Sorry about posting into the wrong forum, my bad! I thought I deleted it after realising my error, but apparently not. Thank you to the moderator who helped me.
Thank you for all your responses, it really has shed some light on the situation. I obvioulsy can't reply to every point made, but I'd like to make some.
Firstly, I realise rescue diver is my next port of call. I would do that even if my mind changed about 'going pro', as I know it would make me a more aware, knowledgable, and safer diver. I'm hoping to do this course at the start of next year after getting some more dives under my belt.
The boat handling and equipment servicing experience aren't something I'd thought of, but they definately seem like a good idea.
I also acknowledge the idea of training in my colder waters before the transition, as depressing as it sounds.
I have a relatively well paid job now, and funding everything isn't a problem.
There has been much talk of the money earnt. To me, money really doesn't matter that much. This is about lifestyle and doing something you love (that's diving, who knows if I'll enjoy instructing yet). If I have to work a second job, that's fine too. I've done that many times over the last few years.
The main point of 'enjoying the journey' has sunk in the most. I would rather be a diver who can teach than a teacher who can dive! I think I'm just going to concentrate on getting my gear and getting back into the water (however cold haha). Maybe RD next year, then I'll go from there.
It's all quite exciting!
Thanks again for all your replies. It's great to recieve advice from real divers/instructors who aren't out to grab your money.
Thank you for all your responses, it really has shed some light on the situation. I obvioulsy can't reply to every point made, but I'd like to make some.
Firstly, I realise rescue diver is my next port of call. I would do that even if my mind changed about 'going pro', as I know it would make me a more aware, knowledgable, and safer diver. I'm hoping to do this course at the start of next year after getting some more dives under my belt.
The boat handling and equipment servicing experience aren't something I'd thought of, but they definately seem like a good idea.
I also acknowledge the idea of training in my colder waters before the transition, as depressing as it sounds.
I have a relatively well paid job now, and funding everything isn't a problem.
There has been much talk of the money earnt. To me, money really doesn't matter that much. This is about lifestyle and doing something you love (that's diving, who knows if I'll enjoy instructing yet). If I have to work a second job, that's fine too. I've done that many times over the last few years.
The main point of 'enjoying the journey' has sunk in the most. I would rather be a diver who can teach than a teacher who can dive! I think I'm just going to concentrate on getting my gear and getting back into the water (however cold haha). Maybe RD next year, then I'll go from there.
It's all quite exciting!
Thanks again for all your replies. It's great to recieve advice from real divers/instructors who aren't out to grab your money.