Have you ever been on a long vacation where your crewing manager do not have any line up for you? Or the lineup they gave you is not in line with your plans? What did you feel? Lost, uncertain, doubtful, right? Nowhere to go yet? No income in the coming months but bills still need to be paid. Trainings need to be taken. What are you going to do? Having the same experience, you might want to consider the following:
- Look for another company/manning agency
Look for a new company that hire your position and ask the nearest line up possible. Avoid being demanding at this time, remember, you need them more than they need you. If you agree to the terms offered, sign the contract and cooperate to make the process go smoothly. If you have not found one yet, you might consider creating a profile at job sites like pinoyseaman.com or seamanjobsite.com.
- Acquiring new skills
Consider acquiring skills and monetize it. There are a lot of skills out there that can be learned. You just have to invest some time and effort.
- Part Time Jobs
Part time jobs includes an hour-a-day or a day-a-week job. Teaching online or in school are two of many part time jobs available.
- Teach
You can showcase your expertise in your field by teaching in a maritime school, training center or vocational school. You need to have a 6.09 and 6.10 IMO Course to make your resume attractive to employers.
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- Cut down unnecessary expenses
Obviously, this should be done. As much as possible, you need to cancel out anything non-essential to your living. You might also want to limit dining out and eat at home instead.
- Stick to remaining resources
You have to commit to the remaining resources you have. Do not expect someone will help you and most importantly, do not go into debt as much as possible. Stick to your budget or if possible, live below your means.
- Travel less
Travel only in official business transactions. I had a friend who borrowed money to finance their travel with his now ex-gf. Do not do this. A partner who genuinely cares would understand and support you even if it’s only a fruitful-conversation-in-an-instant-coffee-kind-of-date.
- Sell some of your gadgets or belongings
This can be very hard but if situation demands it, then there’s nothing you can do. Ill prefer doing this rather than going into debt.
- Be active on your business (if you have)
This is the best time to engage personally to your established business. Help it to potentially earn more and finance your living expenses with your family while you have no job.
- Refrain spending from costly hobbies
You might want to cancel upcoming road trip with your cycle buddies. This type of costly hobbies can be refrained for the meantime. Just resume if you’re not in a middle of surviving for your next paycheck.
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It is so vital that you avoid debt as much as you can. Do not expect or hope someone will always be there for you. Keep up! However, if you can’t avoid debt, you know where most of your earnings go in the next contract. Lastly, learn from your experience and expect it to happen again. Do not leave out worst case scenarios from your plans. It’s better to be prepared and create an emergency fund. Be ready to face this when you are depending too much on your salary.