Working onboard yachts is a unique experience that is unlike working in any other industry, you pick up many life skills and learn to adapt to an environment that will differ from any you’ve worked in before, here are 10 life skills you learn in yachting that you can carry into all aspects of life…
Aside from learning how to properly care for teak or the tricks and hacks of how to turn over a cabin in less than an hour, you also pick up other habits and skills that can be applied in your life outside of yachting.
1 – Always have a backup plan
Working on a yacht can be unpredictable, so it’s important to have a backup plan in case something goes wrong. For example, always have extra supplies on hand in case you run out of something. This might be harder to predict in other aspects of life but having a Plan B will no doubt be helpful in any case.
2 – How to stay organised
Keeping your workspace and living quarters organised can make your life on board much easier. Using storage containers and labels to keep everything in its place is commonplace in yachting as you need to have everything at hand in such a fast paced and high standard environment. Whilst you’re unlikely to go around your own house with a label maker, it can benefit your life in many ways to carry over organisational skills in your life outside of work.
3 – How to multitask
As a yacht crew member, you will often be responsible for multiple tasks at the same time. You will learn to prioritise your tasks and work efficiently to get everything done. Working onboard a busy boat will teach you how to multitask with expertise and you will likely form a work ethic like no other that is of course transferrable outside of the industry.
4 – How to keep a schedule
Although yachting is unpredictable by nature, keeping a schedule can help you stay on top of your tasks and ensure that you don’t forget anything important. Another of the excellent life skills you learn in yachting that you can utilise in other work environments.
Read More: 7 Questions To Ask In Your Yacht Job Interview
5 – How to best use technology
There are many useful apps and tools available that can help you stay organised and productive. For example, you can use apps to keep track of your schedule, manage your tasks, and communicate with your team. Apps such as Google Keep and Teams are great for provisioning, but can also be utilised in daily life too, for note keeping or keeping track of your workout routines.
6 – The importance of staying hydrated
Working on a yacht can be physically demanding, so it’s important to stay hydrated. Make sure you have access to plenty of water and other fluids throughout the day. You’re likely to have a water tap onboard which makes it easier to consume a good amount. Consider buying a 2 litre bottle if you are not great at remembering to hydrate, it will help you keep track of your water consumption throughout the day.
7 – How to take care of your mental health
Working on a yacht can be stressful, so it’s important to take care of your mental health. Take breaks when you need them and make time for activities that help you relax and de-stress. Make sure you have good communication with your friends and family outside of the boat, stay connected to your support system. Yachting can be very demanding so having a good mental health hygiene is crucial, you’re likely to be able to build resilience that carries over into other aspects of life.
8 – How to build strong relationships
Possibly one of the most important life skills you learn in yachting. Building strong relationships with your fellow crew members can make your life on board much more enjoyable. Take the time to get to know your colleagues and build positive relationships. The bonds you create onboard are usually more in-depth due to the close quarters you are in with fellow crew, but this experience can teach you also how to be more tolerable of others and how to live in harmony with those around you.
9 – How to be adaptable
Working on a yacht requires you to be adaptable and flexible. Be willing to take on new tasks and work outside of your comfort zone. This is an excellent skill to carry over into other areas of life, you will learn to roll with the punches and take each day as it comes.
10 – How to stop and smell the roses
Working on a yacht can be a unique and rewarding experience. Take the time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and make the most of your time on board. Soak up all of the locations you will be lucky enough to visit during your time onboard and learn to enjoy your few days off during season!
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