Here’s What I Did During My Last Contract That Made My Land Life Transition Easier
Thinking of quitting ships soon? These 3 things made a big difference for me.
Before I left ships, I used to tell myself the same thing every time: "Just one more contract."
It felt safe. Logical. Like a good strategy. I'd say it so I could save more money, avoid making any "wrong" decisions, and buy myself more time to figure things out.
But here's what really happened: I wasn't figuring anything out. I was delaying. I didn't know it then, but I was letting the comfort of the familiar override the discomfort I was feeling deep down. I was tired. Flat. Less excited about things I used to love onboard. And I told myself: "Just get through this contract – next vacation you'll figure it all out."
But I didn't.
Because rest doesn't fix direction.
And clarity doesn't come from waiting – it comes from honesty and intentional action.
If I could go back, I'd ask myself the questions I was too afraid to face: Why am I really still here? Is it because I still love it, or is it fear, uncertainty, or not knowing what else to do?
There's a big difference between staying because you love it and staying because you're afraid to leave. Now I know the body often knows before the mind is ready. And when we ignore those internal signals, we stay in places too long and lose time we can never get back.
I don't regret my time at sea. But I do wish I'd listened earlier.
So if you're on your final contract or thinking about making the leap soon – these are the three things I did that helped me land better, feel stronger, and transition smoother.
I Used My Final Contract to Get Emotionally Ready
No one talks about the emotional part of leaving ships, but it's huge. Whether you've been onboard for 5 years, 10 years, or even longer, it's become a huge part of your life.
You know that feeling when it's your last cruise for that contract and you start saying "yes, last turnaround day," "last safety drill," "last..." whatever? Well, I gave myself space during my contract to mentally say goodbye. Not just to the job, but to the structure, the routine, the identity. That feeling of being "someone" onboard.
It wasn't dramatic. It was just intentional. I remember taking time to really notice what I was experiencing – standing on deck during sunset, watching the crew work together during a drill, even just sitting in the crew mess. I let myself enjoy those last moments and made peace with what I knew I was walking away from. Not because it was bad, but because I was ready for something new.
I Got Clear on Why I Was Leaving and What I Wanted Instead
I know when I want to do something new, I like to understand how it works, the process, so I can better educate myself about it. I took this same approach to feel certain about my last contract.
I didn't leave because I was tired. I left because I was ready for a different chapter. I wanted to have the right mindset when I would leave, so I spent time reflecting – journaling, thinking, being honest with myself.
What I noticed was that I kept asking myself surface-level questions like "What job should I get?" But the deeper questions were more helpful. Things like: What do I want life on land to feel like? What kind of structure do I want in my days? What kind of work gives me meaning now – not two years ago, but now?
I remember one evening after a particularly long shift, I sat down and really thought about what parts of ship life I genuinely loved versus which ones drained me. What was I craving more of – time, freedom, purpose, connection? Who was I becoming, and what kind of job or lifestyle would support that version of me?
If I could design my "ideal day" on land, what would it look like from morning to night? What was no longer a match for me, even if I used to tolerate it? And honestly, what experiences was I thankful for from ship life?
That helped me anchor into purpose, not panic. I wasn't escaping – I was choosing. I felt certainty within uncertainty. And that shift in mindset changed everything about how I approached the transition.
I Let Go of the Idea That I Had to Have It All Figured Out
For a long time, I told myself I couldn't leave ships until I had the perfect plan, the right job lined up, the ideal city picked out, a full savings buffer, and every single detail mapped out – including how to prepare for all the "what ifs." Yes, I thought every little detail was needed.
But I learned that you don't need to know it all. You just need to have enough clarity to take the next step.
What helped me most was getting a few things sorted – not everything. A direction. A good budget. A vision of how I wanted to live and what type of work I wanted to do. And then I moved. I trusted that more clarity would come once I was in motion. Which it did. As it always does, right?!
Because ship life didn't come with a perfect plan either, but we figured it out. And land life works the same way.
In my final year onboard, I prepared and began to take small steps. I used the time for researching land-based job options. Tweaking my resume. Reflecting on what kind of lifestyle I wanted. Starting a new savings plan. Talking to people who had already left.
These small actions helped me feel more confident and made me accept the fact that I didn't need the whole path mapped out, despite what I'd previously thought.
If I can give you one thing to take from this: stop waiting for perfect and start with enough. Enough clarity to point you in a direction. Enough structure to help you feel grounded. Enough strategy to help you feel certain, and enough support so you don't need to do it all alone.
What's one small step you could take today – even if you don't feel fully ready – that would help you feel a little more certain about your land life?
Transitioning to land life doesn’t have to be chaotic or rushed. If you’re still onboard, there’s so much you can do to make it smoother. These three steps helped me land with more confidence and less confusion. And if you want even more support with your next steps…
Grab This Free Guide: 7 Things You Must Know Before You Quit Ships
This guide will walk you through what to think about, plan for, and expect — beyond just “getting a job.”
If you’re starting to plan your exit, this is for you.
