Here's my take on it. I am 68, been diving for about 20 years but only active for 9. Im a retired engineer and been retired for 5 years. Just finished my DM and started DM'ing for a local dive shop. While in the DM class I wanted to become instructor and investigated the heck out of it. Another DM friend of mine told me he would never become an instructor for several reasons. It wasn't going to be his career, too much money to continue the rating and insurance, too much paperwork. I decided to stay a DM. Why? After DM'ing for several classes I was there to help, to go where needed, to set up, to take down, to interact with students when asked but didn't have to interact with all the students. I watched the hours of paperwork that my shop goes through and after a career of paperwork I didn't have to do it for diving. So, I highly recommend becoming a better and more experienced diver whatever that means for you. Rescue diver was a breakthrough for me focusing on others rather than myself. DM really made me a better diver and made me realize a lot of things that I can do to help others without a lot of the legal and ethical responsibilities. I make zero dollars DM'ing. I might get a discount on equipment, free air, a ride with instructors to the test site, and thanks for helping out. But I did it not for the dollars but for the interest, the activity and the fun. BTW, I'm signed up to DM on warm water and 100' vis dive trips but that list at my shop is mighty long. I fear I am doomed to 6' vis and 65 degree water for a while. But if I can help I will. Keep blowing bubbles!