Life After Yachting: From Stewardess to Business Owner
If you don’t read any further than this first paragraph, let me leave you with this: have a backup plan! Life has a way of making decisions for you, whether you like it or not, and being prepared for an unexpected (and very quick) exit from the yachting industry can save you from a world of stress.
My Time in Yachting
My yachting career swiftly begun about 2 days after I submitted my final coursework for my degree in Business and Marketing Management - I was on my way to the Isle of Wight to complete my STCW. From there, it was a flight to Antibes, and before I knew it, I had landed my first yacht job. My previous experience in waitressing and cleaning launched me into the industry quickly, and for the next 5 years, I worked across four yachts in various stewardess roles. I had planned to continue for at least a couple more years, but life had other plans.
Why I Left Yachting I Was Forced To Leave Yachting
I was in Fort Lauderdale, on a boat preparing to be lifted when I fell down the stairs in the pitch black, breaking my foot and herniating a disc in my back. Yeah, it sucked. At my worst, I couldn’t walk unassisted, and that’s an experience I never want to relive. The yacht let me go, chucked me on a plane back to the UK, and suddenly, I was back at my parents’ house - injured, unemployed, and completely lost.
I had no backup plan. I had never even considered what I would do if I had to leave yachting unexpectedly. I was in constant pain, living with my parents, and had no idea how I was going to earn a living. Reality hit hard, and I knew I had to act fast. Things were bleak.
Preparing for a New Career
Two things were certain: I didn’t want to work for someone else & I wanted to be able to work remotely. They were my non-negotiables. So, I leaned into my pre-yachting experience - office assistant, receptionist, accounts assistant, office administrator - and combined it with my degree in Business and Marketing Management. That’s how Staples VA, my Virtual Assistant business, was born. I now offer Email Marketing & PA services to businesses surrounding the yachting industry (@Staples_VA on IG if you’re interested!).
It took me three months to land my first client. Then came the second, third, fourth… before I knew it, my business was taking off. I was enjoying the work, my clients were super happy, but imposter syndrome was real. Unlike yachting, where you’re always part of a team, running a business meant figuring everything out on my own. Let me just say, YouTube is my saviour!!!
Life After Yachting: The Adjustment
I’ve been off boats for just over a year, and land life still feels strange. The pace of everything is so slow - getting a quote for building work, waiting in line at the post office, ordering a cappuccino at a café. Snail’s pace. I still find myself rushing through tasks like I’m on a yacht, only to remind myself to chill the F*** out.
Another big adjustment has been not being surrounded by people 24/7. After nearly five years of living and working alongside a crew, I had taken on so many different personalities that I sometimes wonder if I lost a bit of myself. Now, on land, I’m still figuring out where I truly fit in. It’s a funny thing.
Another adjustment: the Great British weather. Holy moly, it feels like it’s been grey and damp for months. It's had a huge effect on my mood and energy levels, so much so that I’ve made the decision to move to Spain. I am at the very beginning of the process, but my goal is to be in Spain by the end of 2025 (if you have any advice/recommendations surrounding making the move to Spain, then I’d love to hear from you!).
Two things that I am incredibly grateful for,
The time that I have been able to spend with my family. I have a 2.5year old niece who I am now obsessed with and this past year has been amazing getting to know her.
I have a dog!
Advice for Those Considering Leaving Yachting
Even if you think you’ll be in the industry for years to come, have a plan. If you had to leave immediately, what could you do for work? Ask yourselves these questions:
Could you work for someone else, or do you want to be your own boss?
What key skills or experience do you have beyond detailing bathrooms and docking tenders?
What annoys you? Many entrepreneurs build businesses by solving problems that frustrate them.
What do you love? Build a business around something that you love.
Final Thoughts
Leaving yachting was never part of my plan, but being forced to pivot led me to build something I’m truly proud of. If you’re still in the industry, take time to explore your options and prepare for the unexpected. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did.
If you have any questions at all about making the switch from sea to land, I’d be more than happy to chat! Just reach out on Instagram: Staples_VA.
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