I Turned Down a $1 MILLION Starting BONUS | Crew Stories #14

[@SuperYachtCaptain]

Get your ridge wallet: shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1554993&u=2558557&m=98251&urllink=&afftrack=

[@henrymorgan3982]

You and your wife are the good people of this world. Thankful, respectful and honest. Good call.

[@robertcornelius3514]

I don't know. He sounds like a bull sh#tter to me.

[@AdamKyleAnderson]

I went through most of my life earning a 6 figure salary with bonuses every year but I was never 100% happy.. A few years back the company I was working for went under. I took a few months off before setting out looking for work. Plenty of jobs out there similar to what I did and I got a few offers. In the end I turned them down. I mate of mine who runs a pub in our village jokingly said "Why don't you come work for me? " For the last 2 years I have been working the bar during the week and run the kitchen on Sundays and I couldn't be happier.

[@southjerseysound7340]

I had a similar story but as a pilot. I had a great route and a lot of seniority for my age at a major airline. Basically stuff guys would kill for but I felt empty and I was essentially a slave to the airline. luckily I lived like I was still in the military and didn't spend like most do. Well right before covid came around my grandfather asked me one last time what to do with his old spray business and even though he hasn't sprayed crops in years I told him I was interested even though I didn't know how I'd swing it.......then covid hit😂 I was able to cash out and couldn't be happier. granted it's been tough finding clients etc. But now it's almost profitable enough to take a paycheck and I'm happy as can be. plus on weekends I've been giving introduction flights to kids in his old stearman biplane. Granted its operations aren't making a dime but I only charge those that can afford it because that's how pop's did it and it's going to be as long as possible.

[@barrondeville1866]

That is really not much of a downgrade, people do not realize how much bartenders make in tips. I work for a hotel with 2 bars all the bartenders average $500 per night in tips, they only declare 10 percent of that, when they do their taxes. Just do the math, they make a very high net income.

[@AdamKyleAnderson]

@@barrondeville1866 BArtenders in teh UK do not work on tips. I currently get £13 an hour and usually do around 7 hours a day. So yes it really is a big downgrade considering I was earning close to £1 million a year.

[@jorgegonzalez-larramendi5491]

you are blessed hare krishna

[@barrondeville1866]

@@AdamKyleAnderson If you made as high a salary as you are claiming you do not even need to work, unless you went through a divorce and your ex wife or partner took you for everything.

[@knightonwarbeck1969]

I have no clue how I got here but glad I arrived. Very interesting life. 20 years at sea in a "tight" living/working space is enough for you and your wife. Best of luck moving forward to you both.

[@bruceroaf5750]

Life changes for everyone its all about being happy good on putting your wife and future first.. Saying that i miss the Crew and AWOL videos no one else did them like you and the crew

[@LifeAtSea]

Like the message at the end, reminds me of Jim Carrey Quote "I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it's not the answer.”

[@tecwzrd]

@@GarrishChristopherRobin777 I understand your point, however "rich" is really subjective. I used to have my own company years ago and while I was "rich" it wasn't worth the 70+ hours a week I was working to maintain that. I think the overall message is be relatively happy with what you have and understand that you're happiness is what you make of it regardless of how "rich" you are monetarily.

[@bahardin3992]

@@tecwzrd; hi Micah, if you have to work 70+ hours a week to keep that Company and the money you make - then you are really not rich. Sell the Company, take the million and walk away then you are rich. Rich enough to be able to have a choice - live a comfortable sedate life or start a new less time consuming venture with that million. Then, you will live life "rich".. Cheers Micah.

[@bahardin3992]

@@GarrishChristopherRobin777 ; true Christ, like they want to pull wool over the poor eyes. Stay poor you guys, it's not really fun being rich. Let us rich people deal with this riches, you stay poor while we keep getting richer.. ha ha ha.

[@tecwzrd]

@@bahardin3992 exactly why I sold it years ago. That was my point, even though I was "rich" monetarily I wasn't rich in life which in the end should be the only important thing.

[@Rick-tb4so]

If that's true why don't they give their money away....

[@twtoombs]

I am astounded by your principles and integrity. I have to wholeheartedly support your decision. Money doesn’t insure happiness. You have my utmost respect. We need more people that hold to their values and principles.

[@maureendwyer3547]

Good on you! And remember it was only $250 a year(cheap)! All that to be a prisoner for 4 years. Yuk

[@wisencareful4645]

I’m a wealthy guy by most standards but it took me until 68yrs of age to realise what you have found earlier in life that wealth is fantastic but you can only eat so much lobster as my son said to me one day recently. I now have stepped out of running our businesses & work 3 x days at a food kitchen for the poor in our city. Never have I had so much enjoyment helping others. I regularly donate anonymously when the kitchen is low on funds & have bought new equipment for the kitchen. No one has any idea it’s from our family, my son reckons he’ll now have his Dad around another 10ths & daughters too. My appreciation of my family has grown hugely. I’m able to do little things for many people again anonymously & see & hear first hand their lives change & improve. If you are in a wealth position you have the mental make up for change & I can only recommend doing something similar.

[@triniprinceravi]

This is such an inspiration thank you for sharing.

[@jeffmiller6187]

I too, at some point at 55yrs of age have realize the same thing

[@CallSignWhiplash]

Becoming a good man is a lifetime journey, were doing the best we can to make it 🫡

[@lynfoxx]

😅​@@jeffmiller6187

[@FastProProductions]

Your son was just the messenger that God used to bring you closer to Our heavenly Father

[@herbertbinoya1126]

This is the first time I stumbled on your YT videos> I'm not in to sailing, yachting or or whatever, but man, your eloquence and being a real gentleman really hits. Not a single negative word or comments. you now have my like & subs. 🙂

[@libertyone5853]

Tristan, you are a VERY honorable man with a exceeding amount of INTEGRITY. Money does NOT buy happiness. You made the correct decision.

[@jacobsmithjr]

I totally get it. I think people who are older with more life experience agree with your decision. Life and time are so precious. You spent 20 years yachting. It's time to change things up a little. Good luck and God bless to you and the Mrs.

[@remraf72]

Great video Tristan! Kudos to you for joining the "club" of financial independence. It was a tremendous and generous offer but more importantly your ability to be in a position to decline such an offer is of much more significance. I wish you and your lovely wife continued happiness, health and business success. Warmest Regards from Arizona.

[@alanhiggins299]

"A Way Of Life", Oh! I always thought it meant, "Absent With Out Leave". 😂🤣😂

[@martinsaunders2942]

I absolutely get that. I was also a super yacht captain for 27 years, mainly the Med, Caribbean and East coast USA. Like you, I worked with my wife for 16 of those years. In 2008 I flew to NY for an interview with someone who was buying a 65meter Benetti.. I got the job..but, on the flight back, I woke up at some point and had a bit of an epiphany and decided that I really didn’t want to commit to another four or five years. Also, with age, it was becoming a little more difficult to deal with owners who won’t take responsibility for their own decisions or actions…So I stopped. And am very happy that I did. Yachting is a fantastic career, if you have the right character for it, and I hugely enjoyed it..ultimately both the good and the bad times. My daughter is also still on the yachts..I think she has also done 20 years!! How time flies when having fun! Thanks for the videos, always good to watch 👍

[@tushugars]

Money is not always a good motivator. Great to see a young man with values. All the best.

[@jenkins1017]

After a few years working on a glass fabrication production line and being miserable, i landed what a thought was a dream job as a precision machinist that came with high pay and quarterly bonuses. The working environment was so miserable, I've never been so unhappy at a job. When the orders slowed down and lay-offs were imminent I was the first to volunteer. I took a long time off because I couldn't stand the thought of starting another job doing the same thing everyday. Eventually I saw an ad for a carpenter's apprentice position and I jumped at the chance. I love what I do now and the people I work with are amazing. I make less money, but I am happier than I've ever been. Money is NOT everything.

[@SailorGerry]

If you live in North America, there is an incredible shortage of people in the construction trades, including of course, carpenters. There is not enough people entering apprenticeships, and given the expected retirements coming down the pipeline, the situation is near-critical. Best if luck in your new career!

[@sandlmv8301]

Tristan I am certainly one of the viewers who thought you are mad for refusing this amazing offer. However, the explanation you gave and the points you made led me to believe you made the right decision. Very interesting video. Cheers mate.

[@ricgold100]

Congratulations on your ethics! I have been a captain for 30 years and I had a similar situation a couple of weeks ago and also declined. Balance and happiness with the family are the most important everyday goals I always had.

[@go5582]

Hi RG. I enjoyed reading your comment. Question, Do you know what boat Cristian is speaking of? How much do you think this trip will cost the owner of the boat to sail around the world? Thanks

[@ricgold100]

@@go5582 Hi G O, It depends on several factors: size of the boat, speed, routes to take, how many in the crew , etc. Rule of thumb on maintenance of a yacht says that yearly with a use of 200 hrs is about 8-10% of the original cost of a yacht. My last trips from Florida to NY in a 135’ trideck were around $100k not including crew of 6. Regards

[@mr.kcfromthe8138]

Do you mind if I ask what is the avg yearly pay? I think it's easier to comprehend turning it down if the avg base is a good chunk as well.

[@two-crew-guy2734]

Anyone know the yacht builder he's talking about

[@martinmoore7920]

@@two-crew-guy2734 yes I do...

[@darrellhandbury6330]

I was happy to hear that you know and get along with Rico and Victoria from NuatiStyles . NuatiStyles and super Yacht Captain are my two favorite yachting channels.

[@paulfrost4678]

That just adds to your integrity as a human being, as you said most people would have said yes in a heartbeat. As you won’t mention your bottom 3 yacht brands , although we’d all love to know . What are your top 3 yacht builders.

[@roryseppanen2935]

That would be a great video

[@sdtok527]

I think he once mentioned he liked Feadship. Not sure about top 3 though

[@seatravel8536]

Life changes and age tend to change priorities and perspectives. Mad respect for putting principles over money.

[@wdwerker]

Sounds like you made a wise choice. 4 years on a sub par yacht is bound to encounter problems and breakdowns exacerbated by remote location and supply chain restrictions. If he’s buying a boat that plenty of captains don’t consider quality tells me he isn’t listening to the advice of knowledge.

[@joecarson3379]

I wonder what yacht builder he is referring too?

[@Tomm9y]

Good decision making. Balancing family, health, suitable work is so important.

[@daviddellit8344]

That is an amazing story, and it is a credit to you that money is not the only thing that matters to you. Awesome!

[@rrrfrazierable]

I was spellbound while you told your tale! I think you should teach yachting class at university, if there is such a thing. It's a nod to wisdom that at a certain point, money can become a burden. I don't want to know the bottom three yacht builders, what about top 5? This was great!!! Keep it coming!

[@harrythecod7976]

Really?

[@georgerydberg4393]

It’s so nice to see someone choose life over money. Congratulations!

[@Tauhaar]

Hi Tristan. You not prepared to name the bottom 3, but would you be able to mention who in your opinion are the top 10 manufacturers?

[@davidhalliday7776]

Smart move! I took a 50% pay cut 8 years ago and went back to technical work from an executive-level position. This removed a very heavy travel burden and finally allowed me to live and be part of my kid's childhood. Money is not everything, in fact, often, the more money you have, the more miserable you are.

[@dam1108]

You are not mad. There's a reason why you declined. Glad to see you again. So sad I was not able to get to Ft Lauderdale while you were here (I live in south Florida). The time the meet and greet was just didn't work out.

[@JanoSoto]

So much Respect Tristan! 🙏🏼 Takes a lot of Integrity and Wisdom to get to that point, you are a guy I'm sure I would love to have a Beer with! Sorry for the guys who say they would spend 4 years in jail for 1 million dollars. They just don't get it... It's about the WOL 😉

[@theirishman8356]

Sounds like you made the right decision. 4 years is quite the commitment even for a million dollar sign on bonus. ☘️🇺🇸

[@edf2953]

Excellent video Tristan. I think you made the right decision and for the right reasons. I’m retired from a career in management consulting, thus I’m not familiar with your industry, nor have I ever been offered a million dollar signing bonus. I spent a good portion of my career with Arthur Andersen, where the culture of the Firm taught me to always “Think Straight and Talk Straight”. Knowing you only through your videos, I sense you follow this mantra instinctively. While a million dollars is a lot of money, I don’t think that money is what makes us happy. You are smart enough to know that working on a ship which is not built to your standards, sounds like a recipe for disaster. Armed with a fantastic job offer, you traveled home, spent time discussing this opportunity with your wife and came to a very sensible conclusion. You should be proud of yourself for having the courage to turn down this opportunity. You definitely took the time to “Think Straight and then Talk Straight” as you declined this position. You are a better man because of your decision. My sense is that your future will be quite rewarding and fulfilling. All the best to you my friend.

[@theycallmeboopa2595]

I've learned that family is the wealthiest a person can be. Kudos to your smart thinking and not rash decisions. Everyone is different. I've asked many of my wealthy friends what it's like. One answered with the money you make you would be too "IF" you didn't have 9 kids. I told him to keep the money, my life is full of excitement and never bored. Love my family and wouldn't trade it for anything. Understand we are a blended family with adoptive as well. God has blessed us and life is grand.

[@bahardin3992]

@Boopa ; good that you put family as priority. Tell you what, if you have children, especially teenage sons and daughters - ever occurred to you that they wish Daddy would be more rich, more money for the family esp them children? Ask them during quiet time over a fire underneath the stars. They might just open up and say, wish Daddy would buy them that car on their 18 birthday, wish Daddy could send them to that elite/ expensive College, wish Daddy would.. lots of other son and daughter expectations. Daddy and mommy are happy as a family but we the children just wish you have more.. usually it's more money. Points to ponder when you have children growing up and soon leaving the nest.

[@theycallmeboopa2595]

@@bahardin3992 understood, our kids didn't have too many wants. We traveled a lot, helped them when buying first cars etc.., but they were taught same as I was. If you want something work for it, you will respect it. Things given are taken for granted 90% of the time. Some did college, some Marines, they had 2 choices when they graduated high school. They had the choice. I didn't force anything. Seems girls choose college and boys military. Proud of all of them. Well 1 boy chose college, but he got a full ride on wrestling scholarship. We just didn't have that BIG money if u know what I mean. We were comfortable most of the time, had some times of fund issues. I could go on for hours, but I understand where you are coming from.

[@3-2-1-.]

Sometimes it is best to do what others will not. "A Way Of Life" is very interesting. As a veteran of the US Army, AWOL will always mean to me, Absent WithOut Leave. Big bad trouble. Nobody owns an acronym, so good luck to you! I completely understand the hesitancy to work a ship that you know isn't right. Too much potential trouble. If he was cheap on the boat, who knows where else that will show up? Because it will. Fair Winds and Following Seas to you and yours.

[@patriciagassor4497]

You will never really know Tristan if you made right choice but taking the decision for happiness and you own dreams is worth more than paper money, thank you for sharing your story with us. You both sound such a nice couple and it would be such a shame to end up unhappy and tied into something you wre never 100% with.

[@JoseNunez-pu1mh]

Stong heart. Love and family is turely first. This is proof of faithfully clear minded person you are and have a blessed marriage. GOD BLESS YOU BOTH.

[@paulkersey2179]

I can tell you from experience, nothing, compares to the day, your child brings home thier child and you see the future in thier eyes. If that is what your planning, you will not regret it for one minute. Your blessed with a great life. Enjoy.

[@Skyfire-x]

I spent 24 years in the restaurant biz, from cook and server to general manager. Working holidays, no real vacation time. After reacting to every stage of COVID lockdowns, I hit a breaking point where I had to walk away. I've been enjoying the last couple months of peace and quiet, enabled by some modest investing success. Nothing luxurious, but adequate for my needs.

[@549BR]

You are not only a great Captain, you and your wife are persons of high principle. Very few like the two of you; congratulations.😉

[@nieuwegeljo5645]

I very much appreciate that you both find your happiness more important than money. It is something one does not see much these days. It will certainly make you and your wife better persons and and add more to the quality and happiness of your lives. So in one word: "SUPER"!

[@thereviloza]

Tristan, I have the world of rtespect for you. As a South African i know that oppertunities come to face but you "Are the change that happens" Money does not make the man respect and family does, Well done "Super Yacht Captain" Keep us in suspence for your next adventure

[@phillo1818]

it is rare and it is refreshing to see someone who is not motivated by money alone.

[@Far2hip]

I don’t understand why anyone would think you were nuts for not taking the offer. The reasoning makes me want to find a captain of my build more along the line of your character for sure. That was an incredibly sensible and responsible decision. As I stated, it makes you as a captain even more desirable because you have a clear head on your shoulders and you prioritize sound family life quality over grand ambition regardless of personal cost. I’ve never met you personally, but I can imagine that any crew would truly enjoy working under your supervision. A happy crew makes for a much better experience on the water. Quality as an attraction, not just money. Good move. 👍🏻😎👍🏻

[@ksandhoff1]

Good for you! Money is not everything. It can not buy happiness, but loving what you do as I do makes it worth living!

[@EuroGuy85]

Thanks for the great stories and content you create, it's pretty cool to hear real life stories from the yachting industry. Maybe in the future you can do a video as to what's going on with your former colleagues from AWOL, an update of how the crew has moved on in the industry and where are they now kind of thing; that's if you keep in touch with them or see them at a yacht show or run into them in another port.

[@lulla3]

Excellent story! It's great to be able to get this clarity of what life is all about and say what you said. Money Is important to pay for a lot of stuff, but it should not be the final goal of one's life.

[@yuhHornerman]

That lighting burned through my eyes and out the back of my skull, and gave my neighbor 5 houses down cancer. There are no words. RIP the multiverse

[@christophbrunner-schwer5224]

Chapeau Tristan, all my respect for your decision. You are right to do so. I did something similar. I downgraded the yacht size and I am now on a smaller one but I have my life quality back.

[@dreamlife2351]

Much respect to you and your wife , for what I also think is an excellent decision. I had the good fortune to live on Hilton Head Island in the 1980’s. I came from humble beginnings ( military family) but was well traveled by 21 years old. I was shocked at the power plays, back stabbing, adultery and just plain old injustice of how people in public service were treated. Yes, I met lovely caring business people too , plenty of yachts,but my lessons were learned. It’s the journey not the destination of life that makes me happy. Still modest but my family and grandchildren will always know that their time with me is the most valuable possession I have. Aloha from Hawai’i 🌺

[@LocoCoyote]

My estimation of you and respect has just jumped by magnitudes. Good on you for not letting the big payday blind you to what's important in life. Respect, Sir!

[@rodneyferguson446]

I can see your point about the Money not being a Prime Consideration. If you are committed for 4 years to a Boat design/Build that you basically hate, then it will be 4 years of hating being there.

[@guscarlson7021]

I've been to seeral weddings and funerals. Trust me on this, you haven't missed anything. If I could have been working on a yacht instead, I would have.

[@honeymcdonald9120]

Unusual for a Brit to be so up himself he needed to share this!!

[@johnd1727]

Yes - extraordinary. My experience with very rich people is they are generally very tight with their money - which is how they got there in the first place. I have also noted that only the invisible rich list are in any way shape or form trustworthy - and if offered employment you never meet the principal until the very last - and sometimes not at all. So being offered a million dollar wage never mind a million dollar starting bonus is straight out of Disneyland - and could be much worse because almost certainly illegality can be assumed. And all this in a bar? The alarm bells in your head should be deafening. Hmmm. Subscription cancelled. Pity.

[@edwardlees4585]

I think you made the right decision. The money isn't everything in such circumstances. I was offered the job of managing a language school in St Barts in the Caribbean by my former boss and discussed it with my wife. We decided to stay in mainland France due to the uncertainty involved for both of us and the fact that it might be paradise but the cost of life is high and not necessarily covered by the salary.

[@malcolmvanhilten125]

Choice is the ultimate luxury in life. Congrats to you and your Mrs for having worked hard and delayed your gratification to giving yourselves this size of choice. I am sure after this vid the owner would have wanted you on board all the more.

[@Venom2U]

Tristan, I understand your sentiment completely. I work in a VERY very lucrative field myself. It's a stressful and performance-oriented field. And for years and years I was all about buying this or that new shiny toy. New truck, cars, second house, RV's, Air craft ECT........ But in the last few years I've gotten to the point where everything is paid off........ I don't owe anything on anything. I know! "such a terrible position to be in LOL" But it really sapps my motivation to go out and work. I keep asking myself "why? why do I put myself through this? To add a few zeros to my bank account?" It's gotten to the point that I took off 2021 and 2022 completely. Even though my customers were/are offering stupid levels of money to come back and work their projects........ Point being: once you position yourself into a good place in life money loses its influence to a large degree........

[@seantwomey396]

Tristan, I would love to see your generic check list for buying a brokerage yacht if you are advising the owner. Let’s say 60 meters 6 guest cabins with limited chartering. What are the top 3 important things age, hours, crew capacity, brand etc vs what can be changed in a refit - cosmetic issues. What are the recommended toys that guests love and what is not worth it. How many crew do you recommend and what positions? How many engine hours suggest a zero hours overhaul is needed? How far from the galley to the dining tables? You have lots of stock videos you can use to illustrate good vs not so good so as to conclude best in class. Focus on value and practicality. What things make a crew happier and how many inflatables are 1 too many? What software or management tools are worthwhile. - safety, crewing, charter management, purchasing? I know your insight would be invaluable and you could also write a companion article for a magazine or a broker. This could further your brand. Call it the Good, the Bad and the Ugly or 10 tips to choose your next yacht. In the meantime you and Gib need to start on the 2040 green crew ;-) Stay well.

[@InvestmentAngels]

Great idea, Sean 👍 I would also love to learn more about the issues mentioned above and I am sure Tristan could do a terrific job in this.

[@nyali2]

@@InvestmentAngels I think that is his business now.

[@petergibbs]

Tristan, you and your wife did the right thing. As much as the planned voyage interested you. Four years is a long time to be stuck with NOT being able to start a family when that is what you both want to do. Further you know the reasons why the boat builder is in your bottom three superyacht builders. That in itself points to a frustrating time for her future captain.

[@bengone3349]

Tristan, you and your wife have you heads in the right place, and your principals are rock solid. Looking forward to seeing you at the helm of a super yacht.

[@robertbennett6697]

Every day he sits around unemployed greatly reduces the chances of that ever happening again.

[@keendeesjarlais3636]

you mean his mrs, has her heart set on kids . principals? a noun completely without validity in this context. he won't see the bridge of a canoe let alone yacht, because he won't say no the wife

[@dive4josvic]

I love the way you deliver the stories inside yachting industry.

[@mattsandilands6380]

My boat is also called AWOL. she’s not exactly a supper yacht more like a 45ft narrowboat but she’s my home and I love her very much.

[@philosoraptor777]

For a 1973 build, she's lovely :)

[@mattsandilands6380]

@@philosoraptor777 Thank you Eddie, no one has ever said that to me about her. I have to ask … how do you know that she was built in 1973 ?

[@pascalcoole2725]

Never seen your channel before, But you certainly give mee the feeling that you are a good man.

[@JZafra-h2t]

I live in Miami I was a tugboat captain for 20 years I had no lifestyle I bought a sailboat I live on my sailboat and I try to enjoy life a freelance I have a couple of good clients I run their yacht and I tried to go home every day that is priceless I feel so much better and I really enjoy life at the age of 50 enjoy life my friend life is only one 👍

[@ricktomlin5529]

Money is definitely not everything! It’s very pleasant to see you making a choice, with your wife, and being happy that you’d made it. No choice is every wrong it is just a new and different path to take. Good luck in your next great choice and hopefully fatherhood is one of those!!

[@rudideghelt]

As usual Tristan, you know how to share your little and big moments in your life. Nice story and I can understand but it must not be easy to refuse such an offer. I now know that it will take a starting bonus of two million :):)😀😀😀😀🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏👍👍👍👍

[@donbaxley5530]

I agree with you completely! I have always told my family never enter a bargaining situation being weak. You have to be able to say no for what ever reason you choose.

[@eaunan]

Excellent video / commentary and story... very captivating. I completely understand your decision!! As far as my reasons for understanding your decision, I'll not go into that here... but if we ever have a chance to chat together (with your wife too, of course) at a boat show like Miami's or some spot in the Med, then I'll be happy to exchange stories like these over a pint! 👍💯 (And I really like your current direction with the SYC channel... well done!)

[@josh_bfc_2769]

Definitely made the right choice Tristan. Putting the caption on to your next video to watch says it all.

[@MyBelch]

Another tall-poppy slayed as Red Cross rides off into the sunset, honor restored and virtue intact. Spenser would be proud. I've never owned a boat and don't live anywhere near water. While I never watch these kinds of videos, KZbin recommended it. As soon as I read the caption and saw the thumbnail, I knew it would be a saga of a high-minded and noble seafarer rebuffing the boastful and vain offer of a braggart (American) full of pretentious self-pride. I was almost 100% correct; assumed it would be a wholesome and virtuous Kiwi. The well-worn narrative is threadbare.

[@stephenkayll5241]

Enjoying this vlog and then my ears pricked up when you mentioned the Gosling bar. Goslings is my favourite rum from my time living in Bermuda early 80's. Also a follower of Nautistyles and Aquaholic. I'm not surprised you declined the offer of employment. 4 years is a long time on one world tour. I would love to know the name of the boat builder, but I will never know!

[@ThoughtfulWander]

Quality of life is very important! Glad you made the right call for your family! 👍👍👊👊 Respect!

[@TheRemyRomano]

Completely understand. The drug smuggler story is funny. I worked for smuggler for five years and didn’t know it. Suspected it sometimes, but was still surprised when I found out.

[@simonmiller5118]

To receive an offer like that you must first be very very good at what you do. When you are that good you will also be very aware that you have choices. Freedom to choose is one of the cornerstones of being happy. You chose to remain free to choose. Worth every cent I'd say.

[@vincelardner330]

Thanks Tristan, you are 100% right, money does not equal happiness and you have to make decisions about what is best for the happiness of yourself and your loved ones. If you are short of money, extra helps, but if you have enough for your lifestyle of choice, then extra does not help, indeed it can ruin what you already have.

[@TheVoiceofRhett]

Props to you and Giv. Great heads and a great power couple. There's more to life than $$$$$$$$!

[@Sommers234]

I absolutely support your decision to pass on that offer. It's a huge commitment to keep further distance from your family and friends. The fact that it is a lower quality boat tells you something about the owner,too. $1000000 taxed really shouldn't change your life that much.

[@TChalla007]

I thought that was a bonus. Not salary. Still, I respect his decision.

[@YachtBuoy]

And there was me thinking that a 9-month deployment in the Royal Navy was a long time! Four years is a whole new level! I wonder if he would of let you film on-board had you of said 'yes'? If I had the boat and the money, I would probably offer you the same sort of 'golden handshake' :-) #fairwindsandfollowingseas

[@armondojbisignaniIII]

Captain Tristan, Wow , I'm new to channel and your such a Gentleman. I Was nervous wreck watching docking and such...but oh no big deal-your cool as cucumber...haha ! BRAVO. I am learning - you should TEACH SKILLSET. ? This was an interesting video today ( thinking , boy if I could ever find a guy like this in future... ) ...and here you turn down moola. Probably a very good idea , Balance in life is so hard to get it right. GOD BLESS , Good luck. BIG THANK YOU FOR SHARES.

[@maxflight777]

Start a family ! Nothing can compare to the love you feel being a father.

[@scottkidd1969]

Interesting story, you have to do what makes you happy in life. If you do anything solely for the money, you end up with a unfulfilled empty life. Bravo You made the right decision for you and your family.

[@bigstyx]

Tristan if I won the lottery in the United States I would offer you whatever you wanted to run my boat. And also give you whatever time you needed for your own personal issues. I think you’re a great guy and honest and I think that’s hard to find. Keep being a standup guy and maybe someday I’ll win the lottery and we can make a great business relationship between us until then I’ll keep watching and keep buying my tickets

[@darthkek1953]

You do know the industry is FULL of great captains, right?

[@keendeesjarlais3636]

you must work at Walmart-ha

[@johnlymn861]

Very interesting, so pleased you are putting your happiness and work balance in place. Money really doesn’t ultimately bring happiness, it just helps. All the best Captain Tristan with your future.

[@alanblasczyk1779]

A clear head and sound decisions prevail. You are a sound chap Tristen.

[@keendeesjarlais3636]

no, a dominant wife who put her foot down prevailed, bud

[@AucklandBlonde]

Good on you and your wife’s decision to continue with your original plan/ be true to yourselves…no amount of money can get time back

[@joegomez5807]

I am new to your channel. Good for you in making your choice. More money does not buy more happiness. I am now a subscriber

[@antoinecabrera8086]

You are a wise man .Bless you both of you as the familly is so more important. Good luck.

[@harrywebb6022]

You made the right decision and free Larry Hoover !!!

[@MrJohnBos]

The body guard was a big warning sign for me. I think you made the right decision.

[@paulkersey2179]

Funny, I was thinking the same thing. Insecure?

[@redwolfexr]

Not really, depends on what he did to earn the money. Frankly if he was insecure he wouldn't be travelling on yachts - which is pretty much a "no-gun zone." Even in the gun-happy USA we don't allow foreigners on visa to bring in guns.

[@paulkersey2179]

@@redwolfexr We are gun crazy.

[@Primalxbeast]

If he drives an expensive car and wears fancy clothes and an expensive watch, he could be a target for thieves. I'm personally not a fan of someone who would show off their wealth like that, but I could see why they might want a bodyguard.

[@CDSAfghan]

If I could offer a counter-persapective from the private security world. Security consultants may be most visible as a "bodyguard" but they could fulfill other roles: Highly trained chauffeur- peace of mind for driving the kids to school Social media awareness- the wealthy are major targets for phishing Travel coordination in less than friendly countries- just because you stay in a 5+ star doesn't mean the street over is safe Courier- moving sensitive material you can't transmit electronically Security plans- setting up cameras/sensors etc... K9 work- training the house pooch There's a lot more to it than just taking bullets or pushing over paparazzi.

[@olafschermann1592]

You are totally right. Once you are financial free 1 million doesn’t change your life. But before that it could help you becomming financially free.

[@robertyoung1506]

i have loved your AWOL and understand completely , good luck and hope to see you in the future .

[@Donald_Shaw]

Always enjoy listening to you and watching your videos. Wishing you nothing but the best.

[@nicoschilliochi9440]

God bless you brother. May you and your family be joyful.

[@dirkdorner701]

Hi Tristan, that is just the way to make decisions in life!!! I quote: "It is not improving our..." That is the point! So many people would have been tempted by the money, but money does not equal happiness. Good decision. To everybody telling Tristan, that he is mad for turning down this offer, sorry but you did not get it. Money is both nice and over-rated. If you need the money, if it improves your life... By all means take it. But if not, if you are "happy" where you are and the commitment might reduce your happiness, just say no. Tristan, should we ever meet in an anchorage or marina, beer will be on me. 🍻 Stay safe and happy Dirk

[@adamfischer6768]

Love the reasoning that the "sign on bonus won't improve our lives". Your wife must be very happy that your future plans together are more important then $$$!

[@LockportDan]

"More money doesn't necessarily make your happier". Brilliant. It seems when people accrue a lot of money they become obsessed with becoming even richer.

[@gordonlawrence1448]

Quality of life is the important point. Not having money is a big issue to quality of life but once you have everything you need and some on top then you really do not need more. What would you rather have, some friends over for a good meal once a week or a slightly better car and no friends?

[@FreeSailingTutorials]

Like many in the industry, I gave up a business and a decent career to go into sailing full time and then decided against super yachts, partly because I wasn't pretty enough and partly because I preferred sailing and racing. And I get your point entirely. It sounds like you're in a good position. Why screw it up for cash you don't NEED and hassle that is almost certainly going to come with a vessel you don't trust.

[@woody1851]

You're right. After reaching the point of independency, the focus switched from money to time. Time to enjoy, to meet new people, to learn, to teach, to explore. CU next month 🙂

[@mentonish]

Nice one, you did the right thing, money is not everthing

[@stevenzobel4517]

I have always liked the video s you have filmed I think that thay are very interesting I learn something from them god bless you and your wife I look forward to seeing next video