Too Old for Going Pro?!

[bamamedic]

Most of the instructors I know really don't make much of a profit from their instructing. They make enough to cover their expenses (gear upkeep, transportation costs, etc), and sometimes make enough to cover some of their "fun" diving (boat charter fees, diving trips, and such), but none of the instructors I know teach as a primary occupation. It's more of a hobby than anything.

 

[Crowley]

You're never going to get rich as a full time instructor (at least in the holiday/vacation industry) unless you own a dive centre.

It is a passion, vocation, lifestyle, and it's really hard work, but it's the best thing I ever did in my life, ever. As an Egyptian, you will do well if you can succeed in the dive business, just make sure you are prepared.

Best wishes,

C.

 

[Louie]

32? Not too old at all!

The oldest newly-turned pro I ever met was in his sixties (just retired and wanted to do something exciting for once in his life, he said) and there are many just in this forum who are a lot older than 32. I didn't do my professional certs until I was in my thirties and felt I had some positive advantages that come with age and - hopefully - experience.

I don't believe a diving career will provide you with great riches but it might be good fun.

 

[SailNaked]

dive instructors are paid very well:

Rich sunsets, expansive views, wealthy relationships, Quality times, satisfying experiences. and they get to dive in some very expensive resorts. But if you are looking for money to keep or put in the bank, then save it up doing some other job so that you can join the wealthy dive instructors at their resorts. (my memory is that average is about 34k(US) a year.)

 

[bane51031]

I was 36 last year when I became an instructor and know of others that were how should we say "more seaoned than me" I teach as a hobby, I love to teach scuba and is rewarding in other ways, as far as $$$$$ I do make some, enough too buy some new toys and pay for some trips, but I hold a real job as well that pays the bills...

 

[Belmont]

You have to consider where he will be working. I don't think we can make a parallel between North America and Egypt.

What is the situation there, salaries, job opportunities?

The OP would be better placed to answer that question.

I would suggest he also takes courses in tourism with his scuba training. All this to make him a good canditate for a diving job.

Good luck Mohamed.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

I am considering a career change to recreational SCUBA Diving. I am 32. Do you think it is too late for me to become a divemaster or an instructor? Will I have relatively little potgential in this profession because of starting late, if late?

Wish I'd have started at 32.

I got OW certified at 49, and became an instructor at 52. I'm 58 now, and am contemplating dive instruction as a means to supplement my retirement income in a few years.

Age has nothing to do with it. Decide what you want to do, then work hard at becoming the best you can be at it. If you are good, you won't have to look hard for opportunities.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)