Magnetic compass

Life will present you with countless opportunities as you live your life. But in a world full of misaligned goals and unexpected deviations, you have to set your own compass and find your true north.

“Repeat it again,” he dropped the telephone call, and I immediately checked what went wrong.

“Honest mistake,” I told myself as I erased the typo in today’s noon report.

It had been another mentally draining day after a long transit.

I was sleep-deprived, so I tried to understand.

“I hope he understands, too,” I sighed.

I continued working and took a moment to glance at a familiar figure on deck.

He spilled the paint. I observed a bit more. He forgot to switch off the ventilation fan. 

I took a deep breath and quietly said to myself, “I think I need to talk to him.”

The past few days had been busy. I hadn’t even had the chance to fix my bed or enjoy a proper meal. I’d be lucky enough if I could grab a plate of eggs for breakfast.

My work isn’t physically exhausting, but the mental fatigue can be overwhelming.

Unplanned changes, sudden port rotations, unexpected requests—“I guess I’m just too kind to refuse,” I muttered.

But if there’s one thing I value most about my work, it’s this: I’m often the first person others turn to when things go wrong.

My positivity seems to draw people closer. And yet, sometimes I wonder, has anyone asked if I’m okay?

We often hear the phrase, “It’s okay to not be okay.”

But the real question is, can I really admit when I’m not?

I plan ahead. I plot courses. I make sure the ship stays on the safest path.

Still, there are moments when I stop looking at the horizon and start watching the clock instead. Every second counts, especially when you’re an officer.

When others focus on pointing out errors in someone else’s compass,

I choose to do something different. I choose to guide. I choose to help others find their way.

To remind them that even when the path feels uncertain, they can still set their own direction.

Because in the end, we all have our own compass to follow—and our own True North to find.

This story reminds us that leadership is not only about giving direction, but also about understanding the weight others carry, including our own. Even the ones who guide others need moments of reflection and support.

As we conclude this trilogy, may we continue to look out for one another—offering kindness, encouragement, and guidance, one small act at a time.