OT - Would you?

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-29-2004
OT - Would you?
8
Fri, 02-25-2005 - 8:00am

If you were young, single, and had no kids....what would you do?

I'm in the same boring job I've been in for 5 years. It's a decent job, with ok pay...but I am bored out of my mind, and know it's not what I want to do for the long haul. However, I don't have the money or time to go back to school right now. I've also always wanted to travel, see new places, meet new people, etc...but can't really afford that either. I guess I'm just feeling trapped and frustrated. I was considering taking out student loans again, to finish my degree..but I'm already in debt, and just haven't been able to talk myself into doing that. Ok....then enter my cousin....

My cousin going to begin working for a cruise line. He will be on a cruise ship going around the Haiwaiian Islands. His living quarters, 4 meals a day, medical & dental insurance, and travel expenses are all covered by the company. He will be making a little more than he's currently making at his regular job, but will have very little expenses (basically just spending $$ for ports). He will be on a 6 month contract...with two months off inbetween contracts. The down sides are the small living quarters..which you share with a roomate...and you do have long work hours 70hr a week / 7 days a week. He's started talking to me about doing the same thing.

I'm very interested...but really nervous even thinking about it too. Would the pros outweigh the cons? Would the hard work be worth the adventure? Would I be able to get the job? Would my weight work against me in getting hired? Could I be away from my family (mother, sister, nieces & nephew) for 6-8 months at a time?

Everyone has told me for years that if they were young and single with no kids..that they would do anything to travel while they had the chance.

What do you think? Would you do it?

Jessy

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-31-2004
Fri, 02-25-2005 - 9:11am

I just went on a cruise this past summer and I got to know one of the workers there.

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-22-2005
Fri, 02-25-2005 - 5:49pm
Go for it. What do you have to lose? I think that my husband and I might do that very thing in a few years, after we get our son through college. Your two months off you could spend traveling the globe. If you go, keep in touch and let us know how wonderful it is. Tammy 384/362/199
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-09-2004
Sat, 02-26-2005 - 12:28am

That is a good idea for something different....and it does sound like it can be exciting. Do you have enough college credits to be a teacher for the government in another country? I kind of know this lady who was bored with her job and went to work for the government as a teacher for military brats in Germany.

But just think! You could almost go anywhere in the world where there would be a military base. Not work as hard have nights and weekends off. And there ARE A LOT OF MILITARY MEN TO CHECK OUT!

Some food for thought.

Susie_Q

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-05-2000
Mon, 02-28-2005 - 6:40am
When I was young,(53 now)that was one of the things I wanted to do and didn't!! I do have regets, go for it! :-)Stephanie
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-08-2003
Mon, 02-28-2005 - 8:15am

Well, this is just my opinion, but I think if you DON'T do something like this while you have the chance, you will regret it later on. An opportunity like this doesn't come along everyday, and its such a short term commitment. If you don't like it, you're done in a few months. Living w/a roommate.....well, if you're working 70 hrs/wk, you won't be in that room much! LOl

If I were in your situation, I'd be a divemaster in the caribbean. Taking people on dive trips and moving on with the seasons....it would be awesome.

But, I have kids, I'm married, there are bills to pay, etc.....

Do something like this BEFORE you're in a situation where you can only dream about it!

Dawn

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-16-2004
Mon, 02-28-2005 - 11:18am

Jessy do it!

As you said, you're young, single with no kids. Get out there and travel, see the world.

Ultimatly this is your decision and no matter what anyone says you're the one who will have to live with your choice. But as a voice of experience, my travelling has given me a wonderful source of strength and belief in myself. I'm a firm believer that everyone should get out and see the world at some point in their life.

When I was 21 I took off with a couple friends and backpacked around Europe and Northern Africa for almost 8 months (actually 4 of those months were on my own). Then, when I was 28 I packed up again and moved to England to study for close to two years. And my last jaunt was working for 6 months in New Zealand when I was thirty. And I'm not done yet.

It's tough being away from your family but just think of all the friends you'll make and the amazing stories you can have in your life.

Your weight shouldn't be an issue and if it is that would be discrimination. There are a variety of jobs available on a cruise line so I'm sure you can find on that interests you. Besides, travelling for me has always been a great weight loss program. It's been when I get back home that I have problems!

Good luck with this decision, it's tough but once you make it you won't regret it!

Cheers
Lisa

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-10-2005
Wed, 03-02-2005 - 12:32am

On a practical note:

When hubby and I went on a Royal Caribbean cruise a few years ago, we adored the lovely waiter who was assigned to us for the duration. One day, we asked him about his plans and he told us that in many countries (he was from the Hungary) positions on cruise lines are coveted. Not just for the immediate employment they provide but for the top-notch training. Basically, his 2 years spent would allow him to secure a wait staff position in a four or 5 star hotel where he would make enough money to pay for school AND support his family. He told us that many restaurants and hotel kitchens prefer to hire those trained on cruise lines, as well. So...your indenture might yield more than temp employment and round-the-clock travel...it may just get you a better job when it is time to once again become a landlubber. Good luck. skye

Skye 255/225/155
Avatar for brens2boys
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-29-2003
Wed, 03-02-2005 - 9:43am

I think it sounds like a once in a lifetime adventure! If you have nothing to lose,I say go for it.If after an amount of time you don't like it anymore,you can always head back to a land job :o) I missed out on some fun jobs when I was younger,because I was afraid of not liking it,or being homesick...and I really wish I had at least tried them out.Who knows what fun and where it would have taken me.Good luck in your decision!

Bren