Bitterness of Scuba Instructors

[FPDocMatt]

Until I started participating on the Scuba Board forum, I was unaware that there was this pervasive bitterness on the part of scuba instructors toward their students.

There seems to be hostility toward incompetence, a sort of arrogance, among many of the posters here. Most of the instructors on this forum are as nice as could be, but many seem to have a certain resentment or hostility, for some reason.

Any idea where this comes from?

I wonder if it has to do with their clientele making more money than they do. I understand that scuba instruction is not very well compensated, whereas the expenses associated with scuba diving make it a sport more likely to be practiced by those with comfortable incomes.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

Until I started participating on the Scuba Board forum, I was unaware that there was this pervasive bitterness on the part of scuba instructors toward their students.

There seems to be hostility toward incompetence, a sort of arrogance, among many of the posters here. Most of the instructors on this forum are as nice as could be, but many seem to have a certain resentment or hostility, for some reason.

Any idea where this comes from?

I wonder if it has to do with their clientele making more money than they do. I understand that scuba instruction is not very well compensated, whereas the expenses associated with scuba diving make it a sport more likely to be practiced by those with comfortable incomes.

... mostly it comes from the internet. I've yet to meet an instructor in person who feels that way ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[Doc]

In a face to face interaction, I have never seen much of it. Bitterness towards other instructors seems more widespread than it ought to be, though.

Maybe you're just perceiving this "bitterness" as seen on internet forums? It could be just a statistically predictable few who find comfort in anonymous complaining?

Maybe they're just angry that the DMs have better luck with the girls?

 

[TSandM]

You know, I have met instructors who are bitter, but they're just bitter people in general. I've met a lot of people who are unhappy with dive shop owners, or with agencies, or even with other instructors. I have seen instructors get frustrate with, or dislike specific students, but I think that's an occupational hazard of any job that comes in contact with a random sample of the public. But I have never run into an instructor who is bitter at his students.

 

[Dirty-Dog]

How much of this is just perception? Having been on the net since the days when .edu and .gov were the only domains, I will say that a LOT of what is seen as negative is merely the lack of body language, facial expression and tone.

And, too, everybody has a certain amount of job frustration. The net is often viewed (conciously or not) as a place to vent, even if the views expressed have little or nothing to do with the persons real opinions.

 

[nimoh]

if they are frustrated with their job they should find a new one.

The scuba industry is not the only place where teachers are poorly compensated, most do it simply because they love doing it.

 

[Wookie]

One of the things I learned early on about the internet is that personas are completely different online than they are in person. My internet persona is that of a grouchy prick, with a short temper and bitterness towards all. I'm not really that way (much), and I really do try to give advice that is helpful. Often I choose not to participate in threads because it's the same question I've heard over and over, the same debates, and the rehashing of answers that seem to go on forever. Ask a question about whether or not you really need a snorkel, whether split fins are better than blades, or whether to buy online or from the LDS.

After reading one of your earlier threads I decided not to participate if the title of the thread made me grouchy (do a search!) because I really do not try to be grouchy. The same thing goes across many aspects of life. How many times do you need to see an overweight smoker in your family practice that is complaining of diabetes, gout, or painful knees before you become cross at them, even if you've never seen that particular patient before. It is an internet phenomena to allow the grouchiness to show. It's the same thing when dealing with open water students. They all have the same (or relatively the same) problems. The 40th time this year you have the same issue with a student (can't clear mask, can't hover) you tend to get frustrated, and unfortunately it comes out as bitterness. It's one of the reasons I no longer teach.

 

[Dirty-Dog]

if they are frustrated with their job they should find a new one.

The scuba industry is not the only place where teachers are poorly compensated, most do it simply because they love doing it.

Oh give me a break. You show me a person who is never frustrated with their job, and I'll show you someone who is independently wealthy and their "job" is a life long vacation.
Or someone who is excessively medicated...

 

[ajduplessis]

I am no instructor and wanted to stay out of this one, however I think it's a perspective thing and a bit unfare blanket statement. Can you maybe give a couple of examples?

New divers in general is very incompetent due to lack of experience. More seasoned diver are just as incompetent, but this have more to do with instructors that don't care, except for the cash (not a lot mind you). It does not matter how crap or dangerous the diver is to himself in the water, they take the cash and give a card ("outcome based education" IMO) Agencies also play a role as they demand the absolute bare minimun for recreational diving qualifications. This circle reflects bad on all instructors, I would also have bitterness because your profesion is judged based on the bad apples.

I think this have more to do about the bitterness toward incompetent divers by the really good, talented and passionate instructors.

 

[rhwestfall]

DD - even option 2 isn't working.....