scuba full time?

[kb123]

Hi,

Im 20 years old live in london where i work in an office which i hate im thinking of taking a big risk and packing everything in to do a full internship in thailand and work as a full time instructor but im very apprehensive as of the wages and finding work after the internship has anyone got any advice? it would be much appreciated

 

[ZenDiver.3D]

Well, you must know that you will not make a fortune doing that. But you need to decide if you want to be rich or happy. In scuba, you usually aren't both. But the lifestayle is fantastic. I get to do what I love all the time. My day at the grind is filling tanks and going diving. It's watching my students' faces the first time they find that stingray. It is a great feeling.

 

[DevonDiver]

Have a LOT of money in the bank. Earnings aren't great and you need to ensure you can cope for a few months without work, so that you won't have to limp home unceremoniously.

Be prepared for hard work. Typically, you will be awake and working before dawn...and won't be leaving the dive center until after dark. Once you are working, you can easily be there 7 days a week... especially if you are working in an instructor rota for commission.

That said... it is enormous fun. You'll love it. The lifestyle is great. The people are great. It's a once in a lifetime dream that you will never regret doing.

Don't be discouraged though. Thousands of people do this... however, most do it as a sabbatical for a few years, rather than aiming to make it a lifetime career. Be realistic about it... but get out there and ENJOY LIFE!!!

 

[kb123]

yeah thanks for your response i understand what youre saying i mean the internship im thinking of doing includes a work placement at the end of the course as long as i have enough to get by il be happy sio i geuss you dive full time?

 

[DevonDiver]

Those 'work placement' internships are normally unpaid. It's a good way to get experience after qualification, but you'll need to have money to support yourself during this time.

As you do the work placement, you would be emailing your CV to dive shops and also doing 'walk-in' to any schools in your area. You need to 'network' a lot to find work. Most dive centres hire instructors based on a personal recommendation.

If you speak extra languages, that definitely helps get more work.

 

[kb123]

really ok as i do not currently earn a decent living i might have to re think the whole situation