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| Ultimately, whether you choose to pursue diving instruction as a freelance or full-time career, it requires dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to adapt to the demands of the job. |
1. Tell us about your background and journey.
I was just a woman who seemed like just another office lady, diligently working in customer service, day in and day out. But deep inside me, there was a longing for something more, an adventure waiting to be lived. In 2013, I made a bold decision to break free from the monotony and embarked on a journey to New Zealand for a working holiday.
Little did I know, this decision would change the course of my life forever. In the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand, I found not only temporary work but also a newfound sense of freedom and purpose. It was there, surrounded by nature's splendor, that my true journey began.
Returning from my adventure in New Zealand, I realized that the conventional office life was no longer for me. Instead, I found my calling beneath the waves. I packed my bags and started working in a beautiful island of Malaysia, Lang Tengah island, where I began my career as a dive professional.
As I explore the vibrant underwater world, my passion for diving only grew stronger. With each dive, I discovered a new sense of awe and wonder, and I knew I had found my true calling. From the turquoise waters of the Bahamas to the colorful reefs of Indonesia, I traveled the globe, diving in some of the most breathtaking locations on Earth.
Now, I am both a scuba dive and freedive instructor, holding more than 30 certifications. And as I continue to explore the beauty of the ocean, I know that my greatest adventures are still yet to come.
2. How did you decide to make your passion your career? Was your family supportive?
I started scuba diving in 2006, and I always loved diving and the ocean. After embarking on a working holiday in New Zealand, I realized that I craved a life filled with freedom and adventure. It was during this time that I met my mentor in 2016, SF Chong, who played a pivotal role in encouraging me to pursue a career in diving. With the support of my family, especially my husband, who has always encouraged me to follow my dreams, I decided to take the leap and become a dive professional. This career not only allows me to dive in breathtaking locations around the world but also provides me with the means to support myself while doing what I love.
3. What is your fitness mantra?
Fitness has always been a part of my life since I was young, thanks to my love for sports and an active lifestyle. I've never had major fitness problems because of this. However, as I continue to pursue my passions, I understand the importance of taking care of my body. My fitness mantra is simple: "Balance is everything." I don't follow specific diets or stick to rigid exercise schedules. Instead, I believe in finding a balance in everything I do.
As a freediving instructor, I'm fortunate that my work involves physical activity. In addition to diving, I also engage in a variety of other sports and activities such as rock climbing, hiking, surfing, yoga, Pilates, and home workouts. By incorporating these activities into my routine, I not only stay physically fit but also enjoy a diverse range of experiences.
I believe that balance is the key to fitness – not depriving myself of certain foods or overdoing it with exercise. By listening to my body and giving it what it needs, I'm able to maintain a healthy lifestyle while continuing to do the things I love.
4. How can one build a successful career in your field?
Having worked as a scuba instructor for 8 years and a freediving instructor for 7 years, I've learned a few key principles that contribute to success in this field. Firstly, passion is paramount. Being genuinely passionate about what you do not only fuels your drive but also inspires others around you.
Secondly, continuous learning is essential. The diving industry is constantly evolving, whether it's new techniques, equipment, or market trends. Staying updated with the latest knowledge and skills ensures that you remain competitive and relevant.
Thirdly, understanding the market behavior is crucial. Knowing the needs and preferences of your customers allows you to tailor your services to meet their expectations effectively.
Success in this field is subjective and can vary from person to person. For me, it's about achieving the lifestyle I desire while doing a job I love. For others, it may involve maintaining high teaching standards, ensuring the safety and satisfaction of their students, and even organizing diving trips to generate additional income streams.
5. What is the level of commitment and time required to make a sport a career?
In the case of scuba diving and freediving, flexibility is a notable advantage. As a freelance instructor, you have the freedom to set your schedule and decide how much time you want to dedicate to teaching, which in turn influences your earnings. You have the autonomy to choose your students and when to teach them.
However, for those pursuing a full-time career as an instructor, the commitment and time investment are significantly higher. While the potential earnings may be greater, the workload can be demanding and exhausting. Full-time instructors often find themselves working long hours, from early mornings to late evenings, especially if they're employed by a dive center or company. Additionally, many diving instructors are required to work in locations far from home, often on islands or seaside resorts, which adds another layer of commitment.
Ultimately, whether you choose to pursue diving instruction as a freelance or full-time career, it requires dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to adapt to the demands of the job.
6. How can we encourage more youngsters to take up sports as a full-time profession?
Encouraging youngsters to pursue sports as a full-time profession requires a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, early access and exposure to sports opportunities are crucial. By introducing children to various sports at a young age and providing them with quality sports education and facilities, we can ignite their passion and interest in pursuing sports as a career.
Secondly, garnering support from families is essential. Many parents may be hesitant about their children pursuing sports as a profession due to concerns about stability and financial security. It's important to educate parents about the potential for success in the sports industry and emphasize that sports can indeed be a viable career path.
However, perhaps the most significant factor in encouraging youngsters to pursue sports professionally is the availability of lucrative opportunities within the sports industry. If athletes see that there are ample opportunities to earn a substantial income through their sporting endeavors, they will be more inclined to pursue it as a full-time profession. Ultimately, for sports to be a viable career option, it's essential that the industry provides sufficient financial rewards to sustain athletes and their families.
7. What is one piece of advice you would like to give someone who wishes to follow this passion?
My advice would be to ensure that your passion extends beyond just the activity itself. In diving, for example, loving the sport doesn't necessarily translate to loving teaching. It's crucial to be passionate about imparting your knowledge and skills to others and to genuinely enjoy the process of teaching.
If you have the opportunity to turn your passion into a profession, seize it wholeheartedly. Pursuing a career in something you love can be incredibly fulfilling and rewarding. However, it's essential to be sure and firm in your decision and to remain dedicated and resilient in the face of challenges.
Remember, when you are truly committed to your passion and take decisive action toward your goals, the universe has a way of supporting you along the way. So, if you have the chance to turn your passion into your profession, why not embrace it wholeheartedly and see where it takes you?
Chong Wan Yong, graduated as degree in media studies, setting the stage for a career in a corporate setting. In 2006, she took her first plunge into the mesmerizing depths of the ocean, discovering a newfound love for scuba diving. As the years passed, her passion for diving only deepened. In 2016, she made the pivotal decision to turn her beloved hobby into a profession.
Today, Chong stands as a beacon of expertise in the diving community, holding an impressive array of certifications. As a PADI Master Instructor, Molchanovs Freedive Instructor, Razor Sidemount Instructor, Tec Deep Instructor, Cavern Instructor, and Full Cave Diver, she has honed her craft to perfection. But her expertise extends beyond diving; Chong is also a skilled underwater photographer and an unplugged singer, showcasing her creative talents beneath the waves and on stage.
Yet, her passion extends beyond the confines of the ocean. A true globetrotter at heart, she has explored more than 40 countries, each journey filled with adventure and discovery. Whether camping under the stars, cycling through picturesque landscapes, or backpacking through remote regions, Chong's thirst for exploration knows no bounds.
Interviewed by - Ashmeet Kaur
Edited by- Arunangshu Chatterjee
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