life as a SCUBA instructor

KF LEONG
Feb 23, 2018
2 min read

Updated: Nov 25, 2022

FEB 23, 2018

Deep breath.....

Dive certification agencies would market such profession as a dream job, work in paradise, travel around the world, etc but the reality is not as glamorous as it sounds.

With too many instructors and dive companies in the market, it is a very competitive industry. I often face frustrations, disappointments in the physical and mentally challenged job. Long working hours and just to get by income are not uncommon. ( i used to earn 3 times my current income in other profession) besides having to be away from hometown most of the times.

The whole industry is a business and businessmen (if not all) are often driven by greed and power. I guess it is the same with any other businesses.

You may ask why I am still doing it? I would ask myself the same question when depression kicks in and when things get tough.

It is complicated. I hate it and love it at the same time. Maybe I have no better reason to leave, just yet.

The photos below will perhaps show you why I am still surviving. I was with some happy people. different kinds of people.

Boat captains, boat boys, fellow instructors, customers, van drivers, travelers and the list is endless. Sometimes, they make me happy. Sometimes, I just want to take them down to the blue abyss so nobody can find them. (just saying)

They said cherish the happy moments and forget/forgive the bad ones. I believe this can be true no matter what we do in life.

So here I am. Still blowing bubbles to make ends meet.

See you in the blue.