“If I didn’t step out of my comfort zone, this dream would’ve remained just that—a dream.”

Neale Donald Walsch once said, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” For Juan Carlos “JC” Buenconsejo, 30, those words became a guiding light in his journey from the familiar smell of brewed coffee to the vast, unpredictable ocean.

Once a barista at Starbucks, JC was used to the rhythm of city life—the hum of coffee machines, the warmth of regular customers, the comfort of routine. But deep inside, he carried a dream that brewed stronger than any cup he served: a dream of a better life for his family.

And so, he took a leap.

From land to sea, JC began a new life as a bar waiter aboard a cruise ship. The work was harder than anything he imagined—10 to 13-hour shifts, demanding schedules, and the constant pull of homesickness. But the purpose behind every long day kept him grounded.

“It was really hard at first,” JC admits. “You wake up early, work long hours, and if your assigned bar is busy, you stay until it’s manageable or someone can replace you. Rest hours are short, and you just keep pushing.”

Behind the physical exhaustion and emotional toll, JC’s eyes remained set on one thing: his dream of owning a home for his family.

“Since I was a child, we’ve always rented. I’ve always wanted a house I could truly call ours. If I didn’t leave my comfort zone—if I had stayed where things were safe—that dream wouldn’t be possible. The difference in salary, the opportunity, the growth… it’s life-changing.”

There are still days when the weight of responsibility feels heavy. JC balances not only his duties on board, but also the unspoken promise he made to the people waiting for him back home.

“It’s not always easy to provide, especially when you also have personal bills and commitments. But I thank God I’m able to give my family what they need. That’s what keeps me going.”
On board, JC found more than just a job. He found camaraderie. He found people who understood—who were also far from home, chasing dreams, making sacrifices.

To fellow seafarers and those considering a life at sea, JC shares his heart: “Patuloy lang tayo sa pangarap natin. Huwag na huwag nating kalimutan kung bakit tayo sumasampa—para sa pamilya, para sa kinabukasan. Sa kabila ng pagod at sakripisyo, unti-unting natutupad ang pangarap. Mabuhay ang mga marinong bayani.”

And to the new generation—those sipping lattes in between shifts, wondering if there’s more to life—he says: “If you’re dreaming of a different path, and you feel ready, take that first step. Working onboard isn’t easy, but if you know your ‘why,’ you’ll make it through.”