Why you can combine becoming a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor with a 9-5 job
That’s a valid question. Are you passionate about scuba diving and dream of becoming a certified scuba instructor, but worried about how to balance it with your full-time job? We understand that many aspiring instructors have busy lives and careers to manage. Let’s dive into how we accommodate students with demanding schedules and making it easier to pursue your scuba instructor dreams while maintaining your 9-5 job. (Or maybe decide to quit after)
Hesitation, due to 9-5
Let’s explore why you might think that joining the Open Water Scuba Instructor course is a concern rather than an exciting journey to hop on. And let us proof you wrong!
One of our instructors, Melina, left Switzerland behind and started building her scuba diving career in various countries, such as: Dominican Republic, Curacao and now with us on Bonaire.
1. Time Constraints
If you have a 9-5 job, you might worry that you won't have enough time for OWSI training. You may fear that your work hours will conflict with the course schedule, making it challenging to attend classes and complete the necessary training sessions.
Here’s the good news:
Prioritize your passion! Get in touch with us to discuss your personal needs. Together we will plan ahead and take as much advantage of the online learning possibilites. If possible, discuss your aspirations with your employer. They may be willing to accommodate your training schedule or offer flexible work arrangements to help you achieve your goal. Take time to improve your time management skills to make the most of the hours available outside of your job. Create a study and practice schedule, and stick to it diligently. Setting clear goals and allocating specific time slots for training can help you progress efficiently.
2. Financial Concerns
Balancing the costs of OWSI certification, including course fees, equipment, and travel expenses for training dives, with your existing financial commitments can be a concern. You may hesitate to invest in these expenses, especially if you're unsure about managing them alongside your job.
Here’s the good news:
Prioritize the investment in your certification, make a budget and stick to your savingplan. Ask at the training facility if they offer flexible payment options. Reduce the cost of renting gear by purchasing your own dive equipment before the OWSI course starts. Did you think of the option to actually make money of your OWSI certification?Your investment in this exciting career path is well worth it!
3. Fear of Burnout
The thought of juggling a demanding job with intensive scuba instructor training can be intimidating. Concerns about exhaustion and mental strain might hold you back from pursuing your passion for scuba instruction.
Here’s the good news:
You are in charge of your own schedule. Efficiently plan to balance work, training, and personal time. Set boundaries to prevent burnout and tell the people around you about your personal goals. Don’t rush your and allocate dedicated time for training to avoid feeling overwhelmed. By including exercise and other self-care practices in your daily routine to maintain a healthy work-life-training balance.
4. Family and Personal Commitments
If you have a 9-5 job, you likely have important family and personal commitments. You might worry that dedicating time to scuba instructor training could limit the time you can spend with loved ones or on other vital activities.
Here’s the good news:
Talk to your loved ones about your passion for scuba instruction. Discuss your training schedule and find ways to involve them or ensure quality time together. Seek their support! They can provide encouragement, help with household responsibilities, and understand the importance of your career aspirations. Make your OWSI training a family project to remember!
5. Uncertainty About Job Flexibility
You may not be aware of the flexibility options available for OWSI training. It's possible that you assume the training follows a rigid schedule that doesn't align with your job, leading you to consider giving up on your dream without exploring alternative options.
Here’s the good news:
Many scuba training centers, including Scuba Elite Academy, understand the needs of working professionals. They offer a range of flexible scheduling options, such as weekend courses and modular training. These options allow you to customize your training schedule to fit around your job. Also, consider discussing your career aspirations with your employer. Some companies are open to accommodating your training schedule or offering flexible work arrangements to support your professional growth.
6. Lack of Awareness of Training Centers
Perhaps you're not familiar with scuba training centers like Scuba Elite Academy, which offer flexible scheduling options for working professionals. This lack of information might lead you to believe that such training isn't accessible for someone with a 9-5 job.
Here’s the good news:
You just found us!
7. Prioritizing Stability
If your 9-5 job provides financial stability and security, you might hesitate to leave it for a career change like becoming a scuba instructor. Transitioning from a 9-5 job to a career as a scuba instructor can feel like a big leap into the unknown and the perceived instability of a new career path could be a significant concern.
Here’s the good news:
Many experienced dive instructors began their journey with a stable job. Their successful transitions show that it's possible to switch careers and find stability within the diving industry. Look at us for example! Choosing a path aligned with your passion often leads to greater happiness and success in the long run.
PADI Course Director Pascal decided to move to Bonaire in 2013 and left his previous career in the Netherlands behind. He fully immerse himself in the diving industry from that moment on.
8. Lack of Support
Without proper guidance and support, navigating the transition from your current job to the diving industry can be overwhelming. You may feel isolated and unsure of where to turn for assistance.
Here’s the good news:
You don't have to navigate this transition alone! There is ample support available if you know where to find it. Already certified instructors are more than willing to share how they manage to switch careers, get in touch with like-minded people in online communities. And maybe most important: change happens over time, just one step at a time.
Our Flexible Scheduling Options
Pursuing your passion for scuba diving and becoming a certified instructor shouldn't be hindered by your work commitments. That's why we offer a range of flexible scheduling options to cater to your specific needs:
1. Weekend Courses: Our weekend scuba instructor training courses are designed for working professionals. You can attend classes and training sessions on Saturdays and Sundays, allowing you to keep your weekdays free for your job.
2. Online Learning: we provide the option to complete a portion of your Open Water Scuba Instructor training online. This e-learning approach enables you to study and complete coursework at your own pace, fitting it into your busy schedule.
3. Openminded to other flexible forms: we have options to partner up with Instructor Development Resorts in your own area. Finish for example your Open Water Teaching training and Instructor Examination on Bonaire. If you reside outside of Bonaire, this approach could help you conserve valuable vacation days that you might prefer to spend with loved ones, relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Bonaire.
