There’s a lot we gain at sea. A stable income, pride of wearing the uniform, the sight of open horizons, and the thrill of navigating a giant vessel through unpredictable waters. But no one talks enough about what the sea takes away from us.
This blog is for all my fellow seafarers, especially cadets and young officers just starting their journey. It’s important you know – the life we choose is not just about salary and rank. It’s about silent sacrifices. And most of the time, no one even notices them.
- Time With Family
Ask any sailor what hurts the most — the answer will always be missing time with family. You are not there for birthdays, anniversaries, festivals, or even funerals. Life continues ashore, with or without you. Your child might take their first steps while you’re in the middle of the Atlantic. Your parents grow older, but you only see them once a year. The sea robs you of these irreplaceable moments.
- Mental Peace
Onboard, you don’t just fight waves. You fight stress, fatigue, long hours, paperwork, audits, inspections, and sometimes politics too. Sleep is a luxury, privacy is rare, and your mental peace slowly gets chipped away. The sea teaches you patience, but at a price.
- Health – Physical & Emotional
Constant noise, vibrations, irregular meals, and lack of exercise — all take a toll on your physical health. But more than that, it’s the emotional loneliness that hits hard. No one ashore truly understands the isolation of sailing for months without seeing a single familiar face or hearing a comforting voice.
- Friendships and Relationships
You lose touch with school friends, college friends, even cousins. Over time, the phone calls reduce, the messages become fewer, and some people just move on. Romantic relationships? Unless you’re blessed with an understanding partner, distance becomes poison. The sea often becomes the reason why many of us stay single or heartbroken.
- Connection With Land Life
You come back home and suddenly feel like an outsider. People talk about things you weren’t there for. New roads, new apps, family jokes, inside stories — everything feels unfamiliar. The sea creates a gap, and every time you return, you try to bridge it… only to leave again.
- Normal Routine
The sea destroys your routine. You eat when work allows, sleep when your watch ends, and rest only when your brain shuts down. You forget what it feels like to live a normal life — like waking up to sunlight, walking in a park, or drinking tea with your parents.
- Your Younger Self
And perhaps the deepest loss — your younger self. The sea matures you faster than anything else. You become emotionally tough, more disciplined, yes. But somewhere in between rough weather, port operations, and back-to-back inspections, you lose a part of your innocent self — the carefree, happy, light-hearted version of you.
In Conclusion: A Life of Balance
Does this mean it’s not worth it? No, Captain. It is worth it. Every bit. But it’s important to be aware of the cost you are paying.
Sail with pride, but stay grounded. Stay connected to your family. Call your mother. Message your siblings. Take care of your mental health. Write a journal. Meditate. Work out. Smile when you can.
Because while the sea takes a lot, it also teaches you resilience like nothing else.
You are a warrior in boiler suits, a protector of cargo, and a silent hero in the story of global trade.
But never forget — you’re also human.
