Emma Hayward is a 30-year-old sailor who splits her time between an Antarctic research vessel, Rhode Island, and living on a boat that she fixed up. (@emmastoryhayward)

Growing up on Cape Cod with parents who worked on boats, Emma never wanted an office job or predictable life—which is why she keeps building a life at sea, even as her friends settle down and start families.

Emma describes her journey from a “schooner bum” to a dirtbag rich captain and boat owner who works 3-4 months/year to cover her costs and accumulate savings. Crucial to this journey was securing a position on a 300-foot Antarctic research vessel, where she launches scientific gear as part of climate-related projects.

How do people make money with boats? Emma walks us through the options, from crewing fancy yachts (lucrative but not so purposeful) to charter day-trips (lucrative and somewhat purposeful) to outdoor education on tall ships (very purposeful but horribly paid). She touches on power and gender dynamics at sea, dealing with boredom and monotony, and the challenge of maintaining friendships and romantic partnership when spending so much time away.

Emma also tells the story of her gap year (and a half) when she sailed from Hawaii to San Diego with her dad, as well as a recent voyage from Rhode Island to Ireland that ended with a week of dodging container ships amid thick fog.

Full transcript: dirtbagrich.com/emma