Is 43 too old to become an instructor?

[reginthemouth]

I'm in a life changing state right now. Becoming a dive instructor is one of the options
in front of me. My question is: am I employable as an instructor at 43?
Or if I really want to pursue that idea, go for the IDC and then open my own shop.
By the way, I live in Asia and the dive shop would be in the Philippines or Thailand.
This question is for the dive pros around this site.

 

[CBulla]

I'd say go for it, why leave life with "what ifs" and "I shoulda"... live life to its fullest dude!

 

[Doc]

Is this a "social" question or a "business" question?

Social? Absolutely- go do it, no sense in lying on your deathbed saying, "I wish I woulda..."

Business? Trying to put together your retirement account or put the kids through college? A tough road.

 

[reginthemouth]

I would say business.
I'm willing to invest the time, the resources and whatever it takes. Am I off by thinking I'm employable in the dive industry? I would appreciate constructive opinions.

 

[The Kraken]

I certainly hope not, because I was 57 when I got my instructor's cert.

the K

 

[Spratman]

go for it, bud!

K,

Good to hear! I'm 53 and figured I'd take up instructing to keep me busy when I retire! I'm not looking at it for dollars, since for the vast majority, it'll get you gear discounts and boat trips. Good enough for me!!

 

[Don Wray]

I also hope not. I'm 51 and going for it in November.

 

[jiveturkey]

Become an instructor but don't count on it to eat.

 

[Steve R]

Holy smokes krack! I took you for a lot younger (never checked any profile to confirm or deny though).

Given the 3 cent a hour the OP's likely to pull in, I think the reality is almost anyone is employable because it's nothing more than a burger-joint job.

What you're not telling us is if you need an income, or you don't need to bother with that minor detail and are in it for the fun.

I think your age is irrelevant....but I am younger than you lol.

 

[ianw2]

As others have posted...I hope NOT! I'm about to complete my DM at 49.

Years ago, someone who was in their 40's asked Dear Abby if they should go back to school and get a degree. Her response was that in 5 years the person would be 45. The only difference was if they wanted to be 45 WITH a degree or WITHOUT a degree. The time and the age are superfluous.

Just do it.

Ian