It is really sad that people are that way. The car clubs were bad enough, but the local Jeep club during the pandemic was absolutely horrific. Newbie's to the Jeep world bought Jeeps and then EXPECTED everyone else to hold their hands. I conducted several training seminars at our local monthly club meetings showing things from basic routine maintenance to trailside troubleshooting and fixes and the people didn't want to learn anything, just expected me to fix their ****.
The straw that broke me was during a monthly club run in early 2023 when a guy was trying multiple times to get up an obstacle and as his Jeep was hopping I approached him and mentioned that he either back away and call it a day before he broke something OR string his winch and pull up it. But he was hell bent on getting up it so it a little throttle didn't work a lot would. Next attempt he snapped an axle joint. We got him out of the way and I went to get my Jeep, backed it down the trail as my tools were in the back. I was going to show him how to disassemble it to get the broken shaft out and how he could be able to drive it off the trail and home. I began tearing the front axle apart and he was nowhere to be seen. I looked up and he was sitting on his lawn chair BS'ing with others eating his sandwich for lunch.
That was it for me, I was done after that and dropped out of the Jeep club before the next meeting. I didn't receive one single phone call or text message from the few I thought were friends asking why I quit, so I guess I wasn't missed. I did get a phone call from one of them last month asking if I'd work on his Jeep because he has "replaced everything he can think of and it still won't run". I simply told him I wasn't interested. That was the first time I had heard from him in 3+ years.
The car clubs weren't quite as bad, but it seemed like I continually got hit up about doing work and then when I gave them quotes I would get the whole "you're going to charge me?" or "but you'll give me the club discount, right?" Very little mention of the quality of work they were getting, only concern was how cheaply they could get it.
Mike,
This reflects on people as a general rule, certainly over the last couple decades.
One is to drop everything and help out on a whim, when "that" someone needs a small favor none are to be found within "friend" group.
Like you I was always the guy that would show up without being asked if there was a vehicle project/house repair/truck bed was needed etc.
Over the years I have scaled that way back, removed leaches out of my life, and generally do as much as possible solo.
Do not like asking for help, unless it is something hard to manage by my lonesome. We are all busy, everyone fighting their own battle.
Back in February I had a work related accident and mangled my right leg ankle pretty good.
It required a surgery and it has been a fight to get better/regain mobility since.
Was not able to cut grass, any vehicle or household repair, even groceries... First 5 weeks I was no weight bearing and stuck between a couch/recliner life.
Saw even more of what I refer to as "acquaintances" say let me know if you need anything, and go silent for the duration.
Blessed with a few real friends, and my mother being there in my recovery every step of the way.
Single fellow here, no dependents.
I am back to doing small stuff around the house, vehicle maintenance, even rode my scooter a few times already.
Still holding back on a proper motorcycle ride.
As they say things are falling in place, some additional life lessons were learned.
Rest of my time is filled with work (light duty for now), and physical therapy 3 times a week.
Bossman has me running our dock, clerical and some other bits - good to be out of the house and working...
Onwards and upwards.