So, here goes. I recently posted about me having a battle with cancer and winning. I mentioned that I am 67 years old and now feeling great and wanting to get back working on cars, doing front end work, ball joints, brakes, struts, ext. I was talking to a friend yesterday and he mentioned that I will not likely get hired. One, is because of my age. Two, that i am not as fast as younger workers, and three, that I would be a liability to whoever I worked for. I had been out of the work force because of the cancer diagnosis beginning in 2006.I just had the surgery in November 2022. Yes I may have slowed down a bit however my mind is very sharp. Besides having cancer (prostate) I am very healthy. I do not drink or smoke and avoid the injections that many take. So what is your opinion? I grew up with carburetors and points but have replaced many clutches in my day. The ball joint and brakes systems today are just about idiot proof. I just put new brakes on my F150. Took me just over an hour to do both sides. Anyway, I would like your opinions. Thank you, Ken
Is my age holding me back?
- Thread starter Kenskip1
- Start date
- Status
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
Part of it is age, yes.
People who are near the end of their careers, or people with disabilities, or worse "disabilities", are a massive liability to a business. For instance with any of those problems, it's basically impossible to fire someone regardless of situation. It's discrimination, and the business needs to prove it isn't.
You're talking about doing gravy work. I frankly don't want a gravy work only guy coming to work in my shop. And with a time like an hour for brakes, I would hope the job performed was excellent with shiny clean hubs. You need to be beating times to make up for no pay for either test drive, parts waiting, etc. So someone with your qualifications is only going to take easy paying work out of my mouth, and not cover the volume of BS, knock out diags, etc. It's only a loss for me as an employee. I've had people with such qualifications work with me and it frankly *****.
I'm not trying to be a jerk,just a perspective.
laser3kw
Well-known member
around here, once you past 55, you're chance of getting hired are slim. The business philosophy is older people will cost more in benefits. If you aren't using insurance, you will. If you have a physical problem, you're a potential problem.
But, don't let that stop you. I wouldn't look for a general repair garage, I'd look to a fleet mechanic shop or even power equipment.
But, don't let that stop you. I wouldn't look for a general repair garage, I'd look to a fleet mechanic shop or even power equipment.
Don't. At your age, it is hard to predict daily hard work's effect on your body. Not worth it. Maybe you can get a mobile mechanic setup and doing it like a hobby. You can work only on good days when your body is 100%.
Congrats on beating prostate cancer. My dad was also in SAC and also had prostate cancer (Agent Orange).
If you think that an employer will not hire you due to being slow, it might not matter as much if the shop pays based on book time, not actual time. The job market is super tight. I wouldn't listen to nay-sayers until you go out and see for yourself.
Maybe you want to work with someone who deals in classic cars if you want to fiddle with carbs. Maybe work part-time since it will be less strain on the body. Maybe assist at a local tech-college/high school. You got a new lease on life; get good mileage out of it!
If you think that an employer will not hire you due to being slow, it might not matter as much if the shop pays based on book time, not actual time. The job market is super tight. I wouldn't listen to nay-sayers until you go out and see for yourself.
Maybe you want to work with someone who deals in classic cars if you want to fiddle with carbs. Maybe work part-time since it will be less strain on the body. Maybe assist at a local tech-college/high school. You got a new lease on life; get good mileage out of it!
vavet
Well-known member
Are you dead set on working on cars?
we had an older guy who worked with us in the parts department as our delivery driver. He took parts to body shops, Indy repair shops, etc. He was a Marine, retired police officer, grandfather, and just enjoyed having something to do.
some dealers employ older folks to run errands, shuttle cars to and from other dealers, or even park and retrieve service cars when customers drop off and pick up their cars.
we had an older guy who worked with us in the parts department as our delivery driver. He took parts to body shops, Indy repair shops, etc. He was a Marine, retired police officer, grandfather, and just enjoyed having something to do.
some dealers employ older folks to run errands, shuttle cars to and from other dealers, or even park and retrieve service cars when customers drop off and pick up their cars.
d.mcfarland
Well-known member
This. You just need to change the job you are looking at in the auto industry. The repair side would be too labor intensive plus with a large gap in your employment you missed working on all the cars that are going to come into the shop at this point.
Lots of places are hiring so you shouldn't have a difficult time finding something.
Congratulations on your health, that's the most important thing!
Walkers
Well-known member
This is an excellent opportunity to work in your home shop. The house is close by for lunch. You get to pick and choose your work. You get to build a shop if you don’t have it. I started working out of my hobby shop 15 years ago, quit my corporate job and started a welding contracting company. Finding work isn’t tough.
39CAMC
Well-known member
Congrats on beating cancer.
Honestly, if you were applying to me, its not your age, it is your lack of experience. I just couldn't picture it working out with you starting at lube tech level and it working out well for anyone. Busting *** as a line mechanic is a young mans game, the older guys doing that have decades of experience that you just don't have.
However, keep at it. There are a lot of jobs out there in the auto industry that would be challenging and satisfying to you, and provide the employer much more value than using someone with your excellent life experience as a entry level lube tech.
DaveW
Honestly, if you were applying to me, its not your age, it is your lack of experience. I just couldn't picture it working out with you starting at lube tech level and it working out well for anyone. Busting *** as a line mechanic is a young mans game, the older guys doing that have decades of experience that you just don't have.
However, keep at it. There are a lot of jobs out there in the auto industry that would be challenging and satisfying to you, and provide the employer much more value than using someone with your excellent life experience as a entry level lube tech.
DaveW
Shocker
Well-known member
Maybe look around for a gig working on classics? Restoration work?
The biggest issue at 67 is you deciding it is too much work and retiring at 69. Then the employer has to find and train up a new person in their systems.
The biggest issue at 67 is you deciding it is too much work and retiring at 69. Then the employer has to find and train up a new person in their systems.
Chris_Hamilton
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 2, 2012
- Messages
- 1,023
Unlike the naysayers, I think that you would have no problem getting hired somewhere. Many employers are having a hard time finding qualified folks to work. Age is much less of an issue today than it was 30 years ago. You are also eligible for Medicare so the prospect of insuring you might not be such a big issue to an Employer. I say go for it. 
slowtwitch73
Well-known member
To answer your question... yes.
First of all, congrats on beating the big C.
I am 73 and work as mechanical contractor to a very large company (along with about 4 other side gigs). No, I am not quite as fast as the 30 YO guys I chase around working aloft, but part of my function is to teach them what we do and why we do it the way we do. 34 years doing something specific is a lot of experience many people will pay good bux for. I think your timing is pretty good as the labour market is truly nutso right now, but unless you are a trained and experienced mechanic, you might be a bit short on what a repair/workshop needs to be on the tools. Doesn't mean there isn't a lot of other things you might be able to do. Just head out and find out what your local employers are looking for and willing to pay for. About the only reason I will give up my "day job" gig is because someone has made me an offer I can't refuse - to work even more of the time.
I am 73 and work as mechanical contractor to a very large company (along with about 4 other side gigs). No, I am not quite as fast as the 30 YO guys I chase around working aloft, but part of my function is to teach them what we do and why we do it the way we do. 34 years doing something specific is a lot of experience many people will pay good bux for. I think your timing is pretty good as the labour market is truly nutso right now, but unless you are a trained and experienced mechanic, you might be a bit short on what a repair/workshop needs to be on the tools. Doesn't mean there isn't a lot of other things you might be able to do. Just head out and find out what your local employers are looking for and willing to pay for. About the only reason I will give up my "day job" gig is because someone has made me an offer I can't refuse - to work even more of the time.
Personally, I'd be asking around to people who are hiring, more than here. That way you'll get best answer one way or the other. Seems like it could depend on their needs.
Do you need the money?
If not, there are church Ministries and social organizations, etc that offer free/reduced auto repair for people in need (there are plenty). You'll probably have all the brake jobs you care to do.
Do you need the money?
If not, there are church Ministries and social organizations, etc that offer free/reduced auto repair for people in need (there are plenty). You'll probably have all the brake jobs you care to do.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
At 43, I was the old new guy in a dealership when I retired from the Army. The only guy older than me was the service manager who hired me. Working in a flat rate environment is hard on young bodies let alone on bodies with mileage. You might be tough as nails but on paper, you're a liability. It's just a fact of life that, in the automotive repair business, we eat our young and you rarely see techs over 50.
Have you thought of volunteer work? In some areas there are shops that specialize in repairing vehicles for people that can't afford the repairs? Does your local community college have an automotive program? sometimes there are assistant openings from time to time.
Have you thought of volunteer work? In some areas there are shops that specialize in repairing vehicles for people that can't afford the repairs? Does your local community college have an automotive program? sometimes there are assistant openings from time to time.
Ole Slewfoot
Well-known member
Given the amount of work I see coming out of shops we're I cannot tell if it's outright fraud, or just ineptitude, I can't imagine you'd have any problem.
Rusted Nut
Well-known member
I say go for it. What’s the worst that could happen; you quit or get fired, oh well. Suspension work is tough. I just turned 65, even working on my motorcycle wears me out these days. We’re not 30 any more. Working on carbs, misc warranty work, service writer, parts sales, etc… would probably be easier.
First off. thanks for the replies. Some require a bit more detail. I am a veteran of 12 years in the USAF. I have a hearing deficit and wear hearing aids. I am on SS. I also have Medicare parts A and B. The VA is my primary health care provider. BTW,( the VA allowed me to choose were I had my surgery) The cost was well over $78K. I have been toying with making a purchase of a medium portable sizer lift for my garage. As someone mentioned I like to stay busy. I tried the small engine deal and repaired 85%. However people do not want to pay for repairs. I was charging $25 and hour. People bitched about the price so I sent them to a dealer who charges $95 an hour. The largest hurdle is getting parts that work. Amazon sells cheap parts but if the part fails I get to hear them compline. Believe me, I have been down this avenue before. Anyway thank you for the replies. Ken
richfinn
Well-known member
By the time I was in my mid 30s I had enough of the dealership grind, my advice would be to set yourself up a small business as a mobile wheel alignment specialist or something similar. Work when it suits you and stick to jobs you enjoy like steering/suspension related stuff.
Wiz02
Well-known member
I know that this suggestion isn't exactly a mechanic's position but the local Chevy dealer employs some of their "retirement" age, parts guys, service writers and yes mechanics as courtesy van drivers. They were looking for help a few months ago.
If that is what you want to do go for it.
If that is what you want to do go for it. I wish you were in my area. You would have a job. I have been a tech for 36 years. There are 3 additional people around my age working as techs with similar years of experience in my shop. Lets talk about what you get with someone who is senior in age. They know what time to start in the morning. They also dont complain when a waiter comes in and they have to stop working on whatever they were working on. Most customers love road testing with someone who has been around the block. The senior techs have all paid for their homes and have very little expenses. They dont need to sharpen the pencil on every repair. Now lets talk about the young guys. They feel they can turn down work because it doesnt pay enough. There vacations tend to extend by at least a day or two. From when they were going to be back. The youth tend to try to get the job done quickly but with some errors. (Broken parts, shodey workmanship). I have noticed most of todays youth are more worried about making the most money on the job. Than Looking at a job thats done and being proud of the work that was done. I know I will get bashed about this and thats fine. I feel everyone on here can have an opinion and this is mine.
The answer is no if you don't try. Personally, I think that type of work is for a younger guy. I have three guys in their early 20's doing my tech work. I'm more involved with the customers and running the business. If I wanted to be around that type of work, I would look for front end office work. Taking repair orders, customer service, face to face and phone to phone type work. Let someone else do the heavy lifting. I had a ride in the courtesy shuttle at a car dealership. The gentleman was nice and talked easily with the customers. Seems like my kind of job if I was older and wanted to be out working day to day.
I would talk about your military service but keep all the health info to yourself. I mean, congrats on beating cancer but it's not really a benefit to your employer.
I would talk about your military service but keep all the health info to yourself. I mean, congrats on beating cancer but it's not really a benefit to your employer.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Sadly, it gets worse !
I have slowed down, a lot, in recent years. If it is really hot, cutting the lawn might take two days, with multiple pauses. Changing oil and rotating tires takes all afternoon. That was last year.
Recent injury (wrist) and slow recovery means I can not do many things. Open a jar. Tie shoes. Anything that requires 2 fully two functional hands. I have been changing oil on cars for over 55 years. I had to pay someone for the oil change last month.
8 weeks. Very little improvement.
I have slowed down, a lot, in recent years. If it is really hot, cutting the lawn might take two days, with multiple pauses. Changing oil and rotating tires takes all afternoon. That was last year.
Recent injury (wrist) and slow recovery means I can not do many things. Open a jar. Tie shoes. Anything that requires 2 fully two functional hands. I have been changing oil on cars for over 55 years. I had to pay someone for the oil change last month.
8 weeks. Very little improvement.
Stuart in MN
Well-known member
If you've been out of the business since 2006, that's 17 years...cars have advanced quite a bit in that time, jumping right in to work on late model cars may not be so easy.
demarpaint
Well-known member
It depends on the company/person's view regarding hiring people. Some owners view people over a certain age as a liability , even though they might an asset. All you can do is try, some people feel older people might have better work ethics. It depends.
I admire your wanting to work a physical job at your age, but as others have said, the odds are against you, unless you want to change oil, or maybe just do alignments. Personally, if I was 67 and wanted to work, I'd get a job at Home Depot in the electrical department, or something similar. This way you can work in the AC, not bust your ***, and still get out of the house. And not be in total bodily pain the next morning, like I am after hiking the day prior.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
I'm quite different than you. I'm 70 and I have had offers to return to my line of work (semiconductor manufacturing) and it's the last thing on Earth that I want to do. I'm financially secure and love ******* off all day. I have a very well equipped woodworking shop and a house full of tools (which I love to play with). To me they are adult toys. I also like to paint cars which I do from time to time at my best friend's MAACO which isn't your normal MAACO as the average repaint goes for $3,000 to $5,000. None of that Earl Scheib **** comes out of his shop. Dealing with people was never my bag.
BlakeTheCarGuy
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Honestly if I was a shop owner I’d hire you no problem. To me time isn’t an issue. As long as you do the job right. We have this guy at my shop I have no clue how old he is I’d say late 70s but he takes all day to do stuff as simple as a tire rotation or oil change. Mainly because he sits and watches YouTube normally it would only take him three hours lol and that’s no joke considering it took him three hours to replace pads and rotors and do a state inspection. Management is always on him because waiting customers who have been waiting all day lose patience. Heck I’m 20 about to be 21 and I’m slow myself because I know if I rush I’ll mess something up. But I don’t care about my time either as I’m hourly. I’d see if you can find a place that is willing to pay you by the hour. It also helps if you are willing to train younger guys too. I’m sure you will find somewhere. We have hired old people. Some may look at it as liability though. The way I look at it and my dealership looks at it for the most part anyway is they would rather have someone valuable than someone who isn’t willing to work and complains at any job they get (every young tech in the shop) I say take the chance. Apply at places and see what they say. You may want to expand what you will do though maybe add tires and things. I promise that will help. Good luck with your quest and keep us updated here. You may have better luck at a mom and pop shop than a chain.
71goldss
Well-known member
I was a warehouse manager with one company for 32 years prior to my company closing it’s doors. At age 56, and thinking no chance in hell would I even be considered at my age, I found myself applying for a delivery/warehouse position with a local school district. To my surprise, they not only hired me, but because of my experience and work history, they started me at mid level on the pay scale, instead of the base starting level that most new hires start at. It only took me 3 years to reach maximum pay, instead of the usual 5 years.
Don’t rule out the power of experience and work history! Youth isn’t everything.
Don’t rule out the power of experience and work history! Youth isn’t everything.
Last edited:
Your friend is an idiot.
With all the flat rate work out there, your speed or lack thereof wouldn't harm anyone's paycheck but your own. If you're cool with that you should be fine.
Oh kiss off with that. There's enough work to go around.
Experience is very valuable,
He could specialize on classic (20yrs or older in my country) cars. Nice niche right there.
MushCreek
Well-known member
I ran into this a few years ago. I was 62, working as a precision machinist, and wanted to get out of the sh!thole I was working at. I was (and am) in better shape than a lot of 40 year olds. I couldn't even get an interview, anywhere. It might be easier to find a job now there are shortages, but at 69, I don't want to work any more. Eff 'em; 45 years of top experience off of the market. I spend my days happily tinkering in my shop.
- Status