Lassen Forge
Well-known member
They won't NOT hire you because of your age, but they WILL find some other reason not to, cooked up by their lawyers... they know you won't sue them for it, but yeah, if someone ever did... whoo--ee doggy.
Is my age holding me back?
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softailgarage
Well-known member
Unless you're in dire need of income, dont do it, save that for hobby time. I'm 61, looking for a job and having absolutely no luck. I've managed a Transmission shop and a general automotive shop that specialized in suspension/alignments. Some of those suspension jobs were tough, even for the 28 year old I had. While I understand and appreciate the experience thing, I wouldn't hire you. Most employers are looking for someone young, someone they can mold and stay with the company for years, being old and opinionated is something they want to avoid. Your past health issues would be a no go too. Sure, you're healthy now but what if the Cancer comes back? Also, we're not exactly spry anymore, in a shop with a lot of trip & fall hazards, if you get injured on the job its on the employer. I would consider working out of your own garage, besides, you won't have to listen to some clown in his 30's telling you what to do, acting like he's been "around".
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
Not always. Everybody who says there's plenty of work had never seen a dead shop. Every shop is going to have that unless you have a ton of parking and can create a backlog to work from.
Coworkers are competition. The last thing I need is someone who cant diagnose, do tires quickly, or play under a dash. They're plenty good a brake jobs though. Zero disrespect to OP meant, but I've worked with guys like that and it's really annoying.
That's the gravy work, and if that's all they're able to do that ***** because it shifts the workload of crappy stuff to me, while reducing the easy work which offsets losing money on something else. That's the work you need to crush the time on to make up for oil leaks you don't get paid to scrub the engine bay on, or fake comebacks, or your fifth State inspection on a car with 20k.
There's plenty of work, is what I always hear. When my average pay goes down when someone gravy-only is hired, I disagree. "Just work harder". And try to scrounge on oil changes? There's a fixed number of broken coil springs in the area on a given day. A fixed number of brake jobs. Of those only a small amount will be at my employer on a given day. Of that amount only so many I can get parts for and get the job sold.
They could pay $50/hour, hourly, and I wouldn't care nearly as much. Gravy only techs won't be appreciated by their coworkers. It's just reality in a shop.
It is and it isn't. I need someone to do 12 sets of tires a day in 90*F heat. If someone cannot do so, they can't work in the tire shop. But if that same 21yo you can't do it is now an 81yo, somehow its discrimination to get rid of them?
It's age discrimination to punt someone because of age specifically. If the standard is to carry shingles up a ladder, and a guy in a wheelchair wants the job, is it discrimination?
If you are smart… you just don’t hire the guy. And you never say or document why.
If you admit that you did not hire a person because they couldn’t possibly do the job… it does not matter if it is true… you are setting yourself up to be sued.
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KnurledNut
Well-known member
‘Round here, the young guys are as broke down as the old guys...
Drunkonunleaded
Well-known member
Congratulations on beating cancer, that's HUGE.
That said, I believe you are going to have a hard time finding something for the reasons mentioned. One thing they overlooked is the fact that (presumably) you don't need a job. Not many places are willing to invest the time/money bringing on a new guy who could walk away at a moment's notice with almost zero repercussions. While you could technically say that about any worker, I'd bet the guy who has a few mouths to feed at home will second guess quitting a job vs. someone who has been effectively "retired" for nearly two decades.
I'd highly consider working in auto parts. It's (mostly) easy work. Not many people in that field truly understand what it's like to work at a shop, so your skillset would definitely be appreciated there. Most old guys we had there locked themselves into being drivers, so having one who could also help out on the counter/phones was always a big plus.
That said, I believe you are going to have a hard time finding something for the reasons mentioned. One thing they overlooked is the fact that (presumably) you don't need a job. Not many places are willing to invest the time/money bringing on a new guy who could walk away at a moment's notice with almost zero repercussions. While you could technically say that about any worker, I'd bet the guy who has a few mouths to feed at home will second guess quitting a job vs. someone who has been effectively "retired" for nearly two decades.
I'd highly consider working in auto parts. It's (mostly) easy work. Not many people in that field truly understand what it's like to work at a shop, so your skillset would definitely be appreciated there. Most old guys we had there locked themselves into being drivers, so having one who could also help out on the counter/phones was always a big plus.
We have a guy at my dealer that retired 4 years ago. He came out of retirement and came back to the dealer recently, because he didn’t save or plan properly for retirement. He was very good when he worked as a tech, but at 66 now, his age is starting to show. He also admits things have changed quite a bit in the time he’s been retired and it’s tough catching up and learning how things work now.
Watching him work is not easy to do. Simple things like getting on your hands and knees to set a rack or rotating truck tires takes a toll on him.
You’ve been out for 17 years. Did you work prior to that as a tech? If not, things will be even more difficult. Like others have said, nobody needs or wants another suspension and brake job guy - anyone can do those jobs. Forget about your points and carburetors, you’re not going to see that stuff anymore. Are you any good with high speed communication systems, airbag systems, reading and understanding electrical schematics? Even brake jobs can turn into a nightmare on newer vehicles with electronic parking brake systems, if you don’t know what you’re doing. What are your qualifications or certifications?
Where do you want to work? Most places want you to turnover as much work as they can feed you. If you spend half a day doing a brake job, nobody’s going to be happy with that. A small mom and pop shop might, but even then they still need to be competitive and make money. A chain store like Firestone or something similar might hire you but I have a feeling you’re going to hate it after a short while. I think you’re limited on where you can go to work and who will even hire you.
Watching him work is not easy to do. Simple things like getting on your hands and knees to set a rack or rotating truck tires takes a toll on him.
You’ve been out for 17 years. Did you work prior to that as a tech? If not, things will be even more difficult. Like others have said, nobody needs or wants another suspension and brake job guy - anyone can do those jobs. Forget about your points and carburetors, you’re not going to see that stuff anymore. Are you any good with high speed communication systems, airbag systems, reading and understanding electrical schematics? Even brake jobs can turn into a nightmare on newer vehicles with electronic parking brake systems, if you don’t know what you’re doing. What are your qualifications or certifications?
Where do you want to work? Most places want you to turnover as much work as they can feed you. If you spend half a day doing a brake job, nobody’s going to be happy with that. A small mom and pop shop might, but even then they still need to be competitive and make money. A chain store like Firestone or something similar might hire you but I have a feeling you’re going to hate it after a short while. I think you’re limited on where you can go to work and who will even hire you.
The funny thing is that I have great people working skills. I walked into NAPA and told them that I want to place a take out order. They all laughed. And yes I have an application there. Oriellys, I just did a brake job and wanted the rotors turned. No one knew how to turn a rotor. I politely showed the "Teck" how to do it. I had to make two cuts. The second was .02. And yes I have an application there also. Auto Zone, the man behind the counter did not know the difference between a brake rotor and a distributor rotor. Again I politely explained to him the difference.
My Astro kit arrived yesterday and I needed a 32MM wrench. The man at Lowes was trying to assist me. I mentioned that according to the web site they had three in store. Again I told hip very politely to type in 32mm and presto! The menu showed how many they had. Anyway I have a knack working with people.
My Astro kit arrived yesterday and I needed a 32MM wrench. The man at Lowes was trying to assist me. I mentioned that according to the web site they had three in store. Again I told hip very politely to type in 32mm and presto! The menu showed how many they had. Anyway I have a knack working with people.
NORTON'S SHOP
Well-known member
You're 67 at full retirement age and you beat cancer. Step back and smell the roses.
Greeny
Well-known member
My father-in-laws father was a mechanic. Retired for many years starting in his early sixties. When his wife died, he went back to work at a tool rental place, where the work was mostly small engines. He worked there till he was 94.
milkovich
Well-known member
Congrats on beating cancer! I don't have any advice on the 2nd thing, I'm 45 and feeling it looking for a job. The only idea I can offer is if you managed to do it as a side hustle. Make a small LLC and offer to show up and repair/restore cars for customers. I know plenty of rich guys that have the money to flip cars but not the time or experience to tune them up. You're also in Missouri. You could buy every 70-2000's trucks in your area, tune them up and sell them here in the rust belt. Probably easily double money on each truck. Vans and trucks are going for crazy money around here.
gahrajmahal
Well-known member
Congratulations on your cancer diagnosis! I second the suggestion for the tool rental center. I worked for U-Haul during my 20’s and it was a fun and varied job that included all types of tools for rent. Installing hitches, wiring and welding-fabrication was cool too.
The last time I had new tires installed at Walmart, the tech that helped check me out was commenting on the “old guy” in the shop running rings around the young guys. He was in his 70’s and only worked a few days a week.
Another option rather than becoming an employee is to have a lawyer draw up an LLC for you. Then you could offer up your services as a consultant. You come in at time and materials, no insurance, pension etc.
And yet another option. I work occasionally as an Adult Education instructor. Where I am I create my own curriculum so you could teach a class for women and new car owners. How to change oil, change filters, wipers and change a flat tire. There would be no problem getting folks to sign up for that class. There is no past college requirement from you, you only need to get approval from the state. The school I teach at sponsors my yearly license. The hourly rate is almost $30 and they contribute to a pension. I only do it for the fun of teaching it, blueprint reading for machine trades.
The last time I had new tires installed at Walmart, the tech that helped check me out was commenting on the “old guy” in the shop running rings around the young guys. He was in his 70’s and only worked a few days a week.
Another option rather than becoming an employee is to have a lawyer draw up an LLC for you. Then you could offer up your services as a consultant. You come in at time and materials, no insurance, pension etc.
And yet another option. I work occasionally as an Adult Education instructor. Where I am I create my own curriculum so you could teach a class for women and new car owners. How to change oil, change filters, wipers and change a flat tire. There would be no problem getting folks to sign up for that class. There is no past college requirement from you, you only need to get approval from the state. The school I teach at sponsors my yearly license. The hourly rate is almost $30 and they contribute to a pension. I only do it for the fun of teaching it, blueprint reading for machine trades.
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I'm kinda in the same boat. Almost 30 years experience doing HVAC, been a licensed contractor, and been repairing things since I was 11 years old. Yet I can't even get a return phone call or email with all the resumes and apps I've filled out. I thought somebody like me would always be able to work, as I have hand skills that not every person has. Nope, age and experience are no longer considered valuable. They don't want to pay the higher insurance, and being experienced means you'll want more money and are wise enough not to take their BS. They'd rather have fresh grads who can run an Iphone and just do what they're told. So I keep the old homestead clean and in good repair.
dcg9381
Well-known member
I'm approaching "dinosaur age" in my field also. This job may be my last in industry.
I don't know that you would or wouldn't get hired as a tech. Seems those jobs run from "walmart" entry level to ASE certified - and although you've got the skills to do some of that, you're probably not going to get hired at a dealership for anything other than entry level.. That's my guess... And your "age" will factor in, for sure.
My take would be - with your skill set the money is definitely on the "independent" side. Lots of guys around here run around as mobile mechanics - they pick and choose what they are comfortable with and are much better paid that working for the "man". Aside from no health insurance/benefits, that seems to be the way to go... Have you considered doing that?
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
Something worth noting is the current job market. If one were to try to get into automotive, demand is high. I don't see that changing any time soon, but shops need people and may be more likely to take a chance.
Bubba Fett
Well-known member
Have you considered teaching? Your local community college may have an auto-mechanics program, and may need one or more instructors. They usually want older guys with a lot of experience.
Community Colleges and trade schools are having a hard time finding instructors for technical/trades programs. Mostly because anyone who knows how to do these things makes more money in the field than in a classroom. There's a shortage of people skilled in this area, and its going to get worse as workers retire.
Community Colleges and trade schools are having a hard time finding instructors for technical/trades programs. Mostly because anyone who knows how to do these things makes more money in the field than in a classroom. There's a shortage of people skilled in this area, and its going to get worse as workers retire.
KSJeff
Well-known member
With your hearing aids is talking on the phone ok? I would guess you'd be an easy hire at the parts counter. Around here they seem to need all the help they can get.
It's really all up to how you present yourself. For anyone over 50 I think the core things are balance, dexterity, flexibility and the ability to do work (move heavy weight). I think if you work on those things a little each day, you tend to present well. I've met retired folks that move like they were 40 and retired folks that move like they are 90. I'm 52 and I'm sure I could be outworked, but I won't make it easy.
It's really all up to how you present yourself. For anyone over 50 I think the core things are balance, dexterity, flexibility and the ability to do work (move heavy weight). I think if you work on those things a little each day, you tend to present well. I've met retired folks that move like they were 40 and retired folks that move like they are 90. I'm 52 and I'm sure I could be outworked, but I won't make it easy.
Toomanytools?
Well-known member
Congrats on beating "C" and your health. Is it that you want to work or financially need to? Either way just go apply see what happens. Is your hair gray? Color it darker, you don't need to put your birth date on the job application, most people are going to know you are older by looking at your resume timeline. I would look at "shade tree mechanic" stuff, start up a shop, though you said you tried that. You will either get hired or not, if you get hired and are doing the "gravy jobs" that's not your problem. Give it a try.
MushCreek
Well-known member
I tried at the tech schools. Here's what they offered. 1) I had to have a Bachelor's degree, minimum. 2) Part time, nights, $15 an hour. Ummm, no thanks.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
All true but what they really need is people like ScannerDanner who know how to diagnose and use a scope. If this guys been out of the field for 16 years he probably isn't in that class of people. Nuts and bolts people aren't cutting it any more.
CHI_Tool&Die
Well-known member
Tech school or even a sub for a high school with a shop class would be a much better fit so long as you believe in your ability to handle kids that seem to have no direction, disregard everything you say, and otherwise feel they already know what's good to go. 
My stint at the local community college did not pay well, but it was incredibly fulfilling work.
I don't know how mechanic shops do it, but it's rare to have someone part-time at the machine shop I am at. We have had several applicants with similar health histories and of the same age and they absolutely 100% of the time do not make it past a few months. Shop life is just brutal and the older you are, the more I don't understand why you would want to subject your body and mind to it because you would be judged on your efficiency level, your production, and your time management. I mean no disrespect, sir, but I'm not yet even 40 and I'm struggling with it. A shop foreman will not show you any kind of special treatment or give you any leeway. If you are on the shop floor, you will definitely be held to the same standard as that 20-year-old kid.
Older guys find their best life working at shops that do specialty/slower work. All the guys I had the pleasure of working with that went into the trade later in life or wanted to keep going transitioned to jig grinding or wire work. Stuff that isn't super physical, requires patience and takes all day to run parts. I totally get wanting to keep working, but I think it might be wise to consider something less strenuous, in my humble opinion.
My stint at the local community college did not pay well, but it was incredibly fulfilling work. I don't know how mechanic shops do it, but it's rare to have someone part-time at the machine shop I am at. We have had several applicants with similar health histories and of the same age and they absolutely 100% of the time do not make it past a few months. Shop life is just brutal and the older you are, the more I don't understand why you would want to subject your body and mind to it because you would be judged on your efficiency level, your production, and your time management. I mean no disrespect, sir, but I'm not yet even 40 and I'm struggling with it. A shop foreman will not show you any kind of special treatment or give you any leeway. If you are on the shop floor, you will definitely be held to the same standard as that 20-year-old kid.
Older guys find their best life working at shops that do specialty/slower work. All the guys I had the pleasure of working with that went into the trade later in life or wanted to keep going transitioned to jig grinding or wire work. Stuff that isn't super physical, requires patience and takes all day to run parts. I totally get wanting to keep working, but I think it might be wise to consider something less strenuous, in my humble opinion.
3jakes
Well-known member
Got a friend age 70 that is still full time at a body shop.
That said, if you have your own shop, as others mentioned, I'd vote for self employment, buying & flipping cars that you are familiar with & can make market ready.
That said, if you have your own shop, as others mentioned, I'd vote for self employment, buying & flipping cars that you are familiar with & can make market ready.
I can understand wanting to work at 67, even if you don't financially need to. I can't imagine I'd want to do that, but I understand. I've worked with engineers that retired, have everything paid off, kids out of college, they have a full pension - so $60K+ between SS and pension -which you can live great on around here... they retire for a year and come back to work part or full time because they get bored. They don't play golf, or fish, or have any real strong hobby interests, and they take a year off and work around the house and get bored once they finish all their major projects. I think it's crazy, but I do understand wanting to work. The difference in this case is that they're coming back to a desk job; the most physical part of their day is walking to the building from the parking lot. Wanting to work on cars in a shop at 67 is masochistic IMO. With everyone hiring, at least near me, I can't imagine wanting to subject yourself to that stress on your body with all the other options.
The age discrimination is real, like it or not. And it exists for a reason. As pointed out, at 67 you're way more likely to be injured than someone half, or a third, your age. And if you don't work out and the manager lets you go, then they can be looking at a lawsuit, and they know this. ~25 years ago I worked for a small company that did engineering consulting and contract work. We had a mid 50s-ish year old receptionist/secretary whose primary job was just answering the phone. They replaced her with an automated phone system after a while and laid her off. Nothing to do with her age at all, but she had a friend in town that was an attorney, and they filed an age discrimination lawsuit. Sure, it had no merit, but that doesn't matter. The company said, fine, we'll see you in court. She eventually dropped the lawsuit, but it was still a PITA for them. And I'd bet that they didn't hire anyone near that age ever again because of that.
The age discrimination is real, like it or not. And it exists for a reason. As pointed out, at 67 you're way more likely to be injured than someone half, or a third, your age. And if you don't work out and the manager lets you go, then they can be looking at a lawsuit, and they know this. ~25 years ago I worked for a small company that did engineering consulting and contract work. We had a mid 50s-ish year old receptionist/secretary whose primary job was just answering the phone. They replaced her with an automated phone system after a while and laid her off. Nothing to do with her age at all, but she had a friend in town that was an attorney, and they filed an age discrimination lawsuit. Sure, it had no merit, but that doesn't matter. The company said, fine, we'll see you in court. She eventually dropped the lawsuit, but it was still a PITA for them. And I'd bet that they didn't hire anyone near that age ever again because of that.
GrayFlattop
Well-known member
Perhaps consider something different than auto repair? If you have a good mechanical aptitude, an analytical mind and the skill set that workers of our age likely have - consider searching for work in a manufacturing environment. Generally it’s indoor work, sometimes climate controlled. Certainly the modern manufacturing environment utilizes a lot of advanced control systems, but there is always a need for mechanical repair and always the opportunity to learn on the job.
Bad Eye Bill
Well-known member
You **** if you have a dead shop around here.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
If you like people and enjoy driving, another option is a job with Enterprise or similar rental company. They usually seek out older mature men to transfer vehicles, pickup and dropoff customers, take cars in for service, and some in-shop maintenance and cleaning. The jobs are often part time.
It would also familiarize you with a variety of modern vehicle systems and functions.
If they know you have mechanical skills they might utilize that for smaller tasks.
Our local Enterprise has a single service bay that gets used for a variety of stuff.
This might also be a stepping stone to get you in touch with other auto industry job openings.
It would also familiarize you with a variety of modern vehicle systems and functions.
If they know you have mechanical skills they might utilize that for smaller tasks.
Our local Enterprise has a single service bay that gets used for a variety of stuff.
This might also be a stepping stone to get you in touch with other auto industry job openings.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
You're clearly not familiar with Pittsburgh. Parking there is at a premium. If you've got a lot that will hold two cars you're lucky. You can't build a backlog so you're far more dependent upon what shows up that day. This is what 2nd Gear was trying to express.
That's a good point. Two on the street one in the shop. Could be all you have that day, especially if they're simple.
I don't think I'd run a shop where I'm at based on that problem alone. Most folks around here have some land. The corporates have a LOT of land.
Why out of the work force for so long, that is probably the deal-breaker
I would not want to jeopardize any disability income you may have by going back to work
I can promise you that one day of balljoint /alignment/ brake work will have you exhausted and wishing you hadn't started this journey
Think long and hard on. This ......
Enjoy your new lease on life and do anything but work for someone else , especially automotive repair
I would not want to jeopardize any disability income you may have by going back to work
I can promise you that one day of balljoint /alignment/ brake work will have you exhausted and wishing you hadn't started this journey
Think long and hard on. This ......
Enjoy your new lease on life and do anything but work for someone else , especially automotive repair
engineer2
Well-known member
Also 67 and a P.C. survivor. I would do what you are looking for in a heartbeat, not so much for money, but because it would be fun.
As mentioned, look for a shop that works on older cars or restores cars. Younger guys don't know as much about carburetors, points distributors, and ignition patterns. Offer to start part time to see if it's a good fit.
You could always rent a small garage and do repairs on older cars. Word-of-mouth based on your reputation is a way to ease into it. Turn down work you don't feel comfortable doing.
As mentioned, look for a shop that works on older cars or restores cars. Younger guys don't know as much about carburetors, points distributors, and ignition patterns. Offer to start part time to see if it's a good fit.
You could always rent a small garage and do repairs on older cars. Word-of-mouth based on your reputation is a way to ease into it. Turn down work you don't feel comfortable doing.
Around here they might use an appointment book and schedule work.
logical
Well-known member
What your friend thinks is of no importance and how close you are to collecting SS means nothing to an employer's costs.
Just get out there and apply. If they seem hesitant offer to work cheap for a week to prove you can do the job.
The bigger issue is likely going to be that you don't mention having and current certifications.
I'm 6 years your junior and have an office job. I can do brakes and suspension work and all that on my own cars too but wouldn't want to do it all day every day. I'd be focused on the parts store counter type jobs unless you are really heII bent on the physical work.
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2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
We do. If cars are immobilized waiting on parts, undriveable, do we just tow then somewhere in the meantime?
We have space for 9 cars up front, if they're small I can fit 10 I can fit rows of 8 in the back. I can have the rear lot triple parked and every bay full. In peak business we are approaching quad-parking. That's like 50 cars. And we're turning 30 a day some days. We can't have piles of cars sitting around.
EDIT- And even with the above, we still have dead days. That's life.
thunderalley3
Well-known member
I retired 9 years ago after a very rewarding career of 23 years. I got busy right away catching things up around the house, doing a little traveling and enjoying my hobbies. After 3 years or so I decided I really was not old enough to be retired and sought part time work. I was hired within a couple of days to a good company driving truck, which I had my CDL A but that was not the profession that I retired from. It was fun and I enjoyed meeting people and going different places, home everyday and all was good. I was quick at what I did and everyone liked me. Suddenly my one day a week was turning into getting called at 5 or 6 at night to take a run the next day. I just thought they got caught short and it was to help them out so I would take it. Well it kept getting worse and I decided that I needed to get back to my 1 day as promised and I told them that I had other things going on, just as I explained in my interview and it had become a full time job and that was not what I signed on for. They agreed and cut me back, which lasted a couple of weeks and the calls started again.
I really liked the job, the company and they have nice equipment. Last week my wife and I were planning a couple of things and suddenly she stopped me and said you need to give it up and completely retire. I am only 64 now, took my pension at 55 and I asked why she said that. She then told me 4 or 5 things that I would not commit to doing and said that work might call. I did not even know that I was doing that and then she showed me things that I always have done that I have stopped doing because they "might call."
So long story short, and I will add that is was not because she could not do things also, she is quite a bit younger and has 11 more years before she can retire, it was that she did not want me to miss things that I enjoy because of work that I did not need to be doing. It opened my eyes and I gave my two weeks notice last Monday. When I did they said that they appreciated me and that if I ever wanted to "take a run" to just let them know. It sounded great but I know it would turn into a full time thing again so after next Friday I am calling it good and enjoying life on my schedule. I already have things on my calendar that I have not done in two years and can't wait to get back to enjoying life.
I really liked the job, the company and they have nice equipment. Last week my wife and I were planning a couple of things and suddenly she stopped me and said you need to give it up and completely retire. I am only 64 now, took my pension at 55 and I asked why she said that. She then told me 4 or 5 things that I would not commit to doing and said that work might call. I did not even know that I was doing that and then she showed me things that I always have done that I have stopped doing because they "might call."
So long story short, and I will add that is was not because she could not do things also, she is quite a bit younger and has 11 more years before she can retire, it was that she did not want me to miss things that I enjoy because of work that I did not need to be doing. It opened my eyes and I gave my two weeks notice last Monday. When I did they said that they appreciated me and that if I ever wanted to "take a run" to just let them know. It sounded great but I know it would turn into a full time thing again so after next Friday I am calling it good and enjoying life on my schedule. I already have things on my calendar that I have not done in two years and can't wait to get back to enjoying life.
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