Ups and Downs

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You’ll agree with me that the hardest part of working offshore is those last two days at home before leaving. 

My mind was already on the vessel, thinking about packed everything in my suitcase, if I had all the documents in my carry-on bag, and wondering how long the campaign would feel. 

On the last day, I particularly didn’t feel like seeing anyone. I preferred to stay at home, dealing with my nerves, my anxiety, the lack of appetite, occasional vomiting, and the tears I shed in secret as I watched my daughters go off to school or daycare, knowing it would be a couple of months before I’d see them again.

All of that disappeared as soon as I got into the taxi on my way to the airport. It was like a weight lifted off my shoulders. Once on the ship, there was no trace of those nerves, and though it took me a few days to adjust to the routine, the days soon started flying by. 

Suddenly, that last week arrivedthe toughest of them all, with endless shifts. My mind was already at home, thinking about the things I would do with my family. On the last day, I felt like the king of the world, indestructible, eager to get to a bar and enjoy those much anticipated beers with my colleagues. Then came the final flight, which always felt endless, and finally, after picking up my suitcase, there were my daughters and my wife waiting to give me a big hug.

It took me a few days to recover and readjust to family life, but all that effort, those long 12 hour shifts, 24/7 for two or three months, were worth it for that long awaited day to come.

Now, who would have thought? I miss all of that, but I have something even better,
despite everything, I get to see my daughters and my wife every single day.

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