Before Looking for Work on a Factory Trawler

So you think you’re ready for work on a factory trawler? If so, it’s time to perform a quick self-analysis.

Are you prepared for both an adventure and the possibility that you’ll not do as well as you’d like monetarily? Do you have three to six months available to work?

If you only have a few weeks, then perhaps the fishing industry isn’t for you. Conversely, if you’re ready to dedicate six months to wet days and cold nights in the name of fishing (and prospects of a decent paycheck), then you could be ready.

Imagine yourself spending up to sixteen hours a day in front of a stainless steel counter with an assembly line of other people. All of you smell like fish and look alike in rubber rain gear and boots. Every day for three weeks you’ve been doing the same thing – you only look forward to sleep and three or four meal breaks a day. Can you keep up with the production line supervisor’s desired pace? Does a work environment like this sound like something you can live with for 3 to 6 months?

If you think you could lead your co-workers into a round of “Slime Another Codfish” (to the tune of “Pick a Bale of Cotton,” of course), keep your mind on all the money you’re making, and keep up with the pace, then you’re probably a good candidate for factory trawler work in Alaska. Patience, a strong work ethic, tolerance, and dedication are all attributes of the most successful Alaska seafood workers.

If, on the other hand, this scenario makes you sink deeper into your armchair in front of the TV, you might be better off staying home and sacrificing a few thousand dollars.

Now that you know what you’re in for, go get yourself a job!