4 years until we cruise, What to use the GI Bill for

[Nahbrown]

We have to wait 4 years to untie the lines and take off so I am curious what others would do with 4 years of free college while waiting to cruise. I could take classes to prepare for life aboard (fixing things in exotic locations) like Diesel engine or electronics courses.

Although I am comfortable with our monthly budget I could focus my education on a skill to generate income while cruising.... after reviewing the monster thread on that subject the options seem limited.

In 4 years I will be 50 and I assume too physically broken to pass a USCG physical so a maritime school is probably out of the question.

So if you were in my situation and couldn't go for 4 years what would you do with 4 years of education?

Thanks for your input!

[meatservo]

How physically broken? Are you 100% disabled? If you are, then you will need crew...

I'm sure it is not as demanding as a flight physical, but I could be wrong.

meatservo

[JPA Cate]

Apprenticeships in diesel mechanics and refrigeration, or maybe, Electronic Engineer?

A.

[Nahbrown]

Originally Posted by meatservo

How physically broken? Are you 100% disabled? If you are, then you will need crew...

I'm sure it is not as demanding as a flight physical, but I could be wrong.

meatservo

The % of my VA rating is irrelevant but among other things I do have shoulder, back & knee issues. Last summer we spent a week on a boat out of Grenada getting our ASA certs but that week was more about seeing if I was physically able to handle it. I feel comfortable with the demands and our personal plans, I dont need a crew but thanks for the concerns.

[sailnow2011]

4 years? become an RN.
You can make money anywhere, can treat onboard injuries, ect.

[SV DestinyAscen]

You can certainly do odd jobs to make a small income while cruising, but once you leave the United States it becomes underground and how much you earn is proportional to cost of living.

I'd say enjoy the gi bill to learn things that'll make your life better. Culinary course. Sewing. Basic carpentry. Diesel repair.

[Nahbrown]

Originally Posted by sailnow2011

4 years? become an RN.
You can make money anywhere, can treat onboard injuries, ect.

Well thats one I never thought of. My bedside manner may be a hindering factor haha.

[meatservo]

Good luck whatever you decide to do, let us know how you make out, and thank you for your service from a grateful nation...



meatservo

[Nahbrown]

Originally Posted by SV DestinyAscen

You can certainly do odd jobs to make a small income while cruising, but once you leave the United States it becomes underground and how much you earn is proportional to cost of living.

I'd say enjoy the gi bill to learn things that'll make your life better. Culinary course. Sewing. Basic carpentry. Diesel repair.

I am a decent DIY guy with sewing, woodworking, fiberglass & welding. My results are functional but don't exactly have that professional finnish.

Diesel repair really seems like a good idea

[SteveInMD]

I would recommend a USCG Master's license course. I got a lot out of the one I did. Who cares if you pass the physical or not? It's the learning the material that is important.

[Kenomac]

Originally Posted by sailnow2011

4 years? become an RN.
You can make money anywhere, can treat onboard injuries, ect.

I don't know where you got that idea, I'm an RN. License to practice required in each location. But if the OP plans on staying only in the US, then yes it can be done.

[newhaul]

Find classes that will further your learning from active.duty. I am a navy vet myself I was an.engineer so I took more classes geared twoards oat repair and took a couple welding lasses to pass the time . ( I carried an nec for welding) . Also take classes o n.a. diesel mechanics just so you can save money by doing your own work.

[Nahbrown]

Originally Posted by Kenomac

I don't know where you got that idea, I'm an RN. License to practice required in each location. But if the OP plans on staying only in the US, then yes it can be done.

That is the opposite of what we intend to do

[SecondBase]

Maybe go to school in a large sailing region / near large boatyard so you'll be there when the right boat comes along.

[DumnMad]

4 years live-aboard would be a great education on its own, a bonus if added to your paid for education.