JOLovegrove
Well-known member
- Jan 30, 2012
- 2,060
Very interesting reading all the comments above.
The 'always on' syndrome is something I simply cannot escape from with my job. I have posted this on here before, I am a Stage and Production Manager on a cruise ship. Many of you will instantly have an impression of what that is like from shows starring Jane McDonald, but if anyone has been on the newer ships, the shows are far more technical then simply a singer and a microphone, with also a lot more cast and crew. Not only am I in charge of the venue/theatre itself, but also have to manage both the cast that perform in it but the technicians as well. The 'always on' comes from having a DECT phone which is basically an old fashioned mobile phone that anyone else on the ship can call you on. So in theory, whatever the hour, I can get called on.
Many people think the job I simply cocktails on the beach, but the time ashore is the only time we get to relax and not have that phone stuck to you, and even then, if something is urgent, someone will Facebook you with a question.
Most people do 6/7 months onboard at a time (as a manager, I do 4/5) with 2 month vacation before rejoining a ship. Those 6 months, not only do you work every day, but you are away from friends or family, miss home comforts (football obviously is my big one) and also can rarely eat what you want. The job is not overly stressful, it can be difficult and is extremely tiring, but I don't get stressed.
I have painted the job in a fairly bad light, however, having worked with the company for 3 and a half years now, and have worked my way up, I clearly love it, which for me is the most important thing.
Would be interested to hear if anyone else has worked on a ship? Or have a job that is basically 24/7 like this.
The 'always on' syndrome is something I simply cannot escape from with my job. I have posted this on here before, I am a Stage and Production Manager on a cruise ship. Many of you will instantly have an impression of what that is like from shows starring Jane McDonald, but if anyone has been on the newer ships, the shows are far more technical then simply a singer and a microphone, with also a lot more cast and crew. Not only am I in charge of the venue/theatre itself, but also have to manage both the cast that perform in it but the technicians as well. The 'always on' comes from having a DECT phone which is basically an old fashioned mobile phone that anyone else on the ship can call you on. So in theory, whatever the hour, I can get called on.
Many people think the job I simply cocktails on the beach, but the time ashore is the only time we get to relax and not have that phone stuck to you, and even then, if something is urgent, someone will Facebook you with a question.
Most people do 6/7 months onboard at a time (as a manager, I do 4/5) with 2 month vacation before rejoining a ship. Those 6 months, not only do you work every day, but you are away from friends or family, miss home comforts (football obviously is my big one) and also can rarely eat what you want. The job is not overly stressful, it can be difficult and is extremely tiring, but I don't get stressed.
I have painted the job in a fairly bad light, however, having worked with the company for 3 and a half years now, and have worked my way up, I clearly love it, which for me is the most important thing.
Would be interested to hear if anyone else has worked on a ship? Or have a job that is basically 24/7 like this.
