Do you even bother with notice???

[Two dollar steak]

Lets say you left your stealership job that was a 45 minute drive away, and went to work at a local general repair shop because its close to home and kids school and they have a decent rep in town with customers. And for a bit it was cool, but now your kinda getting bonned. Like the paychecks aren't itemized, just a dollar amount, no listing of hours turned, what jobs you got paid what for and such. They don't pay the techs until the vehicle gets paid for and picked up and sometimes that carries over for two maybe three weeks. Sometimes they don't throw in time for diags. Hours quoted on job don't match up to hours paid. Stuff like that. I keep records of what I do and what has left the lot but its not matching up in my check.... On top of all that they take in stuff no jake-leg would even touch, write up a full diag on what its gunna need, and then they wanna nitpick on what work you do to it because the customer is a buddy and don't have a lot of money and maybe get paid for a diag, maybe they just toss it in for free. A few weeks ago they seriously towed in a car with a cv dropped out, it aint have no motor mounts!!!! rubber was completely missing, and the cv shaft got in such a crazy angle it broke. I diag and turn it in, they say well he only has like $150 to work with. Serriously? I just walked away and took a smoke break.

Should I even give these guys a two week notice like is the convention? My train of thought is that they aren't holding up their end of being a decent responsible employer so......

 

[woody 73]

Not sure if this will help you out:

http://www.bigisthenewsmall.com/2012/05/21/10-signs-it-may-be-time-to-move-on-4/

 

[mech-tech]

My last employer was like that, plus sooo money hungry that he rushed the mechanics so he could charge two or three people at a time for your labor. Long story short, they put their money hungry ways before me, and I left in a yelling rage. The way I see it, you get the respect you give me, you worry more about yourself...so I worry about myself...and we part ways on the spot.

 

[jkwilson]

Well, doing the right thing is always the right thing, even if the other guy is a POS and doesn't deserve respect.

If you find another job, just tell them you need to wrap things up on your old job before you can start, and you won't know for sure how long that will take. Tell them two weeks tops, but if you can get out sooner you will. Remember that the way you treat and talk about your old employer is how they think you'll treat and talk about them. No employer will have a problem with a new hire wanting to do right by their current boss before they leave and it reflects well on you.

Then talk to your current employer. If they tell you to get the hell out, no big deal.

 

[djjsr]

Give them notice and tell them WHY you're leaving. Either they will fix it and ask you to stay or they won't and you move on.

Think long term.

 

[sparky5982]

+1 mech-tech.

Giving notice is a gesture of respect. Respect is earned. I'd say this particular employer has not earned your respect.

 

[woody 73]

Well, doing the right thing is always the right thing, even if the other guy is a POS and doesn't deserve respect.

If you find another job, just tell them you need to wrap things up on your old job before you can start, and you won't know for sure how long that will take. Tell them two weeks tops, but if you can get out sooner you will. Remember that the way you treat and talk about your old employer is how they think you'll treat and talk about them. No employer will have a problem with a new hire wanting to do right by their current boss before they leave and it reflects well on you.

Then talk to your current employer. If they tell you to get the hell out, no big deal.

Well said!

 

[Dick in Wisconsin]

Well, doing the right thing is always the right thing, even if the other guy is a POS and doesn't deserve respect.

If you find another job, just tell them you need to wrap things up on your old job before you can start, and you won't know for sure how long that will take. Tell them two weeks tops, but if you can get out sooner you will. Remember that the way you treat and talk about your old employer is how they think you'll treat and talk about them. No employer will have a problem with a new hire wanting to do right by their current boss before they leave and it reflects well on you.

Then talk to your current employer. If they tell you to get the hell out, no big deal.

This is OUTSTANDING advice. I could not have said it any better.

 

[mechan]

Depends, but giving a notice is sometimes a dangerous road to go down. In recent history most of the people I know who I work with were not "able" to work the remainder of their notice. I say if you feel so compelled give them a notice or if not screw it and drag up.

 

[rodm1]

I would take all of my vacation time ASAP after finding a job then after your last check walk away. The point is walk with the most cash in hand you might not get the rest without a fight. Employers like them use you and I don't feel bad about just walking.

 

[Highlux]

Never burn a bridge....what the next job you get going to think when they call to check you reference? Oh yeah...he just up and left one day...no notice...

I wouldnt hire you.

Now if you give 2 weeks...most will fire you on spot. No one wants someone around skating by thier last 2 weeks.

Land a job you can keep and stick to for awhile. Nobody like a job hopper.

 

[GTA Matt]

Lets say you left your stealership job that was a 45 minute drive away, and went to work at a local general repair shop because its close to home and kids school and they have a decent rep in town with customers. And for a bit it was cool, but now your kinda getting bonned. Like the paychecks aren't itemized, just a dollar amount, no listing of hours turned, what jobs you got paid what for and such. They don't pay the techs until the vehicle gets paid for and picked up and sometimes that carries over for two maybe three weeks. Sometimes they don't throw in time for diags. Hours quoted on job don't match up to hours paid. Stuff like that. I keep records of what I do and what has left the lot but its not matching up in my check.... On top of all that they take in stuff no jake-leg would even touch, write up a full diag on what its gunna need, and then they wanna nitpick on what work you do to it because the customer is a buddy and don't have a lot of money and maybe get paid for a diag, maybe they just toss it in for free. A few weeks ago they seriously towed in a car with a cv dropped out, it aint have no motor mounts!!!! rubber was completely missing, and the cv shaft got in such a crazy angle it broke. I diag and turn it in, they say well he only has like $150 to work with. Serriously? I just walked away and took a smoke break.

Should I even give these guys a two week notice like is the convention? My train of thought is that they aren't holding up their end of being a decent responsible employer so......

Grease up the toolbox wheels and roll. Normally I would say to never burn a bridge, but if they can't take care of their techs, why should you care about them?

 

[senor fozz]

Give them notice and tell them WHY you're leaving. Either they will fix it and ask you to stay or they won't and you move on.

Think long term.

+1. my roomate had the samilar issue with a manager pulling this. he got everyone in the shop to start keeping track of their work and it forced the manager to do the tech comps correctly at the end month and double check with ghe techs before he submitted them. it is like the saying the nail that sticks out the much gets hammered. a manager cant hammer everyone so he was forced to change.

if this a privately owned shop he likely will just keep f-ing you.

 

[mech-tech]

I agree very much with the advice of not burning a bridge since they may be your reference for the new job...but I have learned two things... if the employer will screw over the customer, they will screw over the employee...and if the employer will short you on money you noticed missing, then what have they screwed you out of that you have not noticed! Only you can make the decision since you're the one working there and you are the one trying to support a family and pay your bills.

 

[mechan]

Give them notice and tell them WHY you're leaving. Either they will fix it and ask you to stay or they won't and you move on.

Think long term.

Atleast from everything I've read from head hunters and recruiters the feeling is if you have made the decision to move you need to stick to your guns. Staying after giving notice supposedly doesn't work out well in general. (I would probably tend to agree.) Explaining why you are leaving or venting in the exit interview may be self satisfying, but the chances of a company changing how they are doing this is pretty small. You could in fact be doing your future career more harm by expressing opinions or sharing too much about a situation than is warranted. You made an agreement with the employer and they made an agreement with you; an hours work for an hours pay. You don't owe your employer any explanations for your decision to leave. If most employers extended common courtesy then the rate at which one changes jobs now days wouldn't be so high. Leave on clean terms and just give notice or drag up.

 

[Duarte]

If you have proof of hours worked, and you are not being paid, see you state's labor department. Techs are hourly employees and there are federal and state laws that appear to be ignored. Your employer can be fined and required to pay up on all worked hours. If this affects other techs, you should all file complaints with your state labor department.

 

[Hyster Gareth]

Always try to leave on good terms and work your notice. However go with your gut feeling and if an employer treated me like **** I would hit the road. I hope all works out well for you

 

[Two dollar steak]

Many good point here to consider, thanks. I am no job hopper by any means, in in my early 30's and this is my 3rd company to work for. Started with a company in a different field at 18, made supervisor in two years and got promoted every year until I left in 2010 to find a more family friendly job, the dealership I was at for the previous 3 years. I've only been at this place for a lil bit, and I honestly don't think I'd ever see my whole last check IF I did do a notice, without legal action. No sicktime, no vacation, no holidays, what was I thinking? Pay is a week behind paid on Fridays, so I'd probably have to develop the flu for a week starting Monday morning, go hunting, then pick up my check and cash it, then hook up my tailer and load up. That's the only exit plan I can see working that gets me paid for all the work I did, unless there is another one of those buddy buddy deals that sits in the fence to two weeks. LEARNING EXPERIENCE I suppose........

 

[Stuart in MN]

Well, doing the right thing is always the right thing, even if the other guy is a POS and doesn't deserve respect.

This. Be the better man, and don't sink to their level.

 

[Tarheelgarage]

I use to give notice when I left jobs in the past.
Now I just pack up my tools and get the hell out.

****'em

 

[softailgarage]

Tough call. I have always...always given notice so as to NOT burn a bridge and it's the professional thing to do, however... Last year I left a shop cause the owner started having problems and couldn't pay me. 6 months ago he asked me to come back, promising he could pay. After 3 months and no pay I went home on a Friday and never went back. No phone call, no notice, nothing.**** 'em.

 

[djjsr]

I suggest you don't take advice from someone who has had a lot of jobs.

 

[mechan]

I suggest you don't take advice from someone who has had a lot of jobs.

So ... by this logic never take advice from most industrial construction workers, eh?

 

[kiatech]

Reasons why I quit working on cars.

 

[86k10]

"They don't pay the techs until the vehicle gets paid for and picked up and sometimes that carries over for two maybe three weeks."

This right here would make me look for another job. Tell the new employer that you need to give two week notice but can start right if needed.

That **** would piss me off. I worked at a Indy shop in 98 or so and saw several guy pick up and leave without notice because of the stuff like your situation.

 

[benny42]

I've never been given 2 weeks notice i was going to be terminated. I believe the "right thing" road goes both ways. I work for ME first, and the shop owner 2nd. I have a very short resume and do not tolerate abuse from the management. Move on.

 

[Deadhead]

If and when you go for an interview and they call for references, that alone will start the ball rolling.

Sometimes in your favor.
Sometimes not.

Your boss will changes his ways and try to make it right
OR
Your boss will show you the door.

Either way - You win.

I would make sure in the interview to make it real clear why you are leaving. Be prepared for you current boss to "talk down about you" in a reference call, so I hope that you do have all your notes on jobs performed to show.

Best of luck.

 

[Zeke]

I think I'd walk in on a Friday morning and say, "The truck will be here for my tool box at 9. Is there anything you'd like me to do before I'm loaded up?" Polite and swift.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Tough call. I have always...always given notice so as to NOT burn a bridge and it's the professional thing to do, however... Last year I left a shop cause the owner started having problems and couldn't pay me. 6 months ago he asked me to come back, promising he could pay. After 3 months and no pay I went home on a Friday and never went back. No phone call, no notice, nothing.**** 'em.

3 months?! Dude!

 

[NC-Shaun]

Lets say you left your stealership job that was a 45 minute drive away, and went to work at a local general repair shop because its close to home and kids school and they have a decent rep in town with customers. And for a bit it was cool, but now your kinda getting bonned. Like the paychecks aren't itemized, just a dollar amount, no listing of hours turned, what jobs you got paid what for and such. They don't pay the techs until the vehicle gets paid for and picked up and sometimes that carries over for two maybe three weeks. Sometimes they don't throw in time for diags. Hours quoted on job don't match up to hours paid. Stuff like that. I keep records of what I do and what has left the lot but its not matching up in my check.... On top of all that they take in stuff no jake-leg would even touch, write up a full diag on what its gunna need, and then they wanna nitpick on what work you do to it because the customer is a buddy and don't have a lot of money and maybe get paid for a diag, maybe they just toss it in for free. A few weeks ago they seriously towed in a car with a cv dropped out, it aint have no motor mounts!!!! rubber was completely missing, and the cv shaft got in such a crazy angle it broke. I diag and turn it in, they say well he only has like $150 to work with. Serriously? I just walked away and took a smoke break.

Should I even give these guys a two week notice like is the convention? My train of thought is that they aren't holding up their end of being a decent responsible employer so......

I left the Auto Parts store a while back and did what I swore I would never do again....Wrenching for a paycheck. The guy promised this, promised that. I ended up busting my **** fixing garbage that should never be fixed, getting shorted on pay, working thru lunch, overtime (not paid) and doing way more than the job requirements ever said. Same as you....car owner always on a budget and ALWAYS a friend of the owner.

They kept over piling me with work while the other techs played on facebook because I was hourly and they were flat rate. So I waited until they piled up about 3 repairs with owners waiting 10 minutes before lunch at that on a Friday (payday). This was about 3 hours worth of work mind you they wanted done in 10 minutes. So I waited until the entire shop cleared out for lunch and rolled my tool box out of there and left em hangin high and dry.

I stuffed all my tools one by one in the car, loaded the empty tool boxes alone, went and cashed my check. Best feeling I ever had, besides the first time I did that back in 2000 when I swore I would never wrench for a living again the first time.

The owner also tried to bully me a few times into passing a unsafe vehicle on state inspection (to the point of almost fist fighting) I warned him twice if he got in my face again he better be prepared to swing, which was 2 more times than I have ever given anyone in my entire life. He didnt take my warning seriously, so leaving without speaking to anyone was the safest bet for all parties. The cherry on the top was leaving the pile of unfixed cars with owners waiting when he got back from feeding his fat face.

 

[fatfillup]

As an employer, small employer, I would like to be offered 2 weeks notice but would most likely ask the person to leave at the end of the day. In 25 years, I have only had one 2 guys quit. Can't remember if I had them stay or not. Laid off one, fired one, one retired, one died. Haven't had many at all.


To the OP, your expectations of the local shop being run like a dealership (Note you used the term stealership which implies how you feel they do business) was unrealistic. They probably didn't have the manpower or technology in place to itemize your check the way the dealer did. Now they should not be holding your money till the car gets picked up and paid for, that is not your problem. As far as being paid for each diagnostic, are you paid strictly off what you produce or is there some hourly compensation too or in lieu of what your work order produces. In a small business, its not unusual to give a little to a customer. Note, I don't know your compensation agreement and if they didn't live up to their end, then you have a right to *****, but nobody gets away with charging like a dealer except dealers so your expectations may have been high

 

[GoodEnough]

They kept over piling me with work while the other techs played on facebook because I was hourly and they were flat rate.

Can you explain what this means and why you were given all the work?

 

[mech-tech]

If he meant anything like my last job was, it's that I was hourly and the boss charges X amount of hours to do a job. So the faster I worked the more money HE made...I never made more money for doing a job in a fraction of the time it should have taken. The boss was charging 23 hours of labor for work I did in 7...so I was fixing three different pieces of equipment and billing for them while the boss was still getting paid for the first one...so he was making tons of money on me hurrying while I just made X amount per hour...thus giving myself lots of extra work for absolutely no reason.

 

[188slo50]

Depends if there the type of employer that's going to give you all the ****/no money making jobs for your last 2wks. I believe in karma and a shop I worked at did the whole not itemizing on the paycheck when I was working flat rate. He Did this for years to a lot of good people well about 5 yrs ago he got shut down do to the economy and tried to work in other shops. Most of the people he screwed yrs earlier we're running theses shops know and no one will hire him. Last I heard he works at advance auto driving parts around to these same shops.lol

 

[bonneyman]

I've never been given 2 weeks notice i was going to be terminated. I believe the "right thing" road goes both ways. I work for ME first, and the shop owner 2nd. I have a very short resume and do not tolerate abuse from the management. Move on.

Bingo!
I've had ending a job go all sorts of ways. Most bad, some very bad, some dangerous. None ever went "civilized". Let's face it - something has to be wrong for the business relationship to be ended. Someone somewhere is going to get their feelings hurt and get mad, or get even.
With the way the economy is and all, one has to cover their rear. Do what is going to be best for you.

 

[Bronson]

Give them notice and tell them WHY you're leaving. Either they will fix it and ask you to stay or they won't and you move on.

Think long term.

I gave two weeks notice and got a FREAKING HUGE raise.

 

[Shadowdog500]

I wonder if the owner is barely surviving himself and don't have the money to pay you until he gets paid. If he is taking work in well below cost he is probably just trying to get a little cash flow to stay afloat another week. Either that or he is bad at book keeping and is a soft touch for friends with money problems.

I've seen this happen several times and in the end they went under. I had a friend with a shop with a good rep, but he would undercharge to be a nice guy and wouldn't charge regular customers for quick things that only took say 15 minutes. He was always busy, and did good work,but was losing money, because he wasn't a good businessman. Before he went out of business I found out he hadn't taken home a dime in two years, and that his wife's paycheck as a schoolteacher was being used to help make payroll during that two years. Remember the shop owner is always the last to get paid.

I have several friends with successful auto repair business and both of them pointed out the most important thing they did was to take courses on running a business. Some people never figure this out.

If you don't like where you are you may want to look at going back to the dealership.

I assume the shop owner is trustworthy, I know some slime balls who would probably steal, or raid, your box before the two weeks were up.

Chris

 

[Two dollar steak]

I'm paid strictly by what I churn out. I do see that they are dumping the bs jobs off on me, which as I think about it makes business sense because I'm the only flat rate guy there, and I'm the new guy, the rest are on a meager hourly wage and low low flag rate. They make more money if they get a guy that makes 350 a week and 5 buck an hour commission jobs then if they give it to a $25 or $30 and hour flat rate guy who turns 40-45hrs a week.

Maybe they can skate all day and be fine with $500 a week but I got kids to feed! I'm not sure if the check stubs just showing gross, net and what went to taxes are just out of being lazy and not putting in any effort, not thinking its a big deal, or if they are done on purpose to conceal something. That bothers me personally. But its printed out on a spreadsheet program and has spots for jobs, ro numbers, and total hours. I've had right at a decade of supervising, at times over 500 people, and I never half assed anything with any of them, they were giving me their all, my money depended on them so I took as good a care of them as I could.

 

[-->]

I assume the shop owner is trustworthy, I know some slime balls who would probably steal your box before the two weeks were up.

Chris

I was thinking that. Be careful of your tools if you give notice. I personally wouldnt trust anybody with my gear who is doing what he is doing. I know of too many horror stories to ever be comfortable with that situation.
Also keep in mind no matter what you do, your former employer may not give you a good reference no matter how well you leave, just because you are leaving.

 

[Rakoprtr]

I left one job without notice and seems like the worst thing I ever did I have applied to every shop in town had six interviews and every interview went great and I was told they would call me back after they check my references never got a call back so I went from a major repair and diag position to where I couldn't get a job as a lube guy at grease monkey now the guy I quit from was well known in town and had several of his own shops in town for about twenty years funny thing is I seen him at Walmart a few weeks ago and he said he never got a call so if u do quit w/o notice make sure and and let future employers know my recomendation is find a job before u leave