We surveyed 1,450 sailors to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical sailor. Here are the results.

How much intelligence is required as a sailor?

Low

High

Working as a sailor typically doesn’t require the use of high levels of intelligence in daily tasks.

Can I learn to become a sailor?

Intrinsic Talent

Acquired Talent

A career as a sailor typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.

Is it easy to get a job as a sailor?

Easy

Hard

It’s typically difficult to find a job as a sailor. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for sailors.

Info

Do sailors work full-time or part-time?

90% of sailors work in full-time roles while 10% work part-time.

Is being a sailor stressful?

Low

High

Stress is very commonplace for sailors, contributing negatively towards career satisfaction.

Is being organized important as a sailor?

Low

High

Organization is not considered a particuarly important part of being a sailor.

How competitive is the workplace for sailors?

Low

High

Competition at work is not common for sailors.

Does being a sailor require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?

Low

High

Sailors will have to sometimes face time pressure on the job.

Are sailors allowed to express themselves creatively?

Low

High

Sailors rarely get a chance to express themselves creatively.

Do sailors have control over the direction of their work?

Low

High

Sailors tend to have a set and inflexible work schedule that they are unable to deviate from too much.

Is being a sailor physically demanding?

Low

High

Being a sailor requires significant physical work, and is not a career for those unable to perform continuous and/or strenuous physical activity.

Are sailors exposed to a wide variety of work?

Low

High

Sailors tend to have a monotonous work routine, with little variety in their day-to-day tasks.

Does being a sailor require attention to detail?

Low

High

Attention to detail isn't necessarily required to be successful as a sailor.

Does being a good sailor require compassion and empathy?

Low

High

The ability to be compassion and empathetic isn't considered fundamental to success as a sailor.