by Guest » August 17, 2022, 9:02 pm
The wages have not kept up over the years relatively to the 60's or even early 2000's. Shore side increases have outpaced sailing in past years closing the gap making it less advantageous as earlier times. Not to mention current economic inflation. Along with more requirements and regulations making sailing less appealing from an outside view with increased licensing. World wide labor shortages are being felt everywhere especially the Great lakes freighters which tend to be lower paying than ocean jobs positions.
Old timers tend to stick around because it is their way of life and vested but the younger generations do not find the career as appealing for the sacrifices. Many positions are not being filled due to the labor shortage. Back in the day with seniority lists you had to work your way up and fight for jobs to get a boat. These days boats run bare minimum or even short crew just to manage. With the competitive labor market sailing just isn't as desirable wage wise. Shore side job increases and also ocean sailing boards are full of higher paying jobs. Good thing for the 3 hots and a cot\, the more you eat the more you make. Not sure if pensions are still relative with most companies.
All that being said, it is still a good job for youngsters ready to live a life on the water. Especially those out of high school with low drag and little baggage back home. Pack your bags, grab your boots and get to work.
The wages have not kept up over the years relatively to the 60's or even early 2000's. Shore side increases have outpaced sailing in past years closing the gap making it less advantageous as earlier times. Not to mention current economic inflation. Along with more requirements and regulations making sailing less appealing from an outside view with increased licensing. World wide labor shortages are being felt everywhere especially the Great lakes freighters which tend to be lower paying than ocean jobs positions.
Old timers tend to stick around because it is their way of life and vested but the younger generations do not find the career as appealing for the sacrifices. Many positions are not being filled due to the labor shortage. Back in the day with seniority lists you had to work your way up and fight for jobs to get a boat. These days boats run bare minimum or even short crew just to manage. With the competitive labor market sailing just isn't as desirable wage wise. Shore side job increases and also ocean sailing boards are full of higher paying jobs. Good thing for the 3 hots and a cot\, the more you eat the more you make. Not sure if pensions are still relative with most companies.
All that being said, it is still a good job for youngsters ready to live a life on the water. Especially those out of high school with low drag and little baggage back home. Pack your bags, grab your boots and get to work.