Working Afloat: Tips for Balancing Your Career and Life on the Great Loop

The idea of taking your job on the water can feel dreamy… or daunting. But more and more cruisers are proving that you don’t have to press pause on your career to live the Great Loop life.

I recently joined Kim Russo on the America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association (AGLCA) podcast to talk about working remotely while cruising, and I shared the lessons we learned during our 18-month Loop journey aboard Fika.


In the episode, we cover:

  • Setting up your boat for productivity – from finding quiet corners to keeping your devices powered and secure.

  • Managing connectivity – reliable internet options and workarounds when signals are spotty.

  • Balancing work and cruising life – tips for scheduling, avoiding burnout, and still enjoying the sunset views.

Whether you’re a full-time Looper or planning a multi-month trip, these strategies make working afloat achievable—and even enjoyable.


🎧 Listen to the episode here:
Working Aboard the Great Loop Podcast

📖 Want to go deeper?
My book, Remote Work Afloat, has everything you need to confidently take your career to the waterways: Remote Work Afloat

You can also watch this episode on YouTube on the official AGLCA channel!

More and more people are working aboard while doing the Great Loop. Why wait until retirement to cruise the Great Loop if you can do your job remotely? This week's episode features Alison Major, author of "Remote Work Afloat". Alison is a Gold Looper and founder of Loop Life Academy, an AGLCA sponsor. Join us as we discuss tips for setting yourself up for success when transition to working aboard.


We’d Love to Hear From You!

What are your biggest questions or concerns about transitioning back to life after the Loop? Have you already completed the journey and have tips to share? Let us know in the comments!

Don’t forget to sign up for our weekly email newsletter for more tips, stories, and updates. You can also follow our adventures on YouTube and listen to our podcast for even more inspiration.

 

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Alison Major

Alison Major is an author, experienced sailor, and the founder of Loop Life Academy, dedicated to helping families navigate the adventures of America’s Great Loop. With over a decade of remote work experience leading international technology and software engineering teams, she brings her expertise to the nautical world.

Alison lives full-time aboard a 2005 Beneteau 423, SV Fika, with her husband, Chris, and their two children. She has sailed over 7,000 nautical miles. She writes about remote work, cruising, and family life aboard, sharing practical insights for those embracing a nomadic lifestyle. Her most recent book is Remote Work Afloat. An educator and lifelong learner, she teaches Software Architecture to graduate students and mentors cruisers, providing guidance on life's technical and logistical aspects on the water.

https://looplifeacademy.com
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