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I can’t advise you what to do but i really do understand. Everyone is in such a hurry these days it’s a wonder any repair gets done correctly. And if you work flat rate the pressure to perform and make a decent living is just unbelievable.
The only thing i believe is that when you’re on your own the profit you make is yours and not just a percentage of it. you are not keeping some “FATCAT” sitting on their ass.
The sky is the limit if you have the passion and the ability to make it work.
And this is why i didnt get into auto repair. :woohoo:
I still wrench for a living, just on bigger things.
What to do? Maybe leave this career behind and do something else? Being a mechanic doesn’t just mean automotive, there are tons of different trades out there. Start looking for something you’ll be okay with.Also work ins’t all fun in games.
HVAC/R, heavy equipment tech, industrial millwright, small engine repair, boiler making, pipe fitting(mechanical), aerospace, machinist, fabrication, etc.
when you’re starting out, well anytime really, but especially when you are starting out, finding the right place to work is very important. Usually an independent shop, one where they actually care that you succeed, maybe even on that start you as a GST, but help you grow, and find your place in the field. These places do exist. I went through several shops in the beginning until I found one that actually cared more than just about the bottom line. I learned more there, and was happier there, than in school, or any other place I have worked. And so I stayed there.
Also staying on hourly pay for a year or so, when you start, kind of helps ease the stress.
Auto repair can be rewarding, but you need to be good, and hustle.
Ok so I starting working at a shop. I hear people talking behide my back. and that tech they put me with to learn from talks down to me. What to do?
Basically keep your mouth shut for awhile. Listen!! Listen to what you are told, taught, and what is said about you. LEARN! Learn from everything! You should always be learning, as i was taught, “you should learn something knew everyday, even if its something you already learned”
Don’t act like a know it all, but also don’t ask TOO MANY QUESTIONS. It’s good to know what you are doing and its good to ask questions, but too much of either or both PISSES PEOPLE OFF!
The first few months are toughest, new people, new place, new learning curve. Just gotta keep your head up and don’t whine about what people say about you, if it’s not true then who cares? if it is true, then maybe look at if it’s worth changing or not.
I could go on all night about this, but i gotta pack.You have to gain respect and once you have it they will only say good things behind your back.
When i was young and starting out the people around me used to tease me to death. It wasn’t fun but i servived.
people will always have negative things to say, because it’s like they forget that once they were rookies too. like the other guys said, learn as much as you possibly can. you are going to make mistakes, and people will give you crap about it, just dont make the same mistake twice.
if you need knowledge, study after work. when I first started, I would study, watch videos, read, practice doing things, etc everyday after work. And after about two or 3 months, the negative crap that people would say stopped. Then they realized I knew what I was doing. So at that point, when you ask a question, it’s not a big deal, because they know you know some stuff, but obviously not everything.
and look at it this way. This job can be just a stepping stone if you want it to be. Get some experience there, and move to another shop if you want, and you will already know a lot more, and shouldn’t get teased so much.
I do not talk back I do listen.I do not think I know it all cause I don’t.Why do I have to be talk down to? Hell am older than have the techs here. am 41. I started late on going pro. Did lot of moble mechanic and working out of my garage. than went to school than just now starting to go pro. B)
Could just be the new guy stigma, some older guys think you are replacing them, and other just don’t like new people because you are not one of them… yet.
In a perfect situation, you would go to work, do your best and collect your money. People bring drama to the workplace. Fear of the unknown is a big factor. People are insecure and believe me if they feel threatened at any point they will work to get rid of you. Consider business ownership to protect yourself.
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