In a demanding industry like maritime, it’s easy to keep your head down, get the job done, and assume that means you’re on track. But what if you’ve been so focused on delivering that you haven’t looked up in a while?
What if, without even realising it, you’ve stopped growing?
Welcome to career drift. It’s not failure. It’s the gradual slowdown of your professional momentum. And it happens more often than people like to admit.
Whether you're onboard or shore-based, early career or executive level, spotting drift early is key to avoiding long-term stagnation. The good news? It doesn’t take a full career overhaul to correct course. Sometimes, all it takes is a moment of reflection and one small move in a new direction.
What is Career Drift?
Have you been in the same role for a while and can’t remember the last time you felt challenged or excited by your work? You might be in career drift.
Career drift isn’t failure. It’s more subtle. It’s when you’re doing your job well, showing up, ticking the boxes, but not moving forward. In the maritime industry, where workloads are intense and schedules demanding, this drift can go unnoticed. But over time, it shows up as lost momentum, missed opportunities, and professional dissatisfaction.
Signs You Might Be Drifting
You can’t recall the last new skill you learned
Work feels like repetition, not growth
Your responsibilities haven’t changed in years
Others around you seem to be progressing
You feel uninspired, but not necessarily unhappy
Why Drift Happens
Often, drift is the result of being too busy to plan your development. In a reactive role, it’s easy to focus on immediate issues while putting long-term growth on hold. You may also be performing well enough that no one is pushing you, so you stop pushing yourself.
Another common cause? Fear of change. Staying where you are feels safe. Even if you’re under-challenged, you might avoid risk for fear of regret.
How to Get Back on Course
1. Reflect on your recent achievements
What have you done in the last year that you’re proud of? If it takes more than a few seconds to answer, it might be time to raise your bar.
2. Set a growth target
Not every goal needs to be huge. Identify one skill you want to develop or one project you want to lead in the next 3–6 months.
3. Reignite your curiosity
Read, listen to a podcast, attend a maritime industry event or do all. Exposure to new ideas often leads to new ambitions.
4. Talk to someone
Speak with a mentor, manager, or recruiter. Ask what roles they see aligning with your experience. An outside view can help you see new paths.
5. Take one action
Update your CV, apply for an internal secondment, and ask for feedback. Action breaks inertia.
Final Thought
Drift happens slowly. But course correction doesn’t have to be dramatic. One decision, made intentionally, can restart your momentum. Ask yourself: what’s one move I could make this week to move forward?