Living the Dream...

[tobi]

I know there has to be somebody out there who has taken a leap of faith and left their 9-5 boring job to pursue their dream of being a dive instructor. I would like to hear from somebody who has done this. I would like to know about the schooling, the job search afterwards, the pay, the day to day stuff, etc. I have toyed with the idea of becoming a dive instructor for a very long time and would love to hear someone's inspiring story. Thanks!!

[tobi]

Dear Tobi,

You should go for it!!!

[tjsmith1979]

I have recently acheived my Open Water Scuba Instructor, I work in IT as a Senior Systems Engineer and have left a 100K+ job to do what I feel in love with after my Open Water Course. This doesnt make anyone rich, your annual insurance is about $700AUS Dollars plus a $600 PADI Exam + any of the other additional costs, I think I paid about close to $4000 dollars to earn about $160 dollars a day net. It is a fanastic lifestyle... I have left a complete stressful position and now actually love my job, exploring the world. It is not for everyone but it is something to be proud of once you have finished it. Go For It

[colonelwes]

Tobi, contact Jeff, the Dive Master
at www.suenodelmar.com, Westend, Honduras...he lives the dream daily, left his job in a big city ten years ago and loves his lifestyle now.

[d!ver]

Tobi - I actually registered on the forum in search of answers to this very question. I have been helping a local dive shop get up and running but would LOVE to unplug from my IT Systems Admin job and keep my gills wet with a job in diving. Let me know if you collect any more information in your search and I'll certainly do the same. Happy diving, see you on the underside.

[David Z]

Tobi,

I instructed for about five years...many years ago! I kept my engineering job, however; never really got too serious about taking numbers of students. I cherry-picked, and had a wonderful time; certified every friend & family member that had interest. It never made me much money, but I've had 29 years of great dive buddies & trips as a result.

A lot depends on what you're willing to live without (expense-wise) and where you're willing to live. If you love people, have a loooong fuse (for slow learners, people with an attitude, etc) and if you like teaching and speaking in front of a group, then chances are you'll love being a dive instructor.

There are a considerable number of things to know very well: first aid, CPR, and your basic panic & recovery skills. You should be meticulous about having things in their place and beign good about equipment maintenance. Depending on what kind of an outfit you work for/with/under, you'll have to do more or less maintenance; but you should know how to do basic overhauls.

If you love marine life and are willing to learn it well, you can bring much joy to your students by teaching them how to do three things:

1) Go very slow;
2) Learn to OBSERVE, not just cover territory;
3) Relax and enjoy the meditative aspect of our sport.

After almost 30 years' diving and almost always an instructor at heart, I have never been more in love with the sport. Teaching is a challenge, but brings many rewards. To be frank, it is wise to have some savings set aside for slow times. Then get your instructor rating(s) and GO for it!