Web Monkey:I know about 2 dozen instructors and divecons, including several instructor certifiers. They all have real jobs and teach SCUBA because they like it. If you haven't sold all your stuff yet, I'd suggest keeping (or finding) a regular job, and teaching SCUBA in your spare time.
There are people that "make a living" teaching SCUBA, but unless you own the shop, it's only possible if you redefine your standards for what "making a living" is.
Terry
You've got the right idea. There's a huge difference between making a living and making a career.
If you want to get by, own little, work 'til your health fails then go on some kind of government sponsored care program.... then diving can work.
To have a "career", own property, work but have others working for you so you can take some time off every now and then, save up for some retirement and such... you are probably going to have to own the business.... and that's no guarantee either.
I know a few guys who've basically worked in scuba for years, and during the good times they may have 2 grand in the bank, a rental apartment to live in, a used car or motorcycle, beer money and friends. Not much else.
It's a great lifestyle for a while, a career, who knows?
later,