and the idea that I might need a change drifted into view more often in the coming weeks.

In the rearview mirror of my life’s journey so far, I usually reflect that it took me a long time to see the light when I was grappling with a Big Issue.

It took me longer than it should have to notice that I had stopped going after other things that were important to me. In trying to find some stability when my world felt out of control, my life had become unbalanced. I was a free spirit who had completely lost her bearings. I couldn’t remember the last time I had met new people unrelated to work, had a new experience or seen a new place.

Something needed to change. Perhaps this epiphany was why I was open to a radical idea when I met a friend of a friend at a party later that week.

I almost didn’t make it to that party. I was — surprise! — at work and Very Busy. I’m so glad I got over myself, left the office and went. Not only did I have a blast, but it also turned out to be the beginning of my big next.

This friend of my friend was a very well-travelled guy with a great story. He told me he had worked on cruise ships while seeing the world and mentioned that the job I did was also on board. Learning my job existed on cruise ships just blew my mind. Travelling around the world has been my longest-held dream. Getting paid to work and travel seemed too good to be true.

Looking back, I don’t even remember deciding to consider this as a potential option. It was suddenly an absolute truth, and it was going to happen. Working at sea would be my future.

I looked online and arranged a call with an employment agency specializing in cruise placements. In short order, I had a series of interviews, and within a month, I received a job offer.

Jumping off the boat.

I had a weekend to decide. Should I leave my safe, secure life and job? Leave my family, friends, and home behind? Could I do this?

I’d never been on a cruise. I’d never even seen a cruise ship in person.

What if I got seasick?

Wasn’t this irresponsible?

Who leaves a perfectly good job? I worked so hard to get here…

Shut up.

This internal chatter didn’t plague me for long. I knew what I was going to do.

I signed on the dotted line.

I spoke with family and close friends who were amazingly supportive. Over the next week, I learned it wouldn’t be feasible to rent out my home while I was away, given the current market. So, I sold my house, had a contents sale, and stored the few things I had left in my parent’s basement.

Yes. I sold everything. I don’t remember this as being a stressful decision. It was just the next step towards my new life. I felt lighter.

Once I worked all those details out, I resigned from my job of 7 years. Leaving my co-workers was bittersweet, and I think some thought I had completely lost it, but they wished me well. Leaving the security of that role was scary, but I felt that path was no longer an option for me.

The only thing scarier than leaving was staying.

Thirty-some hectic days later, house and stuff sold, it was all done. With my three heavy suitcases in hand, I was on a plane to meet my new employers, complete orientation and step onboard my new home and my new life at sea.

A week later, as I stood on the deck of my ship at sunset as we pulled out of port, I felt both excited and at peace with my decision. Mostly, I was proud of myself for jumping into something completely unknown.

What is your big next?

I’m not by any means advocating that people should suddenly sell their stuff and run off to join the circus or a ship. I do, however, think there are some excellent takeaways here for us all.

Talk to Strangers: You never know what you might learn from speaking with a new person. Invite people into your story and be interested in theirs. Be curious. You can’t imagine what might come of it.

Embrace Possibility: A casual introduction at a party I almost didn’t go to ultimately changed the course of my life. We can make our luck by spotting the opportunities. When an opportunity presents itself, consider taking it.

Check your Compass: Course correction is all about knowing the direction you want to travel and adjusting your way around obstacles to reach your destination. I finally realized I was losing myself and not paying attention to things essential to me.

We all have responsibilities, and I was no different. As quickly as it all came together, I had a plan to support myself and employment when I left my home country.

Jumping ship from my old life remains the best decision I’ve ever made and saved me from drowning in the familiar, safe waters I inhabited.

I’m back home after several years at sea. What I am more present to than ever is embracing the possibility of new opportunities. Five years ago, I never thought I would be writing online about this experience or anything else. Then, I discovered Medium, and the rest… is ongoing.

Consider the following quote from Confucius, “We have two lives, and the second begins when we realize we only have one.” With our one life, we have the opportunity each day to adjust our course and make it the best journey possible.

I wish you fair winds and following seas as you embark on yours.