Why I quit teaching Scuba Diving after traveling the world...

[@Raybrienza]

I have been teaching Scuba for 38+ Years (SSI), 30 years (SDI/TDI). Im in Colorado, USA. I have been diving since 1977. I started teaching in 1983. I started teaching when I was around 19/20, I just turned 60. I For the most part I have been a part time career instructor. (I still am involved at the dive shop between 30-40 hours per week.-- Part time ha ha ). I certify approximately 100-150 students per year. I did manage a dive shop for 3 years and attempted to buy it.... long story. I plan on continuing to teach into my 80's and diving into my 90's, If my health hold out. For a real job I am a Realtor, which allows me the flexibility to Dive when I want.

[@chrisrichardson4899]

As someone that has made the dive industry a career for 30 yrs after getting out of the military so long ago it really bugs me when I see instructors like you reach this decision, and frankly most do. My observation regards resort instructors (and was one for 5 yrs in Cayman) is that most do about 2 yrs, then the next big drop is at 5 years. Most that do the 10 it's more that you see do longer. My path involved what you described, moving into more management and the business and more specific types of instruction (Instructors and tech/cave in my case) that honestly pay much better and can be done as adjunct to the management/business side of the dive industry. I managed to support me, and eventually my family in the dive industry. Like you, I have dove and taught all over the world and cherish every moment of it, and yes, it is WORK. The industry doesn't/hasn't helped make a clear path to long term success in the industry, much of that is because low labour costs of new instructors and the revenue that comes for the big instructor mills and some agencies that have a business plan that is virtually MLM. Once you have been wringed out of money, have experience and deserve more, you get discarded. While I have done a more entrepreneurial path, and feel that it's needed to make this a lifelong career, I know that for most that degree of uncertainty just doesn't cut it. The industry has been shrinking the whole time I have been in it, much of that is on us for a bunch of reasons, the exploitive nature of how instructors are employed is one big piece of it. I am always open to discuss with any instructor facing what you have possible paths forward in the industry, because quite frankly we need people like you. I'm mid 50's, I am in the twilight of my dive career, and always when younger saw instructors like who I am now (older and experience) that hold on to try and prevent the younger generation from coming up and replacing them with contempt. That isn't how you grow something, we should be nourishing the next generation, not hitting them up like a ATM until they threaten our business by having bought all the cards and now in a place to compete with us. About 5 years ago, i was on the WRSTC board, and at 50, there were 2 of us at the table that age, we were the youngest by a decade plus. People setting standards that hadn't taught open water in any volume for decades, it was sad and infuriating all at once. There should have been faces like you at the table (and that isn't even going in to the fact you are a woman, and there was only one there, a decade older than me)

[@sashamuller7]

Good effort mate, I to manage to bring up a family over 30+ years dive instruction as well,NAUI 8177

[@OceanPancake]

Thank you for your sincere and in-depth analysis of the situation. For me I started teaching diving as a part time job during university. I did not have any other qualifications and continued to work in the dive industry 3 years after graduating because I loved it so much. I never really considered it a forever job, especially since I did not see many opportunities for growth. I have friends who have moved into management, safety diving, running their own shops and more. However aa you said, most of the instructors, especially in resorts and the popular places are churned out at faster rates than there is sustainable employment. I don't know what the solution is, but talking about it is the first step. I'd love to be more involved in supporting divers who want to make it a career and transition this industry into one that rewards experience.

[@outlaw565]

Good reasons, its a big responsibility. I like your sea shepherds shirt.

[@WordizbonDon]

And I just got into watching your videos. Good luck in your future endeavors.

[@OceanPancake]

That's all good :) I'll still be making a lot of content.

[@diegoperezsanchez5370]

I became an instructor back in 2019, worked until COVID and then stopped. For me, diving is a hobby and I am super happy this way. Sometimes I fantasize with the idea of traveling away and spending my time underwater, but the lack of career growth and low salaries bring me back to reality. One of my best friends is an instructor in Australia and not that long I had a chat with him about this, something you love doesn't necessarily have to be your job. I respect all the instructors and I love this world, but definitely better if I decide when I feel like diving and I don't do it because I have to.

[@OceanPancake]

Sometimes keeping a hobby a hobby is the better solution. Anyone who wants to go into teaching should be fully aware of what the job encompasses so we have the most passionate and dedicated people doing it. Also it's okay to admit if you get burnt our.

[@tsbrownie]

I never started teaching for several reasons. #1 I checked out liability insurance for instructors. They told me I would have to keep it FOR LIFE in case any of my past students ever had an accident! #2 Many people see diving as a daredevil/kamikaze/extreme sport and take bizarre chances. I put my life on the line too many times to save idiots. #3 Dive companies were selling equipment and dive tours to people who were an accident waiting to happen.

[@OceanPancake]

I was extremely lucky that the shops I worked for 100% supported my decision. If I didn't feel that a student should be certified. Then they would not force me to sign them off that way, I avoided most of those dangerous people. It's definitely still a tricky thing and I was in charge of many people's lives at a young age.. that is scary to think about and not many people fully understand.

[@AzulUnlimited]

Thank you for the shout out! Proud of you for making the decision that’s right for you. Now let’s see more of that freediving/boatlife 😍

[@OceanPancake]

You're such an inspiration in what you do. (Also rewatched it and of course your section has bad editing. Sorry haha)

[@AzulUnlimited]

@@OceanPancake Dude, it happens to all of us. Editing is a lot of work.

[@D.H.CE_FL]

One thing I've been wanting to look into is possibly teaching or being a dive master part time. I work in a career job and don't "need" the extra money, as much as I need to get in the water. Life is so busy, I think that if I could become a dive master or assistant instructor, it would keep me focused on getting in the water more often.

[@OceanPancake]

Part time work is a great option for many people who want to push their hobby a little bit, but don't want to move away completely from their "real job". I worked with many such instructors. They were all dedicated and almost had a fresher and more positive view on the whole experience because it was rarer.

[@Raybrienza]

Do it.... become an instructor.. it has rewards beyond money. The money I make teaching part-time pays for my diving habit.

[@leighsutton8840]

If you're not willing to take the long days the same as you take the short days you're going to be disappointed with any job

[@OceanPancake]

That's definitely true. In diving though, use found that most of the time, the days are quite long. Therefore people need to be prepared to do it with a smile. A positive attitude is vital to keep team moral up and provide a pleasant environment that our oceans deserve.

[@It-b-Blair]

Capitalist copium 😂😂 between the fact wealthy people work less than those who aren’t, to studies on how high stress jobs are done to a higher proficiency when work hours are reduced, and several other points… life gets hard without people trying to drag others, no need to do it here.

[@leighsutton8840]

@@It-b-Blair hahaha. Nobody gets wealthy by not working

[@Jessicuh214]

Can you please make a ship wreck dive video? New to diving and found your channel! You had me binging your videos about scuba! 🎉

[@OceanPancake]

I'm so glad you found my channel! I'd love to make a video about ship wrecks, I'm actually planning to dive the Yongala soon. :)

[@jonnieinbangkok]

If you wanna have fun diving, and see interesting places and beautiful marine life, the last thing to do is become a scuba diving instructor. The dirty little secret of the industry is that the pay is peanuts (this actually isn't so secret...just go read the Scuba Board forum). The hours are long and the work is grueling; and 60% of the time you'll be teaching totally green, nervous, and panicky (sometimes even non-swimmers) Discovery Scuba Diving walk-ins and Open Water students. The next 20% will be AOW students, the the last 20% all the other gimmicky courses most dive agencies sell. Of course, all this work for low pay will leave little time, or money, for your own diving and travel. The only ones who make real money in the scuba industry are the dive shop owners, some sectors of the liveaboard industry, and of course the dive certifying agencies themselves, who are happy to take your hundreds of dollars in annual dues, while providing precious little of value in return!

[@OceanPancake]

All very true! It's funny that in hindsight all the stressful divers and students never came up as one of the reasons I stopped teaching diving... as much as I may have disliked it in the time. I mostly remember all the good things.

[@micarr177]

yeah good choice because you are young and you have a lot of road to travel. when i started scuba diving at age 40ish I already had a stable career as a design architect and being a contractor on the side. I became an instructor three years after I got first certified as a diver which was an unexpected turn then started this path teaching on the side. Now as an Instructor Trainer and Course Director 9 years later I am still teaching not only on a beginner level but instructor level as well and molding them on ways to teach their courses. And yes I am already retired from my day job 5 years ago and just doing what I love the most which is teaching scuba diving.

[@OceanPancake]

Scuba diving really opens up a whole other world and lifestyle. I wouldn't trade it

[@thegamerboneless2864]

This is funny, we stopped using touristy dive shops too, we don’t teach, but we dive, and it always seemed like their wasn’t enough instructors or safety divers per group, and we dont wanna see anyone hurt so we used a lot of our personal time, just watching and making sure no one was hurt, some divers was never in open water but on that trip, it became to much and wasted to much time, now we hire local divers for guides if required, it’s actually better to find dive groups in country, and build communication up and relationships while planning the dive, it’s a win win, ❤❤❤I hope you didn’t quit diving as a whole, if you did you probably won’t be able to stay away for long 😂

[@OceanPancake]

I think it's a conversation we need to talk about. Diving is dangerous and needs to be taken seriously, too many places put people who can't swim with instructors and just hope for the best. It's true it's usually ok, but I would hate to be in a situation in charge of people when something goes wrong. I'm glad you guys found something thst works for you. I now primarily just dive for fun with my own sive buddies.

[@jonathanchadwickartsandadv712]

I always wanted to be a dive instructor...I have a good job I love now ... but still think about being an dive master/instructor... if I decide to keep working to that path.. I'll probably do it part time... since I live 3 hours away from good diving. I don't think it's all about the money for me, it's about the passion and giving knowledge to new divers and getting more involved with the sport

[@Raybrienza]

Do it.... become an instructor.. it has rewards beyond money. The money I make teaching part-time pays for my diving habit.

[@jordanbrand6869]

My uncle has been a diving instructor for 30 years and still does it today. Mind you he does have another job to bring the true money in.

[@billyom1224]

I always keep it as part time job and for fun

[@OceanPancake]

That's a great way to look at it! That way you never get sick and tired of it :)

[@arthurbrumagem3844]

Seems like the way to do it and get paid for your hobby

[@OceanPancake]

What do you think would be your favourite part of the job? I can't believe that Im closing or at least, pausing this chapter of my life. Doesn't mean it cant be an incredible joh for you!! Make sure to check out my videos abour dive courses and what to expect

[@mhook82]

Such a shame in a way that I think you were, and still would be, a great instructor and lord knows the industry needs more wonderful people like you to set high standards. But every point you made in the video is very very true, and at the end of the day you have to do what’s right for you for your own health and life situation. I always enjoyed being out on Divequest with you as a guest or crew. Would love to catch up with you some stage, if I’m up Whitsundays way or you’re down here.

[@ivoryjohnson4662]

I totally get it . Repetitive work and you get burnt out

[@OceanPancake]

Definitely. Despite the ocean being so magical if you're only confined to one or 2 dive spots then it can get boring too.

[@ivoryjohnson4662]

@@OceanPancake over the years you have inspired me to learn how to scuba dive I have shared your videos with some younger girls they got into the sport as well . I am an old guy but I learned a whole lot

[@Janalysiert]

It is very sad, that the pay you get compared to the responsibility of being responsible for somebodys life is such shit. An instructor also has to save money for old age and build a life - no can do like that.

[@OceanPancake]

Unfortunately it is a job that so many people want to do the job, so its a simple demand / supply equation where people offer to work for free or minimal costs!

[@Janalysiert]

@@OceanPancake and yet it should be subject to minimum wage standards. It is what stops me from pursuing it atm, I am scared to not have money for when I am older or can’t do the job anymore for health reasons.

[@johnsfitnesschannel5367]

Did you quit diving, instructing, or both?

[@amy-scuba]

Scuba diving Instructors are not valued, easily replaceable, expected to work for free or for an unlivable wage. This is the biggest reason I quit. PADI understand this happens in the industry, yet take no responsibility in helping change how we are valued. A good idea would maybe to stop charging us a bloody membership fee!!!!!!!!!!! A great idea would be for all instructors to stand together. To stop teaching until we can make a liveable wage.

[@panthros7395]

Everyone I know who is an instructor and continues to instruct, has a day job. I am refreshing my PADI Divemaster so I can go instruct next year and have no plans to quit my day job lol.

[@OceanPancake]

What's your day job? I did diving full time for around ,5 years. Best decision ever!

[@cwaz2353]

Uhh ok

[@pyhoff]

Plan on getting to DM when I retire from real job. Why? don’t know probably to get ‘free’ boat tickets. I know dumb but I will be retired who cares

[@johnwilliamsscuba6487]

So what are you doing now?

[@jsma9999]

No it's not, that back room work cleaning out Kit and New people. I'll tip my hat to these people who are.

[@OceanPancake]

There is a lot of unseen work!

[@asecret900]

you think the term is "cracked out" - how wrong youngsters can be hahah!

[@jogmas12]

Too dangerous???

[@Mrveescuba]

no comment

[@OceanPancake]

no comment

[@yellowboat8773]

Shitty pay, that’s the sole reason I have never chased it as a career

[@OceanPancake]

I was lucky enough that my bosses paid me fair, and as an 18 year old it was good money for relatively little qualifications. But 11 years later it's not for me anymore

[@wegothooked2610]

you miss the point completely. sure, you never going to be satisfied as a mediocre PADI instructor but nobody told you cannot become the top 5%..

[@mannydib]

So, this begs the question: what are you going to do for a living now? Can you make enough on KZbin?

[@OceanPancake]

I have a degree in Physics and Education. I've actually been working as a high school science teacher at the same time as creating content :)

[@mfwatkins80]

and how much does that pay as a day rate and how many hours a day typically?? @@OceanPancake

[@OceanPancake]

@mfwatkins80 day rates for teaching can be anywhere between 250-450$ a day depending on experience, school, contract etc.

[@chrisanthony579]

Young people stop teaching because they come to a time where they realize they need to start "adulting". Lots of older divers become instructors when they are done "adulting" and want to be young again and have a care-fee life again.

[@OceanPancake]

That's a really good point!

[@chrisanthony579]

In case my original comment came off as condescending toward younger people; I took a group of Boy Scouts to Florida Sea Base for their Scuba Adventure. As most of us know; The dive industry doesn't pay much and the Boy Scouts pays even less. They put an instructor and a dive master in the water on all dives. Our Instructor was in his late 50's, a retire corporate executive from a large well known company. His wife was our DM, was a stay at home mom and soon to be grandmother. Their home residence was somewhere in Wisconsin. There reasoning for working for Seabase was "to give back, share something we love to do with young people, it keeps us young." Most young folks get to a point where they don't have the luxury of being in a position like this couple.

[@OceanPancake]

@chrisanthony579 no it didn't come off condescending, I definitely understand what you meant. It was an amazing part of my life but after 8 years, it was enough and I was ready for "real job" haha

[@chrisphilhower6029]

Shame. I Loved watching your Videos. I'm betting you were Good at Instruction. My Instructors were Laid Back. Then again, Nobody did anything (Really) Dangerous.

[@OceanPancake]

I'm still planning to create videos about diving (and maybe welcome you in a little bit on my freediving journey)

[@chrisphilhower6029]

@@OceanPancake That would be nice. Unfortunately where I live(NJ, USA) has a Limited Season for Diving. Still waiting for the AOW Class. Maybe next year?? I bought my own Genesis Prana Reg, Octo, Sherwood 3 Gauge console, Aqualung Omni BC. Maybe I'll get a Tank next?? I'm considering a Steel 80 or Maybe 100 CF?? Roughly the size of the AL80 I used in Class.

[@K3T1]

Gooddamn how many things that ain’t true. Any instructor earn the same? You must be an OW Padi instructor 😂 My instructor who teaches rebreather-ccr-cave diving- you name he can, makes allot of money. You do wanna make more but you don’t spend more to get any skills? If you teach the first few certification OW, AOW and the specialities which are kinda ridiculous besides nitrox, you gonna teach the same thing, not much will be different from a teacher that does that since 40y and one that does that for few years. “They don’t wanna live by the ocean, they don’t wanna get wet” ahahahah wtf you love diving, and you don’t wanna live by the ocean next time chose another passion, also get a dry suit if you don’t wanna get wet 😂

[@OceanPancake]

I am speaking about recreational diving instructors. Of course if you get into technical diving, the money changes. But for Great Barrier Reef and similar tropical "fun" destinations that's the case. This is of course all my opinion and experience and love learning about other people's thoughts. I know some people who just decided to move back to their family, or wanted to live near the mountain re the "don't want to live near the ocean"

[@okazerk]

Why girls do you end your phrases with vocal fry. Is that result of mimicking or because of a genetic mutation?

[@OceanPancake]

Not sure. Why do you feel the need to leave comments such as these? Is that mimicking or genetic mutation