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So a while ago I made a topic asking whether or not I should quit my dealer job that I hated since I was pigenholed into being an oil change tech. I decided against it, to stay at the dealer I worked at. I worked at the dealer a couple more months then I left. I landed a job as a used car tech at a Jaguar dealer and I really liked it, but was let go Friday due to them making cuts (My manager said they have too many guys and that it’s “all business”, and that he’d give me a good reference when looking for my next job). I’m just wondering though, what next? Where do I go? I still like the trade and want to stay in the business, but I don’t know if I want to work at another dealer. I’m tired of the politics and being ruled by suits who know nothing about what is really going on in the shop and see me as nothing other than a number on a piece of paper. I really just have no idea what I should do from here. Any input would be appreciated.
I have over two years experience, I am state certified in brakes, suspension and electrical, and I’m ASE certified in brakes, as well as being Ford certified in some fields and being Jaguar-Land Rover bronze certified. In other words, I have a decent resume.
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Well…When I was ur age I had a firery disposition and sometimes I still do and I’m 63 yo now. At your age I put up with crap from nobody. I’m ashamed to say that I was IN Deep SHIT for punching a fellow tech in the mouth when I was bout 23.
It took me a long time to learn to do my job and ignore a few of the jerks I had to work for and with to make a living. I was too critical of the people I worked with as I was and still am critical of myself.
The only thing that saved my bacon was the fact that I was good at my job and because of that, when I was unemployed word spread. I have never been unemployed for longer than about 2 weeks in my career.
Bout two months ago I was reduced from a flat rate tech to a light duty tech with a $12.00 an hour pay cut after 8 years of service coz I have some health issues. I was cleaning the shop, the property and mowing the lawn. I felt useless and humiliated.
Out of the blue, I got a phone call from a previous employer who wanted me to rejoin his team. I left where I was working. I won’t get rich from the salaried job I now have but I’m not humiliated any more. I’m actually appreciated.
The point is that if you’re good at what you do you will find another job if you look hard enough. You, like myself many others, had a moment of bad judgement but I’m sure you will get good recommendations from your previous employers also.
From spending my time in the aftermarket world, and then making the switch to a Dealership… I have noticed two kinds of “Trainees” I have gotten.
1.) are the types of guys who come lube rack, have a good attitude, dont think they know everything, and are willing to learn and do some of the “easy” work that comes part of being an entry level tech.
2.) The other type is the guy who thinks they are to good to be doing oil changes and lube rack work, thing they are master techs b.c. they know a few things, and dont want to listen to anyone and end up with bad attitudes b.c. things dont go their way….NO ONE jumps into this being a master, or at the top. You need experience, you need your certs, and you gotta deal with the shit work for now. Sounds like you have a pretty good boss if he is willing to give you a good reference after what happened, I would take that and run with it.
A dealership is a great place to make a lot of money, if you stick around, learn your manufacturer and become one of the best.
Good luck.
Sorry to hear about your job loss…. Hopefully you will be employed again soon… I don’t know how jobs are in your area, or if you can relocate, but you always have some options. Another thing to consider is now you are more qualified and have more experience than when you started your last job… Sometimes the only way to get a raise is to go to a new job, so hopefully it will come out better in the end.
If you don’t like dealerships, consider working for a municipal fleet (police, city, bus fleet, etc)… some of these jobs have good fringe benefits.
Perhaps consider Diesel, or big stuff like CAT….
I understand you may need additional training, but opportunities are all over, although sometimes they may not be in your backyard (hence, relocating to greener pastures may be required)…
I know this sounds cliche, but sometimes a job loss can be a blessing you never knew until you look back….
All the best and good luck to you and look forward to your post when you let us know where your new job is…
-Karl
Toyota Karl is correct, I dont know what part of the country you are in, but the big machine industry like CAT, is HUGE right now and paying VERY VERY well.
Worth a shot.
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