If you’ve ever thought about life after yachting – this is for you.

A few years ago, I left after nearly a decade onboard. Not in a dramatic “I’m done forever” way, it just felt like time. I tried life on land, built a super successful business, completely changed my routine… and eventually found myself back on board with a whole new mindset.

This isn’t a “follow your dreams” story – it’s what actually happens when you take a break from yachting.

Here’s what I learned from stepping away, what surprised me when I came back, and a few things I wish someone had told me in between.

Life After Yachting – What I Learned from Taking a Break (and Coming Back) 🌸🏋🏻‍♀️

1. I’m SO glad I left.

Leaving gave me space to breathe and try new things.

I built a business, learned marketing, content creation, websites, and about twelve other skills I’d never have had time for on board. It made me more confident, capable, and creative – all things that now make me a better Chief Stew.

🤍 For you: If you’re itching to step away, do it. Even if it’s just six months, use that time to learn something new – marketing, investing, digital skills, design, literally anything. The things you learn on land will always come back around to serve you at sea or whatever else you do next.

2. It was a reset, not the end.

When I left, I thought I might never come back. But all I really needed was a proper break. I didn’t lose my edge – I came back with perspective, patience, and a new kind of motivation.

🤍 For you: If you’re burnt out, it’s not a weakness to pause. Stepping away doesn’t close a door – it gives you a chance to decide what you actually want next.

3. I focused on my health and fitness 💪💞🌟.

Being land-based gave me the chance to completely reset my habits – I ate properly, trained consistently, and built real strength for the first time in years. Those habits stuck. Now, even onboard, training is non-negotiable.

🤍 For you: Your time off is the perfect opportunity to build the kind of routine you’ve never had time for. It doesn’t need to be intense – just consistent. Tiny improvements over time will change your energy (and your mental health).

4. Perspective changes everything

Coming back, I noticed I didn’t get as wound up over small stuff anymore. The things that used to feel huge suddenly didn’t matter. I’m more grateful for rotation, my team, and the lifestyle itself – things I used to take for granted.

🤍 For you: The space you get from stepping away will help you see what you actually miss – and what you don’t. That’s where real gratitude comes from.

5. You’re never stuck

Leaving doesn’t mean you failed. Coming back doesn’t either. Both can be the right choice at different times.

🤍 For you: Yachting careers don’t have to be linear. You can take a break, switch roles, go land-based for a few years, or reinvent yourself entirely – it’s all valid.

6. I started planning long-term

During my time off, I learned to invest properly and started building a real financial plan. Now I’m giving yachting another decade or so – intentionally – while setting myself up for freedom later.

🤍 For you: Use your yachting salary wisely. Learn about saving and investing early. Even small amounts grow massively over time – and future-you will thank you for it.

7. I took a real break from social media

When I came back to yachting, I deactivated everything – Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, the lot. I just needed a breather from the constant noise.

And honestly? It’s been incredible.

I read more, write more, rest more, and my brain finally feels quiet again.

The only platform I went back to are Linkedin and I started my blog – because writing is something I genuinely enjoy. It feels creative, reflective, and personal in a way that endless scrolling never did.

🤍 For you: Try logging off for a while, even if it’s just a month. Replace the mindless scrolling with something that actually fuels you – journaling, reading, writing, creating. You’ll be amazed how much calmer and clearer you feel.

8. Community is everything

Working alone from a laptop made me realise how much I’d taken the yachting community for granted. The teamwork, the laughs, the shared chaos – it’s the heartbeat of the job.

🤍 For you: Choose your next boat for the people, not the name. A good crew will make you fall in love with yachting again faster than any itinerary ever could.

9. Do what feels right for you

Not what Instagram says, not what your peers expect. Sometimes you need to stay, sometimes you need to go – but the only voice that matters is your own.

🤍 For you: There’s no “right” timeline for your career. If something feels off, change it. If it feels right, commit to it. Either way, trust your gut.

Closing Thoughts 🤍

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that taking a break from yachting doesn’t mean giving up – it just means giving yourself space to grow. Sometimes you have to step away to see what you actually want next.

Leaving taught me perspective.
Coming back gave me purpose.
And both changed my life for the better.

If you liked this post, you might enjoy these too 👇

✨ 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting a Business – Honest Lessons & Mild Emotional Damage 👩🏻‍💻

💸 Beginner Investing for Women: How I Finally Switched My Money Brain On 💅🏼

And if you’re somewhere in between “should I stay or should I go?” – don’t panic. You’ll figure it out, just like the rest of us are.

Promise. 🤍