MEmersonC
Registered
I just finished up my PADI Divemaster cert and now I think it I made a mistake.
First some backstory, I started diving in January of this year and started to progress up the ladder and really enjoyed diving. Started hanging out at the local dive shop and was convinced that I should do my Divemaster cert and start working for the shop as a contractor. So I said sure, plopped down the $800.00 and started my course. Just like many on here I have a career so this was going to be a side gig to have some fun and make a few extra bucks, or so I thought.
After completing the course the realization kicked in this may not be worth my time.
I got my DM cert because I enjoy diving and the dive shop, but I also enjoy making a few extra bucks when all my diving expenses are paid which have now drastically increased due to me being a dive professional. I am required to pay for my own liability insurance. I knew that I wasnt going to make much, but loving what you do can only take you so far before you feel like your being taken advantage of.
I know the obvious answer is cut my losses and move on if I'm not happy, but should I ask for an increase per student, or is this pay and situation the norm for a divemaster in a landlocked state. What's the point of continuing up the ladder when Instructor is $3000 for the course and he wants to pay $40.00 a student. You'd never break even.
Thoughts?
First some backstory, I started diving in January of this year and started to progress up the ladder and really enjoyed diving. Started hanging out at the local dive shop and was convinced that I should do my Divemaster cert and start working for the shop as a contractor. So I said sure, plopped down the $800.00 and started my course. Just like many on here I have a career so this was going to be a side gig to have some fun and make a few extra bucks, or so I thought.
After completing the course the realization kicked in this may not be worth my time.
I got my DM cert because I enjoy diving and the dive shop, but I also enjoy making a few extra bucks when all my diving expenses are paid which have now drastically increased due to me being a dive professional. I am required to pay for my own liability insurance. I knew that I wasnt going to make much, but loving what you do can only take you so far before you feel like your being taken advantage of.
I know the obvious answer is cut my losses and move on if I'm not happy, but should I ask for an increase per student, or is this pay and situation the norm for a divemaster in a landlocked state. What's the point of continuing up the ladder when Instructor is $3000 for the course and he wants to pay $40.00 a student. You'd never break even.
Thoughts?