After six years in the yachting industry as a second stewardess, I knew it was time to settle down and put down some roots. My partner and I wanted to buy a house and get married, so leaving felt like the right decision. Family has always been incredibly important to me, and with my little sister about to have a baby and my Grandad being diagnosed with dementia, I didn’t want to miss out on those moments.
But even though I knew it was the right move, walking away from yachting wasn’t easy. There’s a certain rush that comes with the lifestyle—constantly being on the move, working in stunning locations, and being part of a close-knit crew. The idea of a more “normal” routine was both exciting and terrifying. I was ready for stability, but I also worried I’d miss the adventure.
The transition to land-based work, however, didn’t go as smoothly as I had hoped. I always imagined I’d use my yachting skills in a private household, but finding jobs near my family proved to be really difficult. No one tells you how or where to find private household roles, and aside from the occasional listing on Yotspot, I struggled to find agencies that specialised in them. I spent hours searching online, but it felt like I was going in circles with no clear guidance.
After a while, I took a housekeeping job about two and a half hours away from home and did a week-long trial, but I quickly realised it wasn’t for me. The aspects of being a second stewardess that I loved didn’t translate into this role at all. I was working alone in a remote area, far from home, and I missed the camaraderie of working in a team—not to mention the excitement of travelling to obscure places. That’s when I found myself feeling lost, stuck, and unsure of what to do next. I even considered going back to yachting, but I knew deep down that I wanted something different for my future.
For a moment, I thought about going back to university to get my master’s degree, but after applying and visiting the campus, I just couldn’t see myself, at almost 30, diving back into student life. I had spent years working, earning good money, and building my independence—returning to studying full-time didn’t feel like the right fit.
Then, during a mid-afternoon scroll through Yotspot, I stumbled across a recruitment role and thought, why not give it a shot? Having worked with many agencies as a candidate, I knew exactly what kind of agent I liked—and the kind I didn’t—so I figured I had a unique perspective that could help me succeed in the role. Now, heading into my third year in recruitment, I’ve found the team camaraderie, friendly competition, and drive that I missed from yachting. While I don’t travel as much as I would have on board, I still get to meet incredible people from all over the world—and sometimes, I even get to go on amazing business trips. There’s also something really rewarding about helping others through the same transition I struggled with. I’ve spoken to so many yacht crew members who felt lost after leaving, and being able to guide them towards a new career path is incredibly fulfilling.
Of course, yachting will always be a huge part of my life. It taught me invaluable skills and shaped me into who I am today. And yes, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel a little jealous seeing my stewardess friends travelling to incredible places. But I have to remind myself that what I see on Instagram is just a tiny snapshot of their reality. That gorgeous sunset photo with pretty drinks? Probably taken in their one-hour break between long, exhausting shifts. It’s easy to romanticise it, but I’ve also created amazing memories in my life on land.
My biggest advice for anyone transitioning to land-based work is to reflect on what you loved most about yachting. Think about the skills you enjoyed using and how they might apply to a different career. If you’re not sure where to start, find a recruiter who understands both yachting and land-based roles. I love helping people bounce ideas around and figure out the best career move—something I really wish I had when I was making the switch.
Another big one—which might seem obvious but still caught me off guard—is the difference in salaries. In yachting, we’re used to earning tax-free income, having minimal expenses, and “living the dream.” That first land-based payslip was a harsh reality check—I finally understood why people complain about taxes so much! It’s important to remember that yacht salaries aren’t just about the work you do; they compensate you for the sacrifices you make—giving up weekends, time with family, privacy, and working significantly longer hours than most land-based roles. I also had to adjust my mindset around spending. In yachting, it’s easy to splash out on designer clothes, expensive dinners, and spontaneous trips because you’re earning so much and have minimal outgoings. On land, those luxuries come with a price, and I had to learn how to budget properly for the first time in years.
Yes, land-based salaries are typically lower, but you gain so much in return: your weekends and evenings, your own space, and more time for yourself. And honestly, there’s something to be said for getting to sleep in your own bed every night instead of a tiny cabin!
If you’re nervous about transitioning back to land, know that it’s completely normal to feel stressed. It’s a huge shift, and honestly, it’s okay to grieve your yachting career—it’s been a massive part of your life. Your heart may always be in two places but think about how lucky you are to have had those experiences. Now, it’s time to make new memories. It’s scary, exciting, and full of possibility.
Looking to explore exciting opportunities in luxury hospitality and private household staffing? Discover exclusive roles with Achieve Hospitality. Visit www.achievehospitality.com to find your next career move.
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