Anybody out there happy wrenching?

[trpearcy]

Well,
I've got a loaded question for everyone. I recently decided to become a mechanic. I was in a mechanical engineering program, but I decided that it wasn't for me. It's a long story, and I'll spare everyone the details, but basically I was entering into depression and getting very bored with school. I just wasn't happy, and I wasn't getting the satisfaction that everyone needs to be happy and positive, because I work and think through my hands.
I've always wanted to work with my hands. I think through my hands. It's hard to explain to people that don't think the same way, but I have that ability and I really love taking things apart and fixing things. I'm that mechanic in the shop that takes the long involved complex job that no one wants because I like the puzzles and figuring things out. Anyways, that being said, I've always worked part time as a mechanic, even during school, and I have experience in the field. I started working recently at a diesel garage, and I'm working my way up, but at the same time I'm trying to start a shop with a friend that already owns a towing company.
So here's my question: Are there any mechanics or professional technicians out there that have been in the field for a while and enjoy their jobs? It seems like a lot of things I read online, and a lot of the people that I talk to complain about dirt and working conditions and their bodies hurting... But no one actually seems to have enjoyed it to start out with. Maybe they just chose the career out of lack of other options?

Anyways. I'd like to hear from some people that enjoy their jobs. I guess it gets discouraging hearing people tell me that any physically challenging job will ruin your life.

Any advice would be appreciated.

P.S. I realize that a lot of people are gonna be like, you can't make any money as a mechanic. I realize that I'm not gonna be making crazy money, but I'd rather be happy and middle class then depressed and rich.

 

[nicksnothereman]

Well,
I've got a loaded question for everyone. I recently decided to become a mechanic. I was in a mechanical engineering program, but I decided that it wasn't for me. It's a long story, and I'll spare everyone the details, but basically I was entering into depression and getting very bored with school. I just wasn't happy, and I wasn't getting the satisfaction that everyone needs to be happy and positive, because I work and think through my hands.
I've always wanted to work with my hands. I think through my hands. It's hard to explain to people that don't think the same way, but I have that ability and I really love taking things apart and fixing things. I'm that mechanic in the shop that takes the long involved complex job that no one wants because I like the puzzles and figuring things out. Anyways, that being said, I've always worked part time as a mechanic, even during school, and I have experience in the field. I started working recently at a diesel garage, and I'm working my way up, but at the same time I'm trying to start a shop with a friend that already owns a towing company.
So here's my question: Are there any mechanics or professional technicians out there that have been in the field for a while and enjoy their jobs? It seems like a lot of things I read online, and a lot of the people that I talk to complain about dirt and working conditions and their bodies hurting... But no one actually seems to have enjoyed it to start out with. Maybe they just chose the career out of lack of other options?

Anyways. I'd like to hear from some people that enjoy their jobs. I guess it gets discouraging hearing people tell me that any physically challenging job will ruin your life.

Any advice would be appreciated.

P.S. I realize that a lot of people are gonna be like, you can't make any money as a mechanic. I realize that I'm not gonna be making crazy money, but I'd rather be happy and middle class then depressed and rich.

Might want to rethink that.

Not that they're the same but...sometimes the value in what you're doing comes from not just money but the (potential) good you do. You can do more good with a a degree in mechanical engineering while still having the mechanical ability to be a mechanic. The happiest I've been has been when I'm doing something important even if the pay is garbage.

At some point I suspect localized mechanics (at dealerships?) will be replaced with some form of bleep blorp robot either through manufacturer engineering of vehicles or because of cost. But someone's gotta design and repair those robots hoss. Everything will be replaced with robots including your local starbucks coffee slingers...well everything but the dmv but God knows they're trying.

 

[trpearcy]

Might want to rethink that.

Not that they're the same but...sometimes the value in what you're doing comes from not just money but the (potential) good you do. You can do more good with a a degree in mechanical engineering while still having the mechanical ability to be a mechanic. The happiest I've been has been when I'm doing something important even if the pay is garbage.

At some point I suspect localized mechanics (at dealerships?) will be replaced with some form of bleep blorp robot either through manufacturer engineering of vehicles or because of cost. But someone's gotta design and repair those robots hoss. Everything will be replaced with robots including your local starbucks coffee slingers...well everything but the dmv but God knows they're trying.

Well. If that's the philosophy that we're going to follow, that robots are taking over all the jobs, then I should really focus on electrical engineering.

But you're missing the point. I understand what engineers do. I don't want to be an engineer.


Just for sake of argument, if robots take over all the mechanic jobs, don't you think there would have to be a new type of mechanic just for those robots?

 

[Ruger_556]

I'm quite happy working in the diesel field... Been working at the International/Kenworth dealer for 3 months now and before that 3 years on heavy equipment and farm repairs.

I'll sooner be a little creaky at 40 than die of a heart attack at 30 from pushing a pen. After my recent thread on this same topic I concluded that the entire GJ membership is making 6 figures in perfect health with a trophy wife after leaving the field for an office job.

It's a job, it'll be hard, there'll be days you hate it, it takes a toll on your body... That's why it's called work. Get over it and move on... If it was easy everyone would do it. I love it and I know I'll always have a job because there will always be machines that need repairs while your cushy middle-management job vaporizes because of a stock market dip.

 

[trpearcy]

I'm quite happy working in the diesel field... Been working at the International/Kenworth dealer for 3 months now and before that 3 years on heavy equipment and farm repairs.

I'll sooner be a little creaky at 40 than die of a heart attack at 30 from pushing a pen. After my recent thread on this same topic I concluded that the entire GJ membership is making 6 figures in perfect health with a trophy wife after leaving the field for an office job.

It's a job, it'll be hard, there'll be days you hate it, it takes a toll on your body... That's why it's called work. Get over it and move on... If it was easy everyone would do it. I love it and I know I'll always have a job because there will always be machines that need repairs while your cushy middle-management job vaporizes because of a stock market dip.

Hey, thanks for the reply. I really appreciate it. How do you like Kenworth/International? I'm working at a TA travel center truck stop in the garage, so I work strictly on semies. i love it.

 

[Ruger_556]

Hey, thanks for the reply. I really appreciate it. How do you like Kenworth/International? I'm working at a TA travel center truck stop in the garage, so I work strictly on semies. i love it.

I like the way Kenworth builds their trucks a lot better (Far easier access to everything) but broke down Internationals pay the bills.

 

[kaffine]

I started out enjoying working on cars, I only lasted 4 years as a mechanic. I couldn't find a shop that valued someone good at troubleshooting the difficult problems. They prefer to have a bunch of guys doing 60k services as that is what makes the shop money.

The best time I had was when I was an apprentice being paid by the hour. My mentor quickly found out I was slow doing R&R type work but I was faster and better at the troubleshooting than he was. I spent more time doing the troubleshooting and then the mentor would replace the bad parts.

When I went to flat rate I still preferred doing the diagnostics but I was working 40 hour weeks and only flagging 25 hours. I switched over to working on trucks after a year of being flat rate and was hourly again however the shop had bonuses based on flat rate. The diesel side the techs that made the most were the ones that did engine or transmission overhauls. They still didn't value guys that had good electrical troubleshooting skills.

I switched over to being an electronics tech. Made more money and spend most of the time in climate controlled buildings and can normally schedule work outside when weather is nice (not always but normally). The company I work for now however does not provide training and would rather hire new people in than train the existing employees.

I am currently looking at switching over to either biomedical or industrial maintenance. Talking to a few of the guys that did biomedical often times they have a lot of travel but have great training.

 

[Ruger_556]

What makes a job is more the people you work with than what you're doing. There are some people I'd flip burgers with for the rest of my life and other's you couldn't make me the CEO of Microsoft if I had to deal with them.

 

[Daedalus]

I'd rather be happy and middle class then depressed and rich.

No worries about being a depressed and rich mech engineer: we're not paid all that much enough to be what I consider rich.

I had to go back to school a 2nd time after flunking out the first time. I worked some pretty shi77y jobs, which gave me the motivation to barrel through school. If you find being a mech/tech is not actually to your liking, perhaps you could reconsider school 1 more time. It's OK to be older than 22 when getting a BS.

I do think my job is pretty decent enough compared to most. Certainly not depressing. I like it most days, I like the challenges, I like the pace, I like most of the people, and the pay is comfortable. As mentioned, job satisfaction is important and I get that. My job is a nice blend of desk work and floor/mfg support. I get to support the assembly/integration of the **** I designed.

I understand learning with your hands. Most of the guys at work probably couldn't change a flat tire. But the book learning helps with understanding things deeper. Sometimes when I'm under a car I can't remember a torque spec, so I work out a number in my head, and verify it later after getting up.

Working on cars is a fun hobby for me, and I wouldn't enjoy it as much if it was my 9-5. Keep in mind that you will change over time, like everyone else. What you want when you're 25 may not be what you'll want when you're 30, and most certainly not what you'll want when you're 40. I actually like and appreciate my job more now than I did when I first started working.

 

[MN4x4]

First, I applaud you for coming to a tough realization. I'm not either knocking nor condoning your choice - just giving you accolades for being self-aware.

I was in management for years and can tell you that 80% of the people who move from the 'line' to management fail. I am telling you this because your decision right now seems to be to remain 'hands on' versus at a distance. That decision can be very rewarding, but with it come some caveats.

1. You won't ever be 'middle class'. The middle class as we know it is dead and getting deader. Nobody at an hourly wage will ever be middle class again. Deal with it.

2. Unless you start your own business, someone else will always decide how much you are worth. If you even THINK you might like to start your own business, get to know other guys with shops similar to what yours might look like and watch what they do. How much of their time is spent 'wrenching' versus doing paperwork? I won't get political, but every administration (whether Democrat or Republican) institutes more rules, more regulations, and more paperwork. It is VERY difficult to succeed on your own, but it can be done.

3. Plan for what you do if you get injured. If you are 'hands on' what happens if you - even temporarily - lose the use of your hands? Your mechanical degree could very likely allow you to continue, but as a 'tech' you might be done.

Assuming you're still under 30, go ahead and try what you think you'll like. Although it will be much tougher later, you CAN go back to school.

 

[rsanter]

You want advice....well here is some
I started in the direction of electrical engineer. Wallowed around, wasn't finding the love for it...bla bla bla
Was playing with cars and racing and all and long story short ended up,going in the direction of mechanic. Now I did own my own shop and it did good for me I got burned out and after while I wasn't happy because it no longer felt like the direction I was supposed to go in. Sold the shop and went back to school. This time I went in the direction of mechanical/industrial and loved it. Worked much better for me.
In my career I have been involved in prototyping, product testing, product design, automation and controls.....
For an engineer I have done plenty of wrenching for my job and love it.
If you have the mind to be an engineer there is a place for you and a person like you is needed that can solve problems, fix things on the spot, analyze issues....etc
You just need to find the right avenue of engineering

Bob

 

[FlyingLow]

I'm a helicopter mechanic and have done it for 17 years, I haven't branched out and worked on very many different aircraft but I now find that I need new challenges. The basic r & r isn't much fun anymore. I love troubleshooting and digging through electrical schematics to learn the more intricate workings of the system in question. I hear where your coming from, my wrists and shoulders are starting to give me grief but I wouldn't trade it for a desk job. And like previously mentioned, you can always go back to school but it's easier to do while you're young.

 

[BlksnshN]

I've been a tech for 12 years now and the field definitely has it's draw backs. A lot of places don't like to pay their techs a decent living wage. You have to purchase a lot of tools. I've worked at shops with dangerously worn out equipment and leaking roofs with little to no light.

It's quite hard on your body. I've injured my back, neck, knees. Currently have a injured left wrist from who knows what and a right hand that likes to numb at times.

Working flat rate can be awesome or awful and it changes week to week. You have to be even more conscious of the money you're spending because you don't know what you'll be making the following week. I worked at a shop where I had to spend 45 - 50 hrs there a week and rarely flagged more than 15 hours. There was just no work.

On the other hand at my current shop, I usually flag a minimum of 30 hrs and quite often hit 50+ while only spending 30 - 40 hrs a week in the shop. I'm not forced to sit and wait for work to come it. The shop is also owned by a guy who likes to have a clean, safe, well lit, well equipped shop.

My biggest issue is working on everyone's 20 year old rust bucket that has never been maintained and then. It's amazing to me how poorly people will treat something that was not only expensive but is key to their family's safety.

For me the key to relative happiness in the auto technician field is finding the right shop. I've worked at 5 different shops now and I think I finally found the right place. Along with regular repair we work on bikes (Harleys) and we're also in the middle of two complete frame of restorations (75 Vette, 2002 Wrangler).

Sorry for the long rambling post. It's nearly 4 a.m. and I should be asleep. Best of luck with whatever field you wind up in.

 

[Fueler]

I am not a mechanic but have been a paid engine builder/machinist my entire life from the age of 16. No plan. It just kind of fell in that direction. Would I do something different if I could start over? No. I do something that I found I excel at almost by mistake. I make a living but no big riches. Maybe someday.

While I was not bending over fenders or all twisted up under a dash I did make the young, strong man's mistake of lifting heavy objects without a thought. I now continually fight lower back pain, etc. The Doc just says "your lower spine *****, how do you stand up so straight?".

I say that whatever you choose to be, don't let ego or your current physical capabilities get in the way of smart.
Hoists and other back saving equipment should be first on the must have list. Don't just lift that cylinder head off because you can. That bending over the fender and ripping the head out is an example of what the guys are probably referring to when they speak of body wear and tear. Find a smarter way, even if it takes 3 more minutes. A long healthy career pays far more than a shorter, painful one.

I think there will always be a need for someone that can fix and/or make things. Personally I marvel at the skills of a top notch carpenter/builder or a old school body man (not just a insurance parts changer).
If you love your work and continually re-train yourself with the latest know how then eventually even the Grandkids will think you are God.

It used to be that in Europe a man wanted his daughter to marry a mechanic rather than a doctor. Ponder that scenario! They probably went the same way we did and it's reversed at the moment.
While there was a push to make everyone cubicle drones that seems to be coming full circle now. I even see schools beginning to re-start shop classes here and there.
So eventually the respect and pride will come back and the money will follow.

So...
1: Work smart health wise.
2: Learn and relearn your craft daily.
3: Learn how to deal with the good and bad customer (that's the hard part)
4: Don't work too far beyond your skills. See #2
5: Learn to say NO. Farm it out or refer the job. See #4

 

[Scud67]

I was an auto tech for 17 years. Here is my take: It was great in the beginning. I loved working on cars and being able to repair them. I worked long hours and made way more money than any of my friends at other jobs. I went to every school and training that I could and hounded my boss to send me as much as possible. - many years later I was the youngest to ever reach the "Master Tech" status at the manufacturers level. Then the hours started falling off. I would get all of the cars that no one else could fix (come backs). While still being "flat rate" it was tough to make 40 hours. The younger guys would get all of the money making work.... that got frustrating. I moved around to a few dealers, was a shop foreman, blah blah.... I finally got burnt out and decided to move to a new career.
I have a home shop now just to tinker and work on friends cars etc.... much happier now doing what I do.
I wasted all of that money I made when I was young - STUPID. Save as much as you can, put it away for later. Don't buy a huge toolbox and too many tools...
Wear great footwear - standing on concrete all day will end up costing you down the line. Protect your ears and eyes with quality equipment. Wear a back belt. All thing I wish I had done - paying for it now....
Good luck, enjoy your work. If you don't enjoy what you are doing, make a change....

 

[djjsr]

For most people, the "enthusiasm" for wrenching doesn't last. Think long term. Do you really want to be doing it for 30+ years?

I've known a lot of guys over the years that get "stuck" in their careers and are miserable. Just take a look around in this forum. It's not hard to find guys that are always complaining about their jobs but don't take the initiative to make a change.

 

[ABADWILLYS]

Are there any mechanics or professional technicians out there that have been in the field for a while and enjoy their jobs? It seems like a lot of things I read online, and a lot of the people that I talk to complain about dirt and working conditions and their bodies hurting... But no one actually seems to have enjoyed it to start out with. Maybe they just chose the career out of lack of other options?

I still enjoy what i do, I have been wrenching on cars and trucks, Professionally for over 32 years, 19 of those years i owned and operated my own shop, i closed that in 2005 because of personal reasons and have been a flat rate tech In the same GM dealer since then, I have good working conditions and make decent money and im knocking on wood because in spite of working on cars all these years my body is still going good, I didnt really choose this career i just liked cars and started working on them but i have no regrets, im a car guy, i build/race cars for a hobby, when im off the clock, yeah i must be sick in the head!!, i wont lie it aint all peaches and cream, its hard and fustrating at times but some people have what it takes and some do not.. i guess youll see if you do.

 

[OccupantRJ]

Industrial maintenance.will give you hands on wrenching, but it ain't bending over a fender all day. It is much better on the body than auto repair. Just be prepared to follow safety rules.

 

[GTA Matt]

I still look forward to waking up every morning and going off to work. I've been flat rate for 10 years and was hourly for a few years before that. I enjoy the cars and fixing problems and helping people while earning a decent living. Its not all rainbows and happy trees, and certainly not for everybody, but I really do enjoy it most days.

 

[domer911]

I guess it gets discouraging hearing people tell me that any physically challenging job will ruin your life.

Let me say first that you are on the right track if you are chasing something you like doing instead of chasing money.

Next, there's no question that a physically challenging job can take its toll, but you have more control over that than some people might suggest.

Lastly, you have to please you. Nobody else will. In my life I've found that unhappy people always seem to get a special thrill giving other people advice. Listen to you, don't listen to them. One of the unhappiest people I know is also one of my wealthiest friends. No amount of money, or things, or "security" will get you happy.

We give our best 8,10,12 hours each day to our job. My theory is that the people who complain most about stress spend the largest part of each day doing stuff they don't really like to do. If, when you get up each day, you venture off to do something you really enjoy, then you have the majority of life figured out. You will be happier, the people around you will be happier, and you'll live longer. No regrets. Happiness has nothing to do with money. It's all on the inside. Too many people spend too much time doing stuff they don't like. It's sad.

 

[fatherof4]

On the other side of the spectrum, I stopped being paid as a mechanic roughly 12 years ago, only did it for a short time. I make a very good living now, secure job, pension, paid benefits, wife, mortgage, 2 kids, dog, white picket fence, etc. Working on cars sucked when I did it, long hours, low pay, always sore & dirty. But now that everything else in my life is taken care of, working on cars is a pleasure, even just going outside and doing a quick oil change, is actually fun.
Basically the grass is always gonna be greener, no matter what you're doing. Try and make yourself happy, but be smart about it at the same time.

 

[John in OH]

Engineering will not make you rich, but neither will being a mechanic, so don't think that by giving up on engineering that you are taking some "higher path" of esoteric good. Sounds to me as if you are taking the easy way out and trying to justify your decision.

I retired from being a mechanical engineer for over 35 years and can assure you that not all engineering is about pushing a pen. Yeah, the college years are tough as you have to plow through hours of math and other mundane studies, but there is a much greater depth of understanding of the physical world around you that comes from these studies. And, sometimes it seems as if you are spending way too much time studying stuff you don't think you'll ever use. And, you're right. Probably over 70% of what I studied in college I never used as an engineer .... but it was great background.

My engineering years were spent in the fossil power generation industry working on power plant engineering, construction and maintenance. In those 35 years I worked on new design, equipment upgrades/replacements, demolition, construction of new plants & equipment, maintenance of old junk and tons of troubleshooting operational and performance problems. Every project was different from the last project and a new challenge with different issues to address. Yeah, a lot of hours behind a desk, but also, a lot of hours working at plant facilities and construction sites with other engineers, plant operators, vendors, contractors and craft labor.

I guess I'm trying say that when you are young, you're anxious to get on with life and your career, so you don't always see the big, long-term picture. College can seem like a drag with no useful purpose. But, look long term .... and, please don't think that a career mechanic is not an honorable profession, and if that is where your love of work is then go for it. But, also since you have the opportunity for college (which many guys don't have that chance), are you sure you want to throw that away and spend the next 35 years working in a shop?

And, after getting your ME degree, if you find you really hate engineering then go back to tech school and become a top-shelf mechanic.

 

[trpearcy]

I still enjoy what i do, I have been wrenching on cars and trucks, Professionally for over 32 years, 19 of those years i owned and operated my own shop, i closed that in 2005 because of personal reasons and have been a flat rate tech In the same GM dealer since then, I have good working conditions and make decent money and im knocking on wood because in spite of working on cars all these years my body is still going good, I didnt really choose this career i just liked cars and started working on them but i have no regrets, im a car guy, i build/race cars for a hobby, when im off the clock, yeah i must be sick in the head!!, i wont lie it aint all peaches and cream, its hard and fustrating at times but some people have what it takes and some do not.. i guess youll see if you do.

Thanks for the reply. These are the types of responses I was hoping to get. I'm in the same boat you are. I've been in the field for about 4 years, and the more I get into it the more I enjoy all the aspects. I race rally cars as a hobby and like you, when I'm off the clock I still work on cars and enjoy every minute of it.

I still look forward to waking up every morning and going off to work. I've been flat rate for 10 years and was hourly for a few years before that. I enjoy the cars and fixing problems and helping people while earning a decent living. Its not all rainbows and happy trees, and certainly not for everybody, but I really do enjoy it most days.

Thanks. I really appreciate hearing from you.

Let me say first that you are on the right track if you are chasing something you like doing instead of chasing money.

Next, there's no question that a physically challenging job can take its toll, but you have more control over that than some people might suggest.

Lastly, you have to please you. Nobody else will. In my life I've found that unhappy people always seem to get a special thrill giving other people advice. Listen to you, don't listen to them. One of the unhappiest people I know is also one of my wealthiest friends. No amount of money, or things, or "security" will get you happy.

We give our best 8,10,12 hours each day to our job. My theory is that the people who complain most about stress spend the largest part of each day doing stuff they don't really like to do. If, when you get up each day, you venture off to do something you really enjoy, then you have the majority of life figured out. You will be happier, the people around you will be happier, and you'll live longer. No regrets. Happiness has nothing to do with money. It's all on the inside. Too many people spend too much time doing stuff they don't like. It's sad.

I can't tell you how much I agree with what you're saying here. Thanks for the advice and sharing.

On the other side of the spectrum, I stopped being paid as a mechanic roughly 12 years ago, only did it for a short time. I make a very good living now, secure job, pension, paid benefits, wife, mortgage, 2 kids, dog, white picket fence, etc. Working on cars sucked when I did it, long hours, low pay, always sore & dirty. But now that everything else in my life is taken care of, working on cars is a pleasure, even just going outside and doing a quick oil change, is actually fun.
Basically the grass is always gonna be greener, no matter what you're doing. Try and make yourself happy, but be smart about it at the same time.

Thanks. I understand where you're coming from, but I must be a little bit weird, because everytime I change my oil I end up deciding I need to pull my motor for some reason and getting involved in a repair... I love the involved stuff

Engineering will not make you rich, but neither will being a mechanic, so don't think that by giving up on engineering that you are taking some "higher path" of esoteric good. Sounds to me as if you are taking the easy way out and trying to justify your decision.

I guess I am justifying my decision. But I had to do something. When you realize that you're heading down a bad path (and my family has a history of chronic depression), you have to change something. And I decided to do what I've always done and loved.
One other thing. Don't assume that because I dropped out of school that I was failing or not succeeding in every way. I was doing quit well, but everything was boring. I'd go to a physics lab and do the whole thing and understand it all before everyone else was done, but in my mind I was thinking about the heads that I was porting and polishing at home in my garage. Maybe I am taking the easy way out by not sticking with it and finishing the schooling. But that being said, it might have killed me before I finished.....

 

[trpearcy]

I need to clarify something here: I'm not a noob that thinks he loves changing spark plugs in race cars. I've been working on cars for more then 6 years, I've been a mechanic for 3 of that, and I realize what's involved with the payment system. I will say though, that I've never worked flat rate. I'm good at getting jobs, and I've always been able to get jobs in shops that payed hourly plus a percentage of labor. Right now at the garage I just started at I make 12 an hour, plus 40 percent of all labor rates.

I just realized that this might come off as a douchebag know it all trying to correct everyone... I'm not trying to do that.
What I am trying to do is hear from people that like their jobs, and enjoy their work. If I wanted to hear from a mechanic that hated his/her job, I could go to any local car dealer and talk to the guy with the unorganized tools and the sloppy work area. You can tell who is passionate about their work and who isn't!

Thanks for everyone's replies.

 

[Deej]

Ive been wrenching for 13 years, and i love it. I actually like it more now than I ever have. My situation is a little different than most though. Its a very small shop, so I'm the only mechanic there, and most of the time its just me running the whole shop. I get a lot of satisfaction knowing that people are coming in looking for me to fix their car. I don't make super great money, but I make enough to keep me and my family happy. My wife is always giving me **** about being "blue collar" but I love it. My hope is that someday my son will be wrenching in the next bay with me.

 

[Vvmvbb]

You've got an aptitude for engineering and the means and opportunity to get a degree. 50 year old tjpearcy is trying to reach through time to grab you by the throat.
Find a way.

 

[CudaChick1968]

... P.S. I realize that a lot of people are gonna be like, you can't make any money as a mechanic. I realize that I'm not gonna be making crazy money, but I'd rather be happy and middle class then depressed and rich. ...

Your last sentence rang so true with me I had to reply.

First off, I'm NOT a mechanic but that lime green beastie "Slimer" over there <<<------ was my first and only restoration. I've had it for 23 years next month and maybe some day I'll get it done.

I worked for lawyers as a paralegal for 20 years before Hurricane Katrina came along and decided that I needed a new place to live. Waiting 2 years for the house to be reconstructed was not really an option, and the small and uneventful town where I lived had gone from 10,000 to 70,000 people within a few months of the storm anyway (all of New Orleans' not-so-finest migrated west and it was more like East Chicago).

The insurance proceeds only went so far but I ended up in a place I could pay off immediately: 3400 square feet, the entire basement is Garage Mahal, 5 1/2 acres and a 30x40 shop ... in BFE, Tennessee. Not at all what it was represented to be during negotiations (the seller was not only a licensed realtor but also the mayor of town [ahemmmm]), the closest lawyers who paid anything were in Nashville or Memphis two hours away. I was faced with spending the rest of my life commuting, or see if I could take a fun hobby I started back in 1999 and turn it into a full time job.

You can see by my signature line -- and the Feedback page -- that the idea sorta worked out in the meantime.

I started off on a flat rate basis for the first five years to build up my reputation in the industry and get the word out, let the customers do my talking for me, have never paid for formal advertising except printing up business cards, and haven't "worked" a single day since May 31, 2007. Every job is different -- well, except for a $hitload of Commando valve covers anyway lol -- and it's honestly rare these days that a big box of gloss black brackets shows up anymore. The best part is all the metal work.

Strictly through experience and word of mouth, I am very proud to say that my humble little one-woman shop has become the industry leader in Mopar parts restorations, custom one-offs and serious multi-color powder coating work. Though there are coaters on seemingly every corner these days thanks to Eastwood's "Own your own business for $100!" market saturation over the last decade, very few even try to do the stuff I work on every day.

Simply put, I love my job -- I get to have a hand in some of the finest rides in the world ... I get to turn nasty old rusty or oxidized **** into art ... I get to watch through pics and emails as my guys' projects go from a mere shell to a rolling Rembrandt ... and I still can't believe I get paid $25 an hour to do it.

Sure, I made a lot more, stayed clean and got to wear my mini skirts and high heels and felt **** all day while working as a paralegal. But nothing -- absolutely NOTHING -- compares to the personal satisfaction I feel when I go from this ...








to this.







Though I never would've expected to be writing this post ten years ago, when all is said and done, I really wouldn't change a thing about how it's worked out. Except to have a few clones or a 'partner' who was more interested in helping than just reaping the benefits.

Listen to your heart and your gut because they'll NEVER steer you wrong trpearcy. Your head might though.

 

[domer911]

... or a 'partner' who was more interested in helping than just reaping the benefits.

those seem to be a dime-a-dozen, I'm afraid

 

[Ohio Auto]

Becoming a mechanic will not fix chronic depression.

I was an auto tech, I know a bunch of auto techs...statistically speaking...the longer you do it the higher percentage of guys that wish they could do something else.

ONLY wanting to hear from the ones that like it fuels denial.

I wrenched for 15 years and now have a white collar job. I have a shop out back and I wrench at my leisure...wouldn't have it any other way.

 

[e-rockin-it]

Just thought I'd throw in my 2 cents as I'm pretty much in the exact same boat (more or less)

I've always enjoyed working on cars and have done so since I was 14 working with my dad on Ford Falcons, and the other beaters, I eventually got my own cars and wrenched on them as well. My dad was an electrical engineer, I eventually ended up in the same situation after I had kids (before kids I was working in recording studios playing music, but you can't do that so much with kids when your working hours are 7pm to 5am and you might come back drunk)

School was easy enough, while I was doing the engineering, I was also working in aluminum fabrication (specifically TIG welding).

After school I got a job at a small start up. It turns out that if you're hands on and can design at the same time, you'll have a really good time and also be very valued in the engineering field. A lot of people can design on paper and think that it should work, if you can sit there and look at how practically it would be built and make the changes, then you're worth your weight in gold. I ended up being a "generalist" which is electrical, mechanical and software, all at the same time, just not fixed in any one subject.
Where I work the general unspoken rule is that if you design it, you have to put the first one together. This is probably the most interesting and fun part of the job. If you did a good job designing, then putting it together will be easy, and you get the hands on part as well. At the same time, if you didn't quite get it right, your punishment is spending some time in the machine shop removing the not right parts and making them new. It really can be rewarding and can be fun when you're using the engineering part and the hands on part of your brain at the same time.

In the end if you have a decent balance of both, I think you'll end up enjoying what you do.

That being said, recently we weren't sure if the company would survive past a few months so I opened up a private shop, I had some customers, mostly I do custom work, some repairs, a lot of electrical diagnosis and a little bit of the more complicated things (transmission rebuilds, engine rebuilds) mostly as a hobby, but I'm building up the client base to probably make the change in the near future.

Bottom line is that school *****, it teaches you how to learn, once you get past that, the actual engineering job can be a lot like wrenching, but instead of doing your 400th brake job of the year, you get to keep it interesting by only doing the first of anything.

Either way, do what you love, but remember that you should work to live, not live to work.

 

[hogdoc]

I've been a Harley Mechanic for the last 11 years and still love what I do. I was getting a little burned out last year, but I take the winters (Dec-mid Feb'ish) off and this year I did a lot of things I've been wanting to do for years and rejuvenated my passion for the work I do. Since I've been back this year its been like it was when I started, in early out late, enjoying what I do, not making a fortune, BUT then again I only work 9-10 months a year!

Best part of my job is I have riden over 10,000 different Harleys, still enjoy every test ride, still do things I don't get paid for because they need to be done.

I've worked on everything I've ever owned myself, starting a 6 years old with bicycles, motorcycles from age 11, built show cars, custom bikes, race cars and custom parts for all kinds off things.

I've done retail, management, desk/computer jobs but being a mechanic is literally in my blood (dads dad was an auto mechanic for 30+ years) and I wouldn't have it any other way!

 

[Mike Miller]

I worked on trucks and heavy equipment, my happiest times were when I had a service rig full of parts and a bunch of on site repairs to do. I'm retired now but still go to the house at night with grease under my finger nails.

 

[pat1]

I have been working on cars for 21 years and I LOVE it!! I work at a Mazda dealership for the past 19 years and I can't complain. It's been great. I make great money and I love working with my hands. I turn wrenches during the week and turn wrenches on my free time. I can't see myself doing anything else. I can't stand still and I always have to be doing something, so wrenching is perfect.

I really don't get why people hate it. If you don't like what you do for a living **** or get off the pot. DO SOMETHING ELSE and stop complaining!!!!!!!

It takes the right person to turn wrenches. I have seen a ton of people come in to my work place and I can tell you right off the bat if they are going to make it.

 

[A_Pmech]

I'm quoting the three posts below because I think the advice is top shelf.

To them I'll add only a few thoughts:

1) Schools don't have a stranglehold on knowledge, it's free for the taking at any library. So cleanse your mind of the idea that leaving school is a naturally "bad" idea. What is a bad idea is doing something that doesn't make you happy in the short or long term.

2) Leaving school doesn't mean you're doomed to living poorly. Ask Bill Gates. If you have the drive, the only true barriers to progress are the ones you put there yourself and time. Learn to do something well and find a market for it. (It sounds so easy but trust me it isn't.)

3) Any job can destroy you. Some jobs destroy your body, others destroy your mind and a few destroy your soul. The chance that a job will destroy you is, in general, inversely proportional to how much you enjoy it.

As for me, I decided years ago I wanted to own a machine shop. So, started one. In all respects, it's the hardest thing I've ever done, but I greatly enjoy it. There's nothing like that feeling when I turn out the lights after a long night. I usually stop, turn around and realize what I've accomplished. Being a business owner is one of the most rewarding and challenging things a person can ever do.

I am not a mechanic but have been a paid engine builder/machinist my entire life from the age of 16. No plan. It just kind of fell in that direction. Would I do something different if I could start over? No. I do something that I found I excel at almost by mistake. I make a living but no big riches. Maybe someday.

While I was not bending over fenders or all twisted up under a dash I did make the young, strong man's mistake of lifting heavy objects without a thought. I now continually fight lower back pain, etc. The Doc just says "your lower spine *****, how do you stand up so straight?".

I say that whatever you choose to be, don't let ego or your current physical capabilities get in the way of smart.
Hoists and other back saving equipment should be first on the must have list. Don't just lift that cylinder head off because you can. That bending over the fender and ripping the head out is an example of what the guys are probably referring to when they speak of body wear and tear. Find a smarter way, even if it takes 3 more minutes. A long healthy career pays far more than a shorter, painful one.

I think there will always be a need for someone that can fix and/or make things. Personally I marvel at the skills of a top notch carpenter/builder or a old school body man (not just a insurance parts changer).
If you love your work and continually re-train yourself with the latest know how then eventually even the Grandkids will think you are God.

It used to be that in Europe a man wanted his daughter to marry a mechanic rather than a doctor. Ponder that scenario! They probably went the same way we did and it's reversed at the moment.
While there was a push to make everyone cubicle drones that seems to be coming full circle now. I even see schools beginning to re-start shop classes here and there.
So eventually the respect and pride will come back and the money will follow.

So...
1: Work smart health wise.
2: Learn and relearn your craft daily.
3: Learn how to deal with the good and bad customer (that's the hard part)
4: Don't work too far beyond your skills. See #2
5: Learn to say NO. Farm it out or refer the job. See #4

Engineering will not make you rich, but neither will being a mechanic, so don't think that by giving up on engineering that you are taking some "higher path" of esoteric good. Sounds to me as if you are taking the easy way out and trying to justify your decision.

I retired from being a mechanical engineer for over 35 years and can assure you that not all engineering is about pushing a pen. Yeah, the college years are tough as you have to plow through hours of math and other mundane studies, but there is a much greater depth of understanding of the physical world around you that comes from these studies. And, sometimes it seems as if you are spending way too much time studying stuff you don't think you'll ever use. And, you're right. Probably over 70% of what I studied in college I never used as an engineer .... but it was great background.

My engineering years were spent in the fossil power generation industry working on power plant engineering, construction and maintenance. In those 35 years I worked on new design, equipment upgrades/replacements, demolition, construction of new plants & equipment, maintenance of old junk and tons of troubleshooting operational and performance problems. Every project was different from the last project and a new challenge with different issues to address. Yeah, a lot of hours behind a desk, but also, a lot of hours working at plant facilities and construction sites with other engineers, plant operators, vendors, contractors and craft labor.

I guess I'm trying say that when you are young, you're anxious to get on with life and your career, so you don't always see the big, long-term picture. College can seem like a drag with no useful purpose. But, look long term .... and, please don't think that a career mechanic is not an honorable profession, and if that is where your love of work is then go for it. But, also since you have the opportunity for college (which many guys don't have that chance), are you sure you want to throw that away and spend the next 35 years working in a shop?

And, after getting your ME degree, if you find you really hate engineering then go back to tech school and become a top-shelf mechanic.

Your last sentence rang so true with me I had to reply.

First off, I'm NOT a mechanic but that lime green beastie "Slimer" over there <<<------ was my first and only restoration. I've had it for 23 years next month and maybe some day I'll get it done.

I worked for lawyers as a paralegal for 20 years before Hurricane Katrina came along and decided that I needed a new place to live. Waiting 2 years for the house to be reconstructed was not really an option, and the small and uneventful town where I lived had gone from 10,000 to 70,000 people within a few months of the storm anyway (all of New Orleans' not-so-finest migrated west and it was more like East Chicago).

The insurance proceeds only went so far but I ended up in a place I could pay off immediately: 3400 square feet, the entire basement is Garage Mahal, 5 1/2 acres and a 30x40 shop ... in BFE, Tennessee. Not at all what it was represented to be during negotiations (the seller was not only a licensed realtor but also the mayor of town [ahemmmm]), the closest lawyers who paid anything were in Nashville or Memphis two hours away. I was faced with spending the rest of my life commuting, or see if I could take a fun hobby I started back in 1999 and turn it into a full time job.

You can see by my signature line -- and the Feedback page -- that the idea sorta worked out in the meantime.

I started off on a flat rate basis for the first five years to build up my reputation in the industry and get the word out, let the customers do my talking for me, have never paid for formal advertising except printing up business cards, and haven't "worked" a single day since May 31, 2007. Every job is different -- well, except for a $hitload of Commando valve covers anyway lol -- and it's honestly rare these days that a big box of gloss black brackets shows up anymore. The best part is all the metal work.

Strictly through experience and word of mouth, I am very proud to say that my humble little one-woman shop has become the industry leader in Mopar parts restorations, custom one-offs and serious multi-color powder coating work. Though there are coaters on seemingly every corner these days thanks to Eastwood's "Own your own business for $100!" market saturation over the last decade, very few even try to do the stuff I work on every day.

Simply put, I love my job -- I get to have a hand in some of the finest rides in the world ... I get to turn nasty old rusty or oxidized **** into art ... I get to watch through pics and emails as my guys' projects go from a mere shell to a rolling Rembrandt ... and I still can't believe I get paid $25 an hour to do it.

Sure, I made a lot more, stayed clean and got to wear my mini skirts and high heels and felt **** all day while working as a paralegal. But nothing -- absolutely NOTHING -- compares to the personal satisfaction I feel when I go from this ...








to this.







Though I never would've expected to be writing this post ten years ago, when all is said and done, I really wouldn't change a thing about how it's worked out. Except to have a few clones or a 'partner' who was more interested in helping than just reaping the benefits.

Listen to your heart and your gut because they'll NEVER steer you wrong trpearcy. Your head might though.

 

[synchro7]

I worked for the US post Office for 28 years as a maintenance mechanic on the automatic sorting equipment. The system was similar to computer controlled robotics, only we were controlling conveyor belts, sorting machines, etc. I really enjoyed the work. It changed every day. I retired 3 years ago after 10 years military, 7 years as an auto mech, and 28 years at the PO. And I'm still wrenching, but only on my stuff.

 

[66dave]

If you want to troubleshoot and wrench, be in climate controlled atmosphere and make good cash...become a semiconductor engineer. Most people come in with either an AAS or PhD. The PhD's should have "for display purpose only" on a toolbox, and the people with AAS do not get the satisfaction because they are considered uneducated compared to the PhD's. If you have mechanical ability and an engineering degree of anyone you will have a blast.

I feel bad for my dad being a 35+ year Ford mechanic, as you can see the job now taking its toll on him. His hands shake bad from all the solvents from the 80's when everybody had parts washers in their stalls. He works hard, but man it looks like a tough job. I respect the mechanics in the shops, they deserve way more respect than they get.

If you are in the north east and semiconductor work sounds intriguing maybe check out places like Global Foundries, IBM or Albany Nano-tech. I do not work for any of these places, but as an equipment vendor I have traveled there to install equipment.

Good luck and happy wrenching!

 

[Jetfixr320]

25 years as a Aircraft mechanic, It's had it's ups and downs. LOL
I've been with one of the larger Freight carriers for the last 6 years. I'm very happy wrenching. And make just over $100K without OT. Yes, those jobs are hard to come by.

Take care of yourself and wear the proper PPE, I was lucky and had some old guys tell me when I first started in the field about wearing rubber gloves etc.
But, I saw many old timers washing their hands in MEK and other things. And over the last 10 years have heard of a lot of the old Eastern airlines guys I knew passing away from cancer and other brain issues. Pretty sad.

I'm happy in my job and still enjoy going home and working on my project cars.
I might not say that if I was working cars all day at work though.

The only thing I personally would want to go to school for is Machining or welding. It would just be for fun and not really work related though.

I say go to school and do what will make you happy.

Is the Cuda Chick single? LOL

Jet

 

[Flivver250]

I started learning wrenching as a teen because I could not afford a reliable ride or a mechanic. Went into the Army and did it more. Got out and tried my hand as a wrench and hated it. Did not make enough money to pay for tools which I was buying out of savings and on credit. When after my first year I noticed the 21 year old girl who did the daily books at the shop made as much as I did and she did not buy her adding machine I had an epiphany that the work I enjoyed with my hands was not going to feed my mouth to my tastes. I moved on and never looked back. Now I can love wrenching as a hobby. CudaChick is doing it right, specializing in a niche market and building her own reputation and not becoming one of the greasy faces in a shop full of parts changers. Some wrenches do make a liveable wage in flatrate shops, but usually it is the business savvy owner that has the cabin on the lake. Drove a tool truck to the shops for six months where I noticed half the mechanics were broke, drunk, stoned and struggling to pay for a set of drill bits and ducking the debtors on payday.

 

[GYPSY400]

I've been at it for 15+ years now, and I just started a new job that I really enjoy.. this is not a shop job though, im out in the field now working on mining equipment at various sites.. I did like working in a shop, but spending more time with the same co-workers will eventually drive you nuts!
Also, in regards to money, the hourly wage isn't bad, but overtime is where I make good cash ( time and a half after 40/week)... if I was flat rate I'd starve!

Sent from my SGH-I747M using Tapatalk

 

[teal95]

BTDT. Keep at the school even if it's only part time. You will burn out rather quickly. The OEM's can really use people who actually have some clue how stuff works. I've been in and out of automotive for 15 years in engineering (5 years working on airplane engines) for both suppliers and OEMs. How much hands on you gets depends on where you work. For Chrysler as an engineer mostly you aren't allowed to touch anything (at least according to the union rules). At GM and Ford the engineers are allowed to participate. At suppliers there might not be any designated mechanics, the engineer is expected to design, build and test. Right now I'm at Chrysler. I've been there several times before and I have a reputation of knowing what I'm doing and not causing problems so for the most part the mechanics are perfectly happy to have me help. There are a few people who have fits and you learn who they are and don't use the tools when they are around. If you aren't getting in enough wrenching time at work there are always the home projects and side jobs.

What I'm getting at is don't limit your options. Keep up the schooling, even if it's part time. It pays a lot better and doesn't limit you in what you can do. It's really nice if you can get a job that will pay for your schooling. Shops won't care if you have an engineering job while you can't get an engineering job without the diploma.

I spent 9 years to finish my degree. Officially I'm electrical but I've spent more time doing mechanical work than electrical. I've even done chemical and civil work. Unless it's pretty specialized work they really don't care what degree you have as long as it's some form of engineering.

I know, I've rambled somewhat.

steve