Hi and welcome to SB - you will find the whole range of people here from salt stained, grizzled old sea dogs who are part fish to the zero to hero types who have not been diving long and are still on a mission to spread the word. I fall between the two camps - first diving nearly 35 years ago, but then taking a fairly long break.
I think these days unless you have your own business, and are prepared to provide a full range of services from instruction through gear supply to air fills and servicing, that being a DM or instructor will never make you rich. Of course if you can find a business like this there may be job opportunities, but usually what I hear is that it is a young mans game and does not support a house and family for most people.
In my case diving, instruction and DM'ing is a hobby, and I simply try to break even, which I just about manage to do, except on gear purchases - I like toys
I don't shlep tanks or do any of the day to day work, but when I am away with work in the middle east I do turn up at the dive centre at every weekend, lead dives, teach, or if no-one needs guiding or lessons I just dive for myself and I get my tanks and food provided for free. I can stay at the dive centre for free as well if I want, but my company puts me up in a five star hotel only a few miles down the road when I am working so why bother?
I know many professionals trying to make a living don't like people doing what I do for free, or very cheaply as there is a belief that it takes work away from them, but in my case there is only one dive centre within 40 miles, it is struggling to survive because of where it is and low customer numbers, and they could not afford to pay me, or anyone else if I didn't help for free.
With me helping they can offer more dives and options than if they had to provide it all themselves so it works for me and them, and they are now good friends as well.
When I am back in the UK I teach through the BSAC club network that is not set up commercially.
What keeps me going is the buzz of taking someone for a safe dive or lesson and seeing the enjoyment and sometimes 'wonder' on their faces afterwards, and of course meeting lots of new and interesting people. It takes me away from a stressful job and lets me completely chill out.
When I no longer am travelling to the middle east as much and have to find something to fill the "buzz" spot in the UK I plan on qualifying and helping with one of the local disabled access schemes to help disadvantaged divers safely enjoy themselves
I hope you can find your inspiration. Best wishes and dive safe - Phil.
