People thought I was mad to be heading back to sea after maternity leave with my fourth child…and understandably so. It is quite rare for a woman at sea to return after having children, let alone four. And yes, four is a lot of children to be leaving at home while working away. But with three-week trips, it is more than manageable.
Of course, I was not just going back to sea, I was stepping into a completely new job and a new industry. So, you know, just adding another layer to it all. But still, that just adds to the challenge and makes it fun…
Still manageable, right!?
I clearly love a challenge, because why stop there when I could also throw into the mix a master’s degree in Sustainable Maritime Operations!? There is never a perfect time to start something like this, so why not add to the chaos at the same time?
I will be honest, though, getting back into the swing of studying has not been the easiest. I assumed I would have more time at sea than at home, but in my role as Relief Master, with its non-stop schedule and lack of a regular sleep pattern, finding the motivation to sit down and study after a long pilotage or dredge has been tough at times. That said, I have met all my assignment deadlines so far, and with every passing one, I can see my research style evolving and practices like Harvard style referencing are becoming easier.
I must applaud MLA for the course structure and setup. The flexible format and accessible content make it genuinely possible to learn in your own time, even when that time is limited.
Already, the course has shifted how I view the industry and my role in it. It is sparking ideas about how things can be improved in my company and opening my eyes to areas I had not previously focused on. I am excited to see where it leads and hope to explore how I can use a couple of the modules to further my quest in helping alleviate issues women face when at sea.
