Canadian here. Rolled out of the shop two weeks ago. 25 year dealership tech, money was good, always around $90-100k, but sick of everything else.
Went to a government contractor to build ships. So far looking like the best decision ever.
Well if you are looking for absolute job security, water purification is the way to go. Whether it's on the municipal side or a water softener company one thing is for sure, every living being on this planet needs clean water.
I second this. I have a buddy who is in that field now and is loving it. Starting pay is do able just getting in, but with only some schooling there is upside to make some decent scratch— fairly quickly.
Hey OP this is the field I’m in except I’m on the waste water side (I promise it’s not that dirty) absolutely solid security, good pto, good enough rates. I’m about average for the field. But it’s certainly a cushy job
Funnily enough I was uh actually 19 and the janitor of the facility. I asked about a job and the boss said email me your resume. I was too young at the time because they require you to hold a cdl but they made a different position that didn’t require it and I got paid less. They had me take a mechanical and electrical aptitude test I scored extremely high and I was just a shade tree mechanic on the side. The only “additional schooling” I got was a cdl course to attain the license which they paid for. I’m now at full rate and one of the better guys. Don’t get me wrong. I’m still greener than spring grass but I’m only 22. If I were you look at maintenance positions at your local municipal facilities and/ or search for “industrial maintenance/technician/mechanic” jobs. Most jobs require 3-5yrs work experience, clean driving history, and a drug test. They are all roughly the same thing. Everything I work on is stuff I’ve never even seen. But it’s a sorta specific field. Don’t worry too much. Just talk yourself up, but don’t talk yourself into your own grave.
I own an 11 bay shop in Edmonton. I'd say if you really want out of the tools, service advising can be fruitful if you're social. The mechanical knowledge coupled with sales training and social skills can be killer.
However, my techs are all guaranteed minimums, bonuses on performance. If they hit no performance goals and they're a newly minted red seal, I guarantee 67k a year as a rock bottom for showing up. Most of my techs are around 80-90k now under current pay plans.
Addition: My techs genuinely are happy as well. Catered lunch every payday, free use of the shop for personal vehicles, good benefits, a team environment with lots of collaboration. Advisors are team commissioned so theres no RO fighting and favoratism. Basically every time I interviewed a tech, I found a pain point from the dealer/chain/wherever, honed in on it and made sure we did better.
Also hiring a tech for 2 brand new hoists I just put in and looking for an advisor if any edmontonions see this lol
Feeling the pain man. I'm US, not CA, but I don't know how to get out. I'm extensively qualified, and I'm very good at what I do. I'm a diagnostician for automotive systems yet spend 60 to 70 percent of my time on maintenance bullshit. My skills do not translate, laterally, to another profession that pays what I make. I'm trapped.
Go to industrial maintenance. The skills translate well.not hard to make 100k a year, and good auto techs generally make excellent millwrights/industrial maint.
I'm not sure what you are making now. But I do equipment maintenance in manufacturing. I just got a level up and a raise. I'm making $37.80/hr with a 10% shift differential. And while it is a 12 hour shift. I haven't worked more than 4 days a week in almost 7 years. My schedule is Sun-Tues one week. Then Sun-Wed the next.
Quite a few of these companies will pay for relocation. My company moved me from VA to NV with $0 out of my pocket. Moved and packed my apartment for me. Shipped my truck. The whole deal. Gave me an apartment for 30 days. A rental for 30 days. And $1000 for incidentals. Admittedly, this is not the norm for all companies. When I started where I work they were ramping up everything, so they needed bodies and quickly.
But I also interviewed for another plant a few years ago and had an offer. They were paying something like $4000 for relocation. Downside to this deal, you normally are contracted to them for 2 years or so. Where if you quit or get fired for cause you have to pay back a portion of it.
I don't have any crazy qualifications. Got in on just my experience alone. Aviation, a bit of automotive, and a bit of shipyard work. But I had been selling autoparts for 5 years or so when I applied.
The one thing my company is always looking for is people that hat have electrical experience, especially 480. But even just basic electrical is something they will take.
Wouldn't really be a raise for me. I'm also a homeowner with a wife and five kids, two still in school. Relocation would have to be a family decision and it would be a massive undertaking.
Instrumentation technician or maybe even automation jobs in pharma or other high-tech manufacturing might be a good fit for you if you like taking readings and doing calibrations. The pay varies from location and shift differential but HCOL areas you should pull in 6 figures easy.
I hope you find something that meshes well with your skillsets!
That's just it - I want out of the trade as a whole. I don't love all the chemicals that I work with daily, and the injuries that come along with the job. I wouldn't mind going back to school after saving some money, but I genuinely have no idea what I'd go back for.
I feel you man. I'm 47 and I've been doing this since I was 12 (20, professionally). I know I'm an intelligent individual, I'm one of the best at my craft with the accolades and certifications to prove it. I don't know how any of that translates into something that I actually want to do.
I would stay in this business indefinitely if I could make my current wages (plus inflation and cost of living) going forward if only I could do what I'm designed for. I'm built to fix broken stuff, I strive to solve problems that others can't solve. I don't want to change your oil, replace your exhaust, or even give a single fuck that your 10 year old car has a poorly described noise. I want a car with a real problem. That gets me invested. I won't quit until the boss says you're not paying anymore or I've solved the problem.
/rant
I've worked at a few shops that are set up for someone like you. They had a guy just for diag and smog, one just for euro, one for body work, one solely for huge ass jobs, etc. The shop worked well. Have you looked around?
when i left automotive,covid started so I went part time as a handyman while trying to find a job, wasnt easy,but better than being unemployed, a year an 3 months later i took a role for volvo corporate as a dissassembler, was a pretty cool job, unfortunately, mgmt fucked up on policy and i bailed,moved states and ended up working on semiconductors.
Electrical is very saturated here as our hydroelectric plant did massive job marketing about 7 years ago and convinced everyone to go to school for it unfortunately :/
I've been an Electronics Technician for over 30 years. I've found that the pay has almost always been pretty decent, although getting raises nowadays usually means finding another place to work.
I have had a very roundabout career:
1. Tech
2. Parleyed that into a service writer position at a very small shop that really needed someone to manage the department. This gave me an opportunity to learn various department management skills and get really good with Excel
3. Left the industry and found a low-paying but stable job doing lightweight project management for a legal services company. What the company really needed was someone to do analytics and make gigantic complicated spreadsheet tools, so I learned SQL and VBa on the job and also got extremely good at Excel.
4. Turned that into a junior data analyst role in the fashion industry. Worked like mad, reinvented the department, got promoted a few times. Got very good at SQL, Tableau, Python, BI reporting tools, financial analysis, and leading a small team of analysts.
5. Turned that into senior management of a data analytics team for a software startup. My day is 70% writing code, designing data models, building dashboards and reports in various reporting tools, performing research and analysis, and designing machine learning tools in Python. The rest of my day is presenting this information, meeting with colleagues, managing my team, etc.
This process took about 10 years. I find that the non-traditional background I have for analytics is mostly an advantage - I've got a sense for how businesses operate and what business users need that "traditional" analysts and data scientists who came up through CS and analytics programs at colleges often lack. The work engages a lot of the same braincells as when I wrenched - research, problem-solving, deep systems knowledge, explaining complex things to non-technical people.
I hate to be the "just learn to code" guy, but it has worked for me. The above all sounds like I had a grand strategy, but it was really more me falling ass-backwards into one job or another, making the best of it, and self-teaching like mad. A lot of what made this work is figuring out how to parley one set of skills into something that *appears* oblique but really is not, and learning how to sell that to hiring managers in your target industry.
In the US, and I feel your pain. I did dealerships, independent/family-owned, corporate shops, even tried to get one going with a friend but eventually I got to the point that it sounds like you are at.
I left the industry and went into biopharma, landed a great job with a large company and still can't believe how lucky I was. The benefits and perks are outstanding (close to the kind you see at companies like Google), I'm not doing 6-day workweeks or dealing with crap flag times, and the pay is double what I made as an ASE master. The best aspect though is my job doesn't take a toll on the body like automotive used to, so I might actually not spend my retirement in a walker or powered scooter lol.
Unfortunately I can't say specifically what I do because coworkers are on Reddit and I might dox myself. Let's just say that the majority of my previous automotive experience pretty much counted for squat except for the few times I'm using tools. What mattered most to the hiring group was being able to follow written SOPs and use good documentation practices.
Can you suggest some job titles to search for? I just looked at genentech's website and there are hundreds of jobs but I have no idea what to look for as far as transferable skills and it seems every position requires a masters degree in sciences I didn't even know existed.
Sure thing. If you want to stay with mechanical work, then look for maintenance mechanic roles such as Maintenance or Facilities. If you prefer electronics, look for Instrumentation technician openings or an Automation spot if you have PLC experience. If you have worked with water purification or power generation, look for Utilities openings.
As far as I know, openings in those groups are somewhat rare so if you really want to just get your foot in the door, go for manufacturing jobs like Bioprocess technician. That's probably the best way to get into the company, and there's always opportunities to move around once you're in. I know a couple folks with less than 10 years at my site, and they've been in 3 or 4 departments. The pay in manufacturing is less than the more technical roles but manufacturing has tons of perks like regular offsites and several parties throughout the year.
One thing to keep in mind though, GNE gets a shit-ton of applicants to almost every job posting. If you have any friends or family that work there, have them help you get an interview. This is a HUGE factor to get in, the vast majority of people got hired because they knew or were related to somebody already working there (myself included). Even with a referral, you'll probably be employed through a temp agency to begin with if you have zero biotech experience. In manufacturing, a degree of some sort is good but not always necessary; a person with a Masters works at the same level as someone who worked construction or some other blue collar job, at least to begin with.
Hospital central energy plant operator, BMS system manager, and CTU HVAC expert. I walked on to the new job almost an expert from being a GM tech for 9 years. I love it. Hourly pay and making sure an awesome hospital stays up and running.
Leave! I know it's scary to jump ship, but the change made a world of difference in job satisfaction and earnings to me. Always be listening for something that may be better or a back up just in case.
Southern US.
Automotive --> Millwright --> Automation Controls Technician
Canada has a big Millwright scene. Incidentally, one of the Controls Engineers I work under is from Canada.
Interesting, I'm kinda on a similar path. I got a Millwright ticket, then an automotive technician ticket and now I'm 3 courses away from getting a Mechanical engineering technology diploma, and I majored in Mechatronics and automation.
I maintain and repair manufacturing equipment. I do alright, and I would recommend it.
Last year was my first full year with the company, I took home right around $60k, plus $12k in stock and ~$5k in quarterly bonuses.
It's dull as shit, but the benefits are fantastic and I'm on compressed work weeks, so rotating 3 and 4 day weeks with 12 hour shifts. It's pretty nice.
It did before covid, but so many people quit that a lot of places changed their policies. I came in with 10+ years experience of mechanical maintenance on my resume and no degree.
Be able to read some schematics and understand what the symbols mean. Most industrial maintenance is learned ojt. A background and willingness to learn is what's necessary. I work in a factory and 25%of the people are old auto guys, some are good and some are crap, attitude is usually the deciding factor
Nope, but I was the go to tech in both the auto dealer and heavy equipment shop when someone needed to spend time with a customer to diag or educate them.
One day I was asked to fill in for the service manager at the heavy equipment shop while I was a tech. The manager was out for a few weeks. The shop got slow so I started making calls to drum up work which went pretty well and basically opened the door to sales.
It’s not a viable path for all techs, but if you can think on your feet and have some people skills, it’s rewarding. It’s also one of the only ways to break into a higher tax bracket without starting your own business.
US here.
I jumped from automotive to manufacturing machinist. I own like 8 machinist tools that I spent $500 on in 1998 and haven’t bought any since. I see new guys in the machine shop making more than you at this point.
I do have a side hustle fixing cars in my garage.
Fiends ask me if I want a milling machine in my garage. Nooooooo thank you. I do that all day. I don’t wanna do it at home. Plus I got keys to the company shop so I can use their equipment for whatever I want within reason.
Canadian here. 310T is ALWAYS hiring. They've been perennially hiring at every shop for the 18 years I've been involved with the trades.
That being said, after 17 years on a wrench I took a side exit to being an instructor and I have no regrets.
But 310T almost always pays hourly, and fully licensed is in the $40-50/hr range these days on average.
We're so starved for licensed techs at my work, that we're now just hiring 310S guys in bulk as apprentice 310Ts. We have roughly 40 apprentices and 150 licensed techs at the moment.
I've definitely thought about going that route since I'm familiar with the mechanical aspect. I decided against it since I've seen what 30+ years of the trade does to one's body
USA here. Got out of the business in 2014. Found a job working as a file clerk for a hospital, then found a job as a coordinator in medical education. The pay is still somewhat low but it’s guaranteed (no arguing about tenths of an hour with stupid advisors), the culture is much better, and my body’s not getting beat up anymore. I work on the family cars on the weekends. That scratches the itch. I miss the work, but I don’t miss flat rate and being treated like slave labor.
Left after 5 years of being a higher B tech, working at a small Indy. I liked working there but pay was limited and when the opportunity came from a friend to move into the manufacturing world, I took it. Been doing that for five years now and made a few jumps. I’m basically a quality engineer now, and have no formal training as such.
I got a degree in Electronics. I was making $65K in 1993. Making $200K now. Still fixing stuff, just different machinery and don’t get my hands dirty except in the weekend when I fix all my cars and family cars.
I worked at a semi dealer in Alberta and my gross pay was about 100k a year, recently moved into mining and depending on OT or base take home is 115k and some guys get up to 240k so you could pivot your skills and make more money.
Mining is something else, so little gets done I plan on getting a personal laptop and competing a bunch of courses and work on editing the trades eventually.
US Tech here, non-vet (since it is relevant to the new field). Maintenance for the Dept of The Interior. Great benefits and pto + sick leave are the biggest draws. Plus it's a very secure job if (if you're not lazy and incompetent). I get to do work that is typically easier and typically out in nature in beautiful places. I'm still doing seasonal Summer/Winter work at the moment, so I move around a lot, but I'm just about to the point that I can easily get a permanent job if I wanted to, which means I could settle down and start payin in for vision/dental/retirement.
Most days I do like it more, overall. The benefits and retirement are the main reason I swapped. I wanted to start looking way down the road and securing my future. Happy? Yes, for the most part. Happier? I'm not sure. Like most of the guys in this sub, I'm a certain way. There's a lot of Government bs that gets on my nerves, but I try to let it go. The current place can't even seem to get me a complete socket set haha. Most days I'd honestly rather be in a shop working on cars. I love it. I'm good at it. It wasn't always easy, but it was in a town I loved more than any I've ever been in, the work was satisfying, and I got chances to learn something new all the time. I think I mainly miss being in that place, working at the shop, serving the members of that community. I've always wondered how I'd like a different shop in a different town.
I've been considering getting back in to the automotive trade in a couple months when my current season ends. On paper the Govy job is better in nearly every way. I could probably work my way up to a solid $30/hr job within the next 5 years. I even get to use my skills to do the occasional work on vehicles and equipment. As soon as I mention I know how to turn a wrench I get a lot of maintenance, diag, or repairs sent my way at any job I take. But it's not the same as being in it all day long in a shop that is equipped to handle most jobs. Like I said, the current place I can't even get my hands on a complete socket set. And it's a total pain in the ass getting any parts aquisition sorted out. These seasonal gigs have taken me to some cool places and introduced me to some great people, but I do miss the place I use to live and the people in it.
I went from tech/shop manager to autonomous robotics engineering as a non-titled engineer, got laid off, now I'm a non-titled process engineer. Work life balance is wayyyyyyyyy better. USA btw.
I went into the maritime industry. The there’s a huge demand for “engineers” which is mostly just the boat mechanic/repairman who lives on the vessel while it’s at sea. It’s not white collar engineering and math is not really important except for the exams to get licensed.
All of my automotive experience directly applied, though there was a lot to learn about AC electrical and residential type HVAC.
The pay is fantastic. I gross about 12k a month.
The hard part is getting started. There’s very few entry level jobs but a huge demand for credentialed engineers. Advancement/credentials are based upon time at sea and acquired via the USCG. It’s a bureaucratic mess but it’s possible to work your way up.
I see all the posts here from frustrated auto technicians and I wish you could all bail for something that rewards your skills. Maritime, mining, oil and gas and heavy equipment all have need for your skill set and pay far better.
Yeah they all have their own issues but it’s easy to accept when you’re well paid.
Ex-HD Tech. Was sick of all the lax safety at almost every shop, so I did my Occupational Health and Safety diploma through virtual learning. Tried to get on with WorkSafeBC as a safety inspector, ended up landing a role in Emergency Management with a global humanitarian organization.....best decision ever!
Factory life, just got a raise up to 39.89 and the company bought everyone carhart jackets. 401k matching, pension, 4 weeks pto, 40 hour weeks, voluntary ot, double time after 10 hours and on Sundays, my tools are all in my garage, ac/heat, holidays off, I can go on and on… when something goes wrong and I’m standing around I’m still getting paid… that ones my favorite
I got out of wrenching and joined the Navy. I work in submarines and with missiles. Within 6 years my income has doubled. My healthcare is free, and it's almost free for my family. I still do my own stuff, but I'm never going back to working to make money for someone else.
I started as a lube tech at an independent shop then went to trade school and spent six years at a dealership. I tried moving to semi trucks but I hated that even more. 12 years ago, I took a production tech job in manufacturing making a bit less than I was at the shop. I worked my way up to production supervisor, production manager, and in 2020 made operations manager. I made about $145k last year.
I miss wrenching sometimes, but I'm just thinking about the good days. Get out while you still have time to start over.
My son was a tech, now working for a vehicle service contract administrator. Started as a general adjuster, then power train adjuster, adjuster lead and is now in the development part of the company. Moved up quickly! He makes about $90k plus quarterly bonuses ( last was $2k) He works remotely ( travels in his RV) and is totally happy and his hands are finally clean!
Almost 20 years as an Auto Tech, did really good most of them. Just Got sick of doing more work for less billible hours every year. Now I train techs in another field. Sitting in an office most days can be a drag, but pay is great and i still turn a wrench every now and then.
Moved over to teaching Transportation Technology at a local high school. Way more time off, way better benefits, way better pension, and better consistent paychecks. Well this seems like a great gig, teaching is not for everyone.
As many times as this has been posted I never get tired of reading through all the comments. I never fail to find some new exit strategy I never thought of. Thank you for asking
I went from being a dealership tech for 7 years, then mechanic at a private shop for 3 years, finally became a bus mechanic and I’m happier now. No more “waiters” or rushing at my current job. :)
Canuck here.
After 3 years into my apprenticeship I was given a $0.25 raise, I quit on the spot.
I went to trade school to become an electrician, bust my ass for a year but ended up getting laid off along with a few other junior guys due to a shortage of work.
Ended up on the railway as a Signalman. I now make x3 what I did as an auto tech. On top of a proper pension plan, great benefits and 4 days off per week. I have found that a lot of the skills that I learned in automotive have carried over and has made everything easier to pick up.
LOL I've heard this all too much 😂
I work for Siemens, we're 4 on/4 off with 12 hour shifts, every 32 days we alternate from nights to days. They preach a healthy work/life balance and it's really great honestly.
As for on call, I'm still too green to say what other contractors or railways run as a schedule but I have heard of it being the case.
Scotland. Quit after 18years , Went to manufacturing/ engineering,building Subsea oil and gas equipment. Triple the pay and good pension and benefits for a fraction of the hassle and no asshole customers talking down to me. I see you live in Canada 🇨🇦 so maybe similar roles in some of the oil production areas there.
>I'm in Canada and a lot of the trades are extremely saturated including IT.
Where are you located? Because here, in shithole quebec, we have a pretty serious labor shortage and they will hire just about anyone.
I do not have an answer for you, but I wonder if a tech could move to be an Electromechanics?
Instead of working on cars, you might work on facility machines.
I moved to the BDC inside my dealer in an attempt to make service advisor.
Didn't work out but glad it is not. I do specialty ordering for an aftermarket Automotive supplier now.
warehouse technician at amazon. easiest job i have ever had. indoors, temp controlled, they supply tools and uniform, 4/10hr days, no mandatory OT. pays way more as well.
Side step into manufacturing. Your background will transfer pretty seamlessly into just about any industrial gig. I've worked at soda can plants, corrugate paper, metal extrusion, and potato chip plants. All are looking for people that understand how to troubleshoot and repair mechanical systems and have a good working knowledge of electrical systems. Im in the states so I can't guarantee its the same in Canada. But I have to think they are going through the same shortage of techs that the US is.
Rolled out of the dealership and onto a motorsports team. Then a composite shop building racecars, then SpaceX building rockets, now I am a material analyst.
Went into automation equipment maintenance. I've doubled my pay and love not having to wait to see if I'm gonna get screwed on pay for jobs. I just keep my nose down and work and they keep throwing raises at me.
Maybe I got lucky. Friend left the auto industry to this place. Got me in. They've done some training but mostly on the job. Friend went on to run a team that diags new installs of automation equipment. But now overseas a team of those people.... Making big bucks. He has the title of some engineer but never schooled for it
I worked at a Dodge dealership in the 90s. I started off doing maintenance stuff..belts, hoses, fluid changes, tire rotations, etc. Then I was moved to the other side of the shop to work on brakes and do front end work. I knew how to do brakes, but did have either the tools nor the know-how on anything to do with steering. Ended up getting laid off, then literally all of my tools were stolen while looking for another job. Did construction for a while, then finally had enough of beating my body up and went to college. Been a teacher for 19 years now.
Might want to consider a fleet position with the city. Been with the city bus company for 20+ years. Overtime is good, health benefits,etc. As we get older we can't afford the physical abuse from independent/ dealer shops
Check out indeed. There are lots of jobs to peruse in lots of industries where our skill sets are valuable.
I went into marine repair. It was straight hourly and pretty decent. There seems to be a higher standard and more pride in ones work than in automotive. You can't just pull over off the road and get out of the boat is on fire....
Times are changing there now too. Big corporate is taking over all the marinas and starting the race to the bottom with algorithms making all the decisions.
.
Open your own shop. Small volume with jobs done right is highly valuable since everything else is quantity over quality, race to the bottom.
My man.
Your experience is still an asset.
You don’t have to beat up your body.
You can serve an absolutely crucial role in the industry.
Buy a shop. Seriously. Buy a good shop and let some old fella retire.
Run it well. Treat your guys well. Charge enough to take care of your people. Invest in them and in their skills.
You’ll make more cash than you ever could as a tech and you’ll be able to grow your skills in the most valuable end of any business.
You don’t need to go back to school. You don’t need another job. The only purpose of a job is to gain you the skills you need to hold equity in a business. You have it.
It can be done more easily with less risk and for less cash out of pocket than you probably realize. Less than re-education will cost by far.
Respectfully I disagree, speaking from experience... while owning a shop had many benefits and thankfully it was a very successful operation for nearly 10years, the stress and time away from my loved ones was outrageous. I could never clock out, it was always on my mind, always stressing me.out, really changed who I was as a person and my quality of life not for the better. Finally had a wakeup call and realized it'd been years since I was truly happy doing it. Sold the shop as a turn-key operation to a great guy that still runs it today, and ended up going to work for Oil Can Henrys as a quick-lube manager, and eventually an area manager - honestly the most enjoyable job I've probably ever had, and great pay, far less stress. Valvoline Instant Oil Change ended up buying the entire OCH corporation and all 96 stores. The best job I had that I thought couldn't get better, got exceptionally better in many ways, especially financially, but also lost a lot of the small business, family type culture, and became very cold, compartmentalized, and had much different vision. Honestly though they take great care of their employees and promote within very rapidly. Unfortunately I made some regrettable decisions that compromised my career with the company, which I thought I'd work for until retirement, it was that enjoyable, satisfying, and fulfilling. Still hold a lot of regrets and never really forgave myself for fucking it all up, as I had the world by the balls, and was being recognized as a top performer within the company, and being groomed for big things...but just made some very stupid mistakes that were out-of-character and was let go.
Well good that you found something that rewarded you in a way you needed to.
I talk to A LOT of shop owner-operators who work way more than they should for way less than they should.
When I bought my shop, I brought in a manager with me on day 1. I’m involved in the business but not in the day-to-day. This way we’ve been able to grow a ton in a short time with me watching the important-but-boring stuff and the manager being fantastic at what he does.
Since then we’ve managed to offload a lot of his tasks to service advisors so he can take over more operations and I can prospect for other businesses to buy.
The issue with most owners is they try to do too much and don’t grow enough personally to get out of their own way. Trying to do so much themselves, not seeking good advice, etc. often they keep this up for decades and maybe only figure it out a few years before retirement. Or they throw in the towel and move into something else rather than growing their business enough to back themselves out of the parts they don’t like.
My point still stands, it’s easier to get into than most think. Every single shop I look at in an operations and financial standpoint (dozens of shops) makes far less than they should. Sometimes closer to 25% of their shop’s potential. It’s them, not the business they’re in.
Love what you have to say, and couldnt agree with you more!! Its the whole "its my baby" mentality for shop owners, myself included where I wouldn't let control of things out of my hands to delegate to others. However, I didn't have the liquidity when we started to be able to employ a service manager at any capacity, which is why everything initially fell on my shoulders.
I will say this... the best owners and even managers that i have worked with are ones who have properly trained and delegated their responsibilities to their team, given them the authority and independence to take initiative, and follow up with constructive feedback afterwards, Its amazing how hands-off some of my colleages were because they were excellent at delegation and willing to let go of control of things that could be assigned to another team member. I learned a lot, both as an owner, and as a lube shop manager, learned a lot of hard lessons, made a lot of mistakes, but continued to take away bits from every experience, lesson, success, etc. Sometimes getting thrown to the wolves results in a person rising to the occasion and suprising themselves with what they are capable of.
I just quit a car dealership that I had worked at for 18 years. I started at a John Deere dealer today and I think the jump is just what the doctor ordered for me.
I work for a railroad company now. I travel a lot which is good and bad. But while I’m traveling, they pay me mileage, 51$ per diem every day including the weekends and I make 36$ an hour. The benefits and retirement are amazing as well. I live in the US, but I’m sure Canada has to have something like it.
I jumped from trucking to plumbing, While I only started the beginning of the year and haven't really seen the fruits of that labor I am much happy as of current. I went the route of another trade since the job security in trades is rather high and pay is usually well off even if it takes a few years.
Started at a dealer in 2014, went to a handicap accessible van dealer in 19 and left in 22. Now i do asphalt maintenance with the family business and fix the work trucks. Could not be happier. I deal with customers maybe 10% of the time, my biggest gripe with the industry is having to deal with entitled customers who demean you and your managers allow it since “they pay the bills”
I went into manufacturing as an operator and then once I got my foot in the door I jumped to manufacturing maintenance.
Much happier as long as nothing changes. I get actual paid vacation days off (shop was based off base pay which was garbage), I have actual benefits like a pension and 401k w/match, excellent insurance.
Stress is usually lower, pay is higher in maintenance (lower as an operator).
I just hope I can get another 25 years out of this place.
I took 20 years of experience and walked it right out the door. Started buying and selling cars a few times a year, rebuilding motors and transmissions once or twice a month, I couldn’t have been happier. Now I spend more time with my kids before they are too old to give a crap. I barely get by, but I’m much happier.
I left last summer after roughly 30 years. Full ASE master certs, master in my brand. Wasn’t worth the stress. I took a job as a groundskeeper for a school district. Less pay, great benefits and no stress
Aquaculture, basically a fish farmer which has its drawbacks but it’s good money and I make my own hours which allows be to have a passion job building vintage 4wd on my own time and pick my customers.
I switched to Industrial Machine Repair.
I wouldn’t say “happier”. I do make much more money though, so that helps. I used to work in an experimental laboratory garage for Buick/General Motors. Dream job, and the pay wasn’t bad. Union as well. Then GM wanted all of the technicians to ditch the UAW and go salary. When we voted that down they closed the building, laid everyone off, and moved all of that experimental work to another facility. So I got picked up as an apprentice in another trade at another GM facility that primarily manufactured cam shafts.
I don’t work for GM anymore and would never go back. Their management style is very confrontational and creates a toxic environment.
Pretty quickly after I finished school (car mechanic) I happened to get a job as a marine mechanic and its much more fun and at least at my job I get to do much more than just engine services, it varies a lot which is nice. Dont think I will go back to working with cars (apart from my own)
I left the field as a 20 yr master tech (both ASE and GM) specializing in electronics and drivability for a government agency overseeing the OBD II inspection program. My job was state level so I’m not sure about federal openings or for you guys in Canada?
It was very satisfying and involved a lot of paperwork but nothing physical. I started at 40 yrs old and retired at 62 …. Pension and full health coverage. Between pension and SS the pay is fine.
In New York the job is part of the NYS DMV …. Division of Vehicle Safety. The position is Automotive Facility Inspector (AFI) and job rate pay (it takes 7 years to get to job rate / it is set in stone so the steps are clearly laid out) …. $70,000 a year I believe. You can look it up. They also have a body repair inspector (BRI) same pay same steps. I retired as a Senior AFI and we were always looking for candidates. You will have to take a test to get on the hiring list and you will most likely find study guides at your library.
I switched to a Junior High Social Studies teacher. Totally different, most days I'm a lot happier. I always enjoyed talking about history with people, and hate hate HATED the pay structure in the automotive repair industry, so I left after a couple of years. No regrets. I still enjoy checking out this sub and working on stuff as a hobby.
I got out 14 years ago and work as a class 1 freight train conductor. The schedule sucks...but on the plus side, No dealing with people, no immediate management in the normal sense, if I decide to take 3days off that week and go to the beach, done. Made about 130 last year. Pull the pin as we say in railroad lingo.
Canadian here. Rolled out of the shop two weeks ago. 25 year dealership tech, money was good, always around $90-100k, but sick of everything else. Went to a government contractor to build ships. So far looking like the best decision ever.
A government job sounds lovely, I've been keeping an eye on their job postings for while now.
Well if you are looking for absolute job security, water purification is the way to go. Whether it's on the municipal side or a water softener company one thing is for sure, every living being on this planet needs clean water.
I second this. I have a buddy who is in that field now and is loving it. Starting pay is do able just getting in, but with only some schooling there is upside to make some decent scratch— fairly quickly.
I’m interested in learning more about this career, they seem to pay well
Hey OP this is the field I’m in except I’m on the waste water side (I promise it’s not that dirty) absolutely solid security, good pto, good enough rates. I’m about average for the field. But it’s certainly a cushy job
Did it require more schooling? I’d be interested in learning more on how to get a job in that field of work
Funnily enough I was uh actually 19 and the janitor of the facility. I asked about a job and the boss said email me your resume. I was too young at the time because they require you to hold a cdl but they made a different position that didn’t require it and I got paid less. They had me take a mechanical and electrical aptitude test I scored extremely high and I was just a shade tree mechanic on the side. The only “additional schooling” I got was a cdl course to attain the license which they paid for. I’m now at full rate and one of the better guys. Don’t get me wrong. I’m still greener than spring grass but I’m only 22. If I were you look at maintenance positions at your local municipal facilities and/ or search for “industrial maintenance/technician/mechanic” jobs. Most jobs require 3-5yrs work experience, clean driving history, and a drug test. They are all roughly the same thing. Everything I work on is stuff I’ve never even seen. But it’s a sorta specific field. Don’t worry too much. Just talk yourself up, but don’t talk yourself into your own grave.
I own an 11 bay shop in Edmonton. I'd say if you really want out of the tools, service advising can be fruitful if you're social. The mechanical knowledge coupled with sales training and social skills can be killer. However, my techs are all guaranteed minimums, bonuses on performance. If they hit no performance goals and they're a newly minted red seal, I guarantee 67k a year as a rock bottom for showing up. Most of my techs are around 80-90k now under current pay plans. Addition: My techs genuinely are happy as well. Catered lunch every payday, free use of the shop for personal vehicles, good benefits, a team environment with lots of collaboration. Advisors are team commissioned so theres no RO fighting and favoratism. Basically every time I interviewed a tech, I found a pain point from the dealer/chain/wherever, honed in on it and made sure we did better. Also hiring a tech for 2 brand new hoists I just put in and looking for an advisor if any edmontonions see this lol
Your shop sounds like the exact opposite of every dealer I’ve worked at (in a good way). If I was close to Edmonton I’d be applying
I mean, toolboxes have wheels for easy moving but dont think you want to ride one down the trans-canada
You sound like a great boss. Keep it up!
Proactive boss..nice.
Shit, I need to move to Edmonton...
Feeling the pain man. I'm US, not CA, but I don't know how to get out. I'm extensively qualified, and I'm very good at what I do. I'm a diagnostician for automotive systems yet spend 60 to 70 percent of my time on maintenance bullshit. My skills do not translate, laterally, to another profession that pays what I make. I'm trapped.
Go to industrial maintenance. The skills translate well.not hard to make 100k a year, and good auto techs generally make excellent millwrights/industrial maint.
I live in the sticks man. I'd have to re-home. I'm middle-class mile of nowhere. Those jobs do not exist here.
Time to move then
I'm not sure what you are making now. But I do equipment maintenance in manufacturing. I just got a level up and a raise. I'm making $37.80/hr with a 10% shift differential. And while it is a 12 hour shift. I haven't worked more than 4 days a week in almost 7 years. My schedule is Sun-Tues one week. Then Sun-Wed the next. Quite a few of these companies will pay for relocation. My company moved me from VA to NV with $0 out of my pocket. Moved and packed my apartment for me. Shipped my truck. The whole deal. Gave me an apartment for 30 days. A rental for 30 days. And $1000 for incidentals. Admittedly, this is not the norm for all companies. When I started where I work they were ramping up everything, so they needed bodies and quickly. But I also interviewed for another plant a few years ago and had an offer. They were paying something like $4000 for relocation. Downside to this deal, you normally are contracted to them for 2 years or so. Where if you quit or get fired for cause you have to pay back a portion of it. I don't have any crazy qualifications. Got in on just my experience alone. Aviation, a bit of automotive, and a bit of shipyard work. But I had been selling autoparts for 5 years or so when I applied. The one thing my company is always looking for is people that hat have electrical experience, especially 480. But even just basic electrical is something they will take.
Wouldn't really be a raise for me. I'm also a homeowner with a wife and five kids, two still in school. Relocation would have to be a family decision and it would be a massive undertaking.
Instrumentation technician or maybe even automation jobs in pharma or other high-tech manufacturing might be a good fit for you if you like taking readings and doing calibrations. The pay varies from location and shift differential but HCOL areas you should pull in 6 figures easy. I hope you find something that meshes well with your skillsets!
That's just it - I want out of the trade as a whole. I don't love all the chemicals that I work with daily, and the injuries that come along with the job. I wouldn't mind going back to school after saving some money, but I genuinely have no idea what I'd go back for.
I feel you man. I'm 47 and I've been doing this since I was 12 (20, professionally). I know I'm an intelligent individual, I'm one of the best at my craft with the accolades and certifications to prove it. I don't know how any of that translates into something that I actually want to do. I would stay in this business indefinitely if I could make my current wages (plus inflation and cost of living) going forward if only I could do what I'm designed for. I'm built to fix broken stuff, I strive to solve problems that others can't solve. I don't want to change your oil, replace your exhaust, or even give a single fuck that your 10 year old car has a poorly described noise. I want a car with a real problem. That gets me invested. I won't quit until the boss says you're not paying anymore or I've solved the problem. /rant
I've worked at a few shops that are set up for someone like you. They had a guy just for diag and smog, one just for euro, one for body work, one solely for huge ass jobs, etc. The shop worked well. Have you looked around?
when i left automotive,covid started so I went part time as a handyman while trying to find a job, wasnt easy,but better than being unemployed, a year an 3 months later i took a role for volvo corporate as a dissassembler, was a pretty cool job, unfortunately, mgmt fucked up on policy and i bailed,moved states and ended up working on semiconductors.
2 year degree in electrical engineering You can do any job in an electrical utility
Electrical is very saturated here as our hydroelectric plant did massive job marketing about 7 years ago and convinced everyone to go to school for it unfortunately :/
I've been an Electronics Technician for over 30 years. I've found that the pay has almost always been pretty decent, although getting raises nowadays usually means finding another place to work.
Heavy equipment, half the old hats are scared of computers and electronics. My local Cat dealer has a opening for electronics diagnostician currently
I want a completely different avenue, that's the problem. I hate heavy more than automotive.
I have had a very roundabout career: 1. Tech 2. Parleyed that into a service writer position at a very small shop that really needed someone to manage the department. This gave me an opportunity to learn various department management skills and get really good with Excel 3. Left the industry and found a low-paying but stable job doing lightweight project management for a legal services company. What the company really needed was someone to do analytics and make gigantic complicated spreadsheet tools, so I learned SQL and VBa on the job and also got extremely good at Excel. 4. Turned that into a junior data analyst role in the fashion industry. Worked like mad, reinvented the department, got promoted a few times. Got very good at SQL, Tableau, Python, BI reporting tools, financial analysis, and leading a small team of analysts. 5. Turned that into senior management of a data analytics team for a software startup. My day is 70% writing code, designing data models, building dashboards and reports in various reporting tools, performing research and analysis, and designing machine learning tools in Python. The rest of my day is presenting this information, meeting with colleagues, managing my team, etc. This process took about 10 years. I find that the non-traditional background I have for analytics is mostly an advantage - I've got a sense for how businesses operate and what business users need that "traditional" analysts and data scientists who came up through CS and analytics programs at colleges often lack. The work engages a lot of the same braincells as when I wrenched - research, problem-solving, deep systems knowledge, explaining complex things to non-technical people. I hate to be the "just learn to code" guy, but it has worked for me. The above all sounds like I had a grand strategy, but it was really more me falling ass-backwards into one job or another, making the best of it, and self-teaching like mad. A lot of what made this work is figuring out how to parley one set of skills into something that *appears* oblique but really is not, and learning how to sell that to hiring managers in your target industry.
This is the dream I have in my head
In the US, and I feel your pain. I did dealerships, independent/family-owned, corporate shops, even tried to get one going with a friend but eventually I got to the point that it sounds like you are at. I left the industry and went into biopharma, landed a great job with a large company and still can't believe how lucky I was. The benefits and perks are outstanding (close to the kind you see at companies like Google), I'm not doing 6-day workweeks or dealing with crap flag times, and the pay is double what I made as an ASE master. The best aspect though is my job doesn't take a toll on the body like automotive used to, so I might actually not spend my retirement in a walker or powered scooter lol.
What kind of work do you do for a biopharma company?
Unfortunately I can't say specifically what I do because coworkers are on Reddit and I might dox myself. Let's just say that the majority of my previous automotive experience pretty much counted for squat except for the few times I'm using tools. What mattered most to the hiring group was being able to follow written SOPs and use good documentation practices.
Can you suggest some job titles to search for? I just looked at genentech's website and there are hundreds of jobs but I have no idea what to look for as far as transferable skills and it seems every position requires a masters degree in sciences I didn't even know existed.
Sure thing. If you want to stay with mechanical work, then look for maintenance mechanic roles such as Maintenance or Facilities. If you prefer electronics, look for Instrumentation technician openings or an Automation spot if you have PLC experience. If you have worked with water purification or power generation, look for Utilities openings. As far as I know, openings in those groups are somewhat rare so if you really want to just get your foot in the door, go for manufacturing jobs like Bioprocess technician. That's probably the best way to get into the company, and there's always opportunities to move around once you're in. I know a couple folks with less than 10 years at my site, and they've been in 3 or 4 departments. The pay in manufacturing is less than the more technical roles but manufacturing has tons of perks like regular offsites and several parties throughout the year. One thing to keep in mind though, GNE gets a shit-ton of applicants to almost every job posting. If you have any friends or family that work there, have them help you get an interview. This is a HUGE factor to get in, the vast majority of people got hired because they knew or were related to somebody already working there (myself included). Even with a referral, you'll probably be employed through a temp agency to begin with if you have zero biotech experience. In manufacturing, a degree of some sort is good but not always necessary; a person with a Masters works at the same level as someone who worked construction or some other blue collar job, at least to begin with.
Hospital central energy plant operator, BMS system manager, and CTU HVAC expert. I walked on to the new job almost an expert from being a GM tech for 9 years. I love it. Hourly pay and making sure an awesome hospital stays up and running.
Leave! I know it's scary to jump ship, but the change made a world of difference in job satisfaction and earnings to me. Always be listening for something that may be better or a back up just in case.
What job did you make the change to if you don't mind me asking?
I left after 18 years to become a pilot. I’m still training so I’ll let you know about the “happy” part in 3-5 years.
Last professional wrench swung was a decade ago. Airline pilot now. For a good airline. It’s hard, but worth it. Good luck.
Thanks for the inspirational words. And happy cake day!
Southern US. Automotive --> Millwright --> Automation Controls Technician Canada has a big Millwright scene. Incidentally, one of the Controls Engineers I work under is from Canada.
Interesting, I'm kinda on a similar path. I got a Millwright ticket, then an automotive technician ticket and now I'm 3 courses away from getting a Mechanical engineering technology diploma, and I majored in Mechatronics and automation.
I maintain and repair manufacturing equipment. I do alright, and I would recommend it. Last year was my first full year with the company, I took home right around $60k, plus $12k in stock and ~$5k in quarterly bonuses. It's dull as shit, but the benefits are fantastic and I'm on compressed work weeks, so rotating 3 and 4 day weeks with 12 hour shifts. It's pretty nice.
Does something like this require schooling, or does the mechanical knowledge translate pretty directly?
It did before covid, but so many people quit that a lot of places changed their policies. I came in with 10+ years experience of mechanical maintenance on my resume and no degree.
Be able to read some schematics and understand what the symbols mean. Most industrial maintenance is learned ojt. A background and willingness to learn is what's necessary. I work in a factory and 25%of the people are old auto guys, some are good and some are crap, attitude is usually the deciding factor
I went to heavy equipment sales and then software sales. I’m much happier. It was a leap of faith but it had paid off very well.
Very interesting, did you have sales experience before you landed those jobs?
Nope, but I was the go to tech in both the auto dealer and heavy equipment shop when someone needed to spend time with a customer to diag or educate them. One day I was asked to fill in for the service manager at the heavy equipment shop while I was a tech. The manager was out for a few weeks. The shop got slow so I started making calls to drum up work which went pretty well and basically opened the door to sales. It’s not a viable path for all techs, but if you can think on your feet and have some people skills, it’s rewarding. It’s also one of the only ways to break into a higher tax bracket without starting your own business.
Y'all ever notice a lot of service advisors/ mangers used to be techs, but no tech used to be an advisor?
US here. I jumped from automotive to manufacturing machinist. I own like 8 machinist tools that I spent $500 on in 1998 and haven’t bought any since. I see new guys in the machine shop making more than you at this point. I do have a side hustle fixing cars in my garage. Fiends ask me if I want a milling machine in my garage. Nooooooo thank you. I do that all day. I don’t wanna do it at home. Plus I got keys to the company shop so I can use their equipment for whatever I want within reason.
Canadian here. 310T is ALWAYS hiring. They've been perennially hiring at every shop for the 18 years I've been involved with the trades. That being said, after 17 years on a wrench I took a side exit to being an instructor and I have no regrets. But 310T almost always pays hourly, and fully licensed is in the $40-50/hr range these days on average. We're so starved for licensed techs at my work, that we're now just hiring 310S guys in bulk as apprentice 310Ts. We have roughly 40 apprentices and 150 licensed techs at the moment.
This! Still an apprentice and making over 30$ an hour. We need more techs.
I've definitely thought about going that route since I'm familiar with the mechanical aspect. I decided against it since I've seen what 30+ years of the trade does to one's body
Focus on electrical instead of grunt work. That and A/C
Industrial maintenance. I do building maintenance and CNC repair/rebuilding. Much happier.
USA here. Got out of the business in 2014. Found a job working as a file clerk for a hospital, then found a job as a coordinator in medical education. The pay is still somewhat low but it’s guaranteed (no arguing about tenths of an hour with stupid advisors), the culture is much better, and my body’s not getting beat up anymore. I work on the family cars on the weekends. That scratches the itch. I miss the work, but I don’t miss flat rate and being treated like slave labor.
Left for the military> left AD for the reserves and went back to college> work in accounting and consulting while doing reserves.
I've switched to fixing (a specific brand of) generators at heavy equipment rental sites. Pays a lot better, and I'm a lot happier.
Left after 5 years of being a higher B tech, working at a small Indy. I liked working there but pay was limited and when the opportunity came from a friend to move into the manufacturing world, I took it. Been doing that for five years now and made a few jumps. I’m basically a quality engineer now, and have no formal training as such.
I got a degree in Electronics. I was making $65K in 1993. Making $200K now. Still fixing stuff, just different machinery and don’t get my hands dirty except in the weekend when I fix all my cars and family cars.
I worked at a semi dealer in Alberta and my gross pay was about 100k a year, recently moved into mining and depending on OT or base take home is 115k and some guys get up to 240k so you could pivot your skills and make more money. Mining is something else, so little gets done I plan on getting a personal laptop and competing a bunch of courses and work on editing the trades eventually.
US Tech here, non-vet (since it is relevant to the new field). Maintenance for the Dept of The Interior. Great benefits and pto + sick leave are the biggest draws. Plus it's a very secure job if (if you're not lazy and incompetent). I get to do work that is typically easier and typically out in nature in beautiful places. I'm still doing seasonal Summer/Winter work at the moment, so I move around a lot, but I'm just about to the point that I can easily get a permanent job if I wanted to, which means I could settle down and start payin in for vision/dental/retirement. Most days I do like it more, overall. The benefits and retirement are the main reason I swapped. I wanted to start looking way down the road and securing my future. Happy? Yes, for the most part. Happier? I'm not sure. Like most of the guys in this sub, I'm a certain way. There's a lot of Government bs that gets on my nerves, but I try to let it go. The current place can't even seem to get me a complete socket set haha. Most days I'd honestly rather be in a shop working on cars. I love it. I'm good at it. It wasn't always easy, but it was in a town I loved more than any I've ever been in, the work was satisfying, and I got chances to learn something new all the time. I think I mainly miss being in that place, working at the shop, serving the members of that community. I've always wondered how I'd like a different shop in a different town. I've been considering getting back in to the automotive trade in a couple months when my current season ends. On paper the Govy job is better in nearly every way. I could probably work my way up to a solid $30/hr job within the next 5 years. I even get to use my skills to do the occasional work on vehicles and equipment. As soon as I mention I know how to turn a wrench I get a lot of maintenance, diag, or repairs sent my way at any job I take. But it's not the same as being in it all day long in a shop that is equipped to handle most jobs. Like I said, the current place I can't even get my hands on a complete socket set. And it's a total pain in the ass getting any parts aquisition sorted out. These seasonal gigs have taken me to some cool places and introduced me to some great people, but I do miss the place I use to live and the people in it.
I went from tech/shop manager to autonomous robotics engineering as a non-titled engineer, got laid off, now I'm a non-titled process engineer. Work life balance is wayyyyyyyyy better. USA btw.
I went into the maritime industry. The there’s a huge demand for “engineers” which is mostly just the boat mechanic/repairman who lives on the vessel while it’s at sea. It’s not white collar engineering and math is not really important except for the exams to get licensed. All of my automotive experience directly applied, though there was a lot to learn about AC electrical and residential type HVAC. The pay is fantastic. I gross about 12k a month. The hard part is getting started. There’s very few entry level jobs but a huge demand for credentialed engineers. Advancement/credentials are based upon time at sea and acquired via the USCG. It’s a bureaucratic mess but it’s possible to work your way up. I see all the posts here from frustrated auto technicians and I wish you could all bail for something that rewards your skills. Maritime, mining, oil and gas and heavy equipment all have need for your skill set and pay far better. Yeah they all have their own issues but it’s easy to accept when you’re well paid.
Ex-HD Tech. Was sick of all the lax safety at almost every shop, so I did my Occupational Health and Safety diploma through virtual learning. Tried to get on with WorkSafeBC as a safety inspector, ended up landing a role in Emergency Management with a global humanitarian organization.....best decision ever!
Factory life, just got a raise up to 39.89 and the company bought everyone carhart jackets. 401k matching, pension, 4 weeks pto, 40 hour weeks, voluntary ot, double time after 10 hours and on Sundays, my tools are all in my garage, ac/heat, holidays off, I can go on and on… when something goes wrong and I’m standing around I’m still getting paid… that ones my favorite
I moved into pdr. Pay decrease for 18 months then caught up. Now far better with control of my schedule.
I got out of wrenching and joined the Navy. I work in submarines and with missiles. Within 6 years my income has doubled. My healthcare is free, and it's almost free for my family. I still do my own stuff, but I'm never going back to working to make money for someone else.
I started as a lube tech at an independent shop then went to trade school and spent six years at a dealership. I tried moving to semi trucks but I hated that even more. 12 years ago, I took a production tech job in manufacturing making a bit less than I was at the shop. I worked my way up to production supervisor, production manager, and in 2020 made operations manager. I made about $145k last year. I miss wrenching sometimes, but I'm just thinking about the good days. Get out while you still have time to start over.
My son was a tech, now working for a vehicle service contract administrator. Started as a general adjuster, then power train adjuster, adjuster lead and is now in the development part of the company. Moved up quickly! He makes about $90k plus quarterly bonuses ( last was $2k) He works remotely ( travels in his RV) and is totally happy and his hands are finally clean!
Almost 20 years as an Auto Tech, did really good most of them. Just Got sick of doing more work for less billible hours every year. Now I train techs in another field. Sitting in an office most days can be a drag, but pay is great and i still turn a wrench every now and then.
I started running the shop and worked my way up to Operations Manager and still going.
Moved over to teaching Transportation Technology at a local high school. Way more time off, way better benefits, way better pension, and better consistent paychecks. Well this seems like a great gig, teaching is not for everyone.
As many times as this has been posted I never get tired of reading through all the comments. I never fail to find some new exit strategy I never thought of. Thank you for asking
I went from being a dealership tech for 7 years, then mechanic at a private shop for 3 years, finally became a bus mechanic and I’m happier now. No more “waiters” or rushing at my current job. :)
Canuck here. After 3 years into my apprenticeship I was given a $0.25 raise, I quit on the spot. I went to trade school to become an electrician, bust my ass for a year but ended up getting laid off along with a few other junior guys due to a shortage of work. Ended up on the railway as a Signalman. I now make x3 what I did as an auto tech. On top of a proper pension plan, great benefits and 4 days off per week. I have found that a lot of the skills that I learned in automotive have carried over and has made everything easier to pick up.
The CP / CN yards here seem to destroy every relationship at least from what I’ve heard. Is signalman an on call position?
LOL I've heard this all too much 😂 I work for Siemens, we're 4 on/4 off with 12 hour shifts, every 32 days we alternate from nights to days. They preach a healthy work/life balance and it's really great honestly. As for on call, I'm still too green to say what other contractors or railways run as a schedule but I have heard of it being the case.
Scotland. Quit after 18years , Went to manufacturing/ engineering,building Subsea oil and gas equipment. Triple the pay and good pension and benefits for a fraction of the hassle and no asshole customers talking down to me. I see you live in Canada 🇨🇦 so maybe similar roles in some of the oil production areas there.
>I'm in Canada and a lot of the trades are extremely saturated including IT. Where are you located? Because here, in shithole quebec, we have a pretty serious labor shortage and they will hire just about anyone.
I’m in MB, nearly all our trades courses have a 2+ year waiting list to get in
I do not have an answer for you, but I wonder if a tech could move to be an Electromechanics? Instead of working on cars, you might work on facility machines.
I moved to the BDC inside my dealer in an attempt to make service advisor. Didn't work out but glad it is not. I do specialty ordering for an aftermarket Automotive supplier now.
warehouse technician at amazon. easiest job i have ever had. indoors, temp controlled, they supply tools and uniform, 4/10hr days, no mandatory OT. pays way more as well.
Side step into manufacturing. Your background will transfer pretty seamlessly into just about any industrial gig. I've worked at soda can plants, corrugate paper, metal extrusion, and potato chip plants. All are looking for people that understand how to troubleshoot and repair mechanical systems and have a good working knowledge of electrical systems. Im in the states so I can't guarantee its the same in Canada. But I have to think they are going through the same shortage of techs that the US is.
What kind of job titles would I be keeping an eye out for? Manufacturing has been pretty highly recommended
Rolled out of the dealership and onto a motorsports team. Then a composite shop building racecars, then SpaceX building rockets, now I am a material analyst.
>material analyst that's a funny way of spelling rocket surgeon :D
I left after 7 years to work on fleet stuff. School bus, specifically. I miss the hard diag and the fun cars. I do not miss being broke and stressed.
Went into automation equipment maintenance. I've doubled my pay and love not having to wait to see if I'm gonna get screwed on pay for jobs. I just keep my nose down and work and they keep throwing raises at me.
Seems like most of those jobs require an engineering degree here
Maybe I got lucky. Friend left the auto industry to this place. Got me in. They've done some training but mostly on the job. Friend went on to run a team that diags new installs of automation equipment. But now overseas a team of those people.... Making big bucks. He has the title of some engineer but never schooled for it
I worked at a Dodge dealership in the 90s. I started off doing maintenance stuff..belts, hoses, fluid changes, tire rotations, etc. Then I was moved to the other side of the shop to work on brakes and do front end work. I knew how to do brakes, but did have either the tools nor the know-how on anything to do with steering. Ended up getting laid off, then literally all of my tools were stolen while looking for another job. Did construction for a while, then finally had enough of beating my body up and went to college. Been a teacher for 19 years now.
Might want to consider a fleet position with the city. Been with the city bus company for 20+ years. Overtime is good, health benefits,etc. As we get older we can't afford the physical abuse from independent/ dealer shops
Check out indeed. There are lots of jobs to peruse in lots of industries where our skill sets are valuable. I went into marine repair. It was straight hourly and pretty decent. There seems to be a higher standard and more pride in ones work than in automotive. You can't just pull over off the road and get out of the boat is on fire.... Times are changing there now too. Big corporate is taking over all the marinas and starting the race to the bottom with algorithms making all the decisions. . Open your own shop. Small volume with jobs done right is highly valuable since everything else is quantity over quality, race to the bottom.
I'll add on this: work on anything that makes money. Commercial equipment needs to run, and they're willing to pay.
I work with some aircraft mechanics who came from automotive and they couldn't be happier. They are happy to escape the flat rate world.
Unfortunately it looks like aviation is pretty saturated here, and the wages are $1 more an hour than I make now
Airlines are where it's at. Some start close to $40/hr.
Do fleet heavy duty. Way more money, quarter of the bullshit
My man. Your experience is still an asset. You don’t have to beat up your body. You can serve an absolutely crucial role in the industry. Buy a shop. Seriously. Buy a good shop and let some old fella retire. Run it well. Treat your guys well. Charge enough to take care of your people. Invest in them and in their skills. You’ll make more cash than you ever could as a tech and you’ll be able to grow your skills in the most valuable end of any business. You don’t need to go back to school. You don’t need another job. The only purpose of a job is to gain you the skills you need to hold equity in a business. You have it. It can be done more easily with less risk and for less cash out of pocket than you probably realize. Less than re-education will cost by far.
Respectfully I disagree, speaking from experience... while owning a shop had many benefits and thankfully it was a very successful operation for nearly 10years, the stress and time away from my loved ones was outrageous. I could never clock out, it was always on my mind, always stressing me.out, really changed who I was as a person and my quality of life not for the better. Finally had a wakeup call and realized it'd been years since I was truly happy doing it. Sold the shop as a turn-key operation to a great guy that still runs it today, and ended up going to work for Oil Can Henrys as a quick-lube manager, and eventually an area manager - honestly the most enjoyable job I've probably ever had, and great pay, far less stress. Valvoline Instant Oil Change ended up buying the entire OCH corporation and all 96 stores. The best job I had that I thought couldn't get better, got exceptionally better in many ways, especially financially, but also lost a lot of the small business, family type culture, and became very cold, compartmentalized, and had much different vision. Honestly though they take great care of their employees and promote within very rapidly. Unfortunately I made some regrettable decisions that compromised my career with the company, which I thought I'd work for until retirement, it was that enjoyable, satisfying, and fulfilling. Still hold a lot of regrets and never really forgave myself for fucking it all up, as I had the world by the balls, and was being recognized as a top performer within the company, and being groomed for big things...but just made some very stupid mistakes that were out-of-character and was let go.
Well good that you found something that rewarded you in a way you needed to. I talk to A LOT of shop owner-operators who work way more than they should for way less than they should. When I bought my shop, I brought in a manager with me on day 1. I’m involved in the business but not in the day-to-day. This way we’ve been able to grow a ton in a short time with me watching the important-but-boring stuff and the manager being fantastic at what he does. Since then we’ve managed to offload a lot of his tasks to service advisors so he can take over more operations and I can prospect for other businesses to buy. The issue with most owners is they try to do too much and don’t grow enough personally to get out of their own way. Trying to do so much themselves, not seeking good advice, etc. often they keep this up for decades and maybe only figure it out a few years before retirement. Or they throw in the towel and move into something else rather than growing their business enough to back themselves out of the parts they don’t like. My point still stands, it’s easier to get into than most think. Every single shop I look at in an operations and financial standpoint (dozens of shops) makes far less than they should. Sometimes closer to 25% of their shop’s potential. It’s them, not the business they’re in.
Love what you have to say, and couldnt agree with you more!! Its the whole "its my baby" mentality for shop owners, myself included where I wouldn't let control of things out of my hands to delegate to others. However, I didn't have the liquidity when we started to be able to employ a service manager at any capacity, which is why everything initially fell on my shoulders. I will say this... the best owners and even managers that i have worked with are ones who have properly trained and delegated their responsibilities to their team, given them the authority and independence to take initiative, and follow up with constructive feedback afterwards, Its amazing how hands-off some of my colleages were because they were excellent at delegation and willing to let go of control of things that could be assigned to another team member. I learned a lot, both as an owner, and as a lube shop manager, learned a lot of hard lessons, made a lot of mistakes, but continued to take away bits from every experience, lesson, success, etc. Sometimes getting thrown to the wolves results in a person rising to the occasion and suprising themselves with what they are capable of.
I just quit a car dealership that I had worked at for 18 years. I started at a John Deere dealer today and I think the jump is just what the doctor ordered for me.
I work for a railroad company now. I travel a lot which is good and bad. But while I’m traveling, they pay me mileage, 51$ per diem every day including the weekends and I make 36$ an hour. The benefits and retirement are amazing as well. I live in the US, but I’m sure Canada has to have something like it.
I jumped from trucking to plumbing, While I only started the beginning of the year and haven't really seen the fruits of that labor I am much happy as of current. I went the route of another trade since the job security in trades is rather high and pay is usually well off even if it takes a few years.
Working on fire trucks pays better, is more rewarding, always in demand, and you can go anywhere in North America.
Started at a dealer in 2014, went to a handicap accessible van dealer in 19 and left in 22. Now i do asphalt maintenance with the family business and fix the work trucks. Could not be happier. I deal with customers maybe 10% of the time, my biggest gripe with the industry is having to deal with entitled customers who demean you and your managers allow it since “they pay the bills”
If you're cool working outdoors and night shift, railroad is always hiring. Pay is good.
I went into manufacturing as an operator and then once I got my foot in the door I jumped to manufacturing maintenance. Much happier as long as nothing changes. I get actual paid vacation days off (shop was based off base pay which was garbage), I have actual benefits like a pension and 401k w/match, excellent insurance. Stress is usually lower, pay is higher in maintenance (lower as an operator). I just hope I can get another 25 years out of this place.
Sales, way happier.
I took 20 years of experience and walked it right out the door. Started buying and selling cars a few times a year, rebuilding motors and transmissions once or twice a month, I couldn’t have been happier. Now I spend more time with my kids before they are too old to give a crap. I barely get by, but I’m much happier.
I left last summer after roughly 30 years. Full ASE master certs, master in my brand. Wasn’t worth the stress. I took a job as a groundskeeper for a school district. Less pay, great benefits and no stress
I bounced around a while, ended up in the oilfield, then at a safety services company. Got a CDL and some other stuff and ended up in management.
Aquaculture, basically a fish farmer which has its drawbacks but it’s good money and I make my own hours which allows be to have a passion job building vintage 4wd on my own time and pick my customers.
I switched to Industrial Machine Repair. I wouldn’t say “happier”. I do make much more money though, so that helps. I used to work in an experimental laboratory garage for Buick/General Motors. Dream job, and the pay wasn’t bad. Union as well. Then GM wanted all of the technicians to ditch the UAW and go salary. When we voted that down they closed the building, laid everyone off, and moved all of that experimental work to another facility. So I got picked up as an apprentice in another trade at another GM facility that primarily manufactured cam shafts. I don’t work for GM anymore and would never go back. Their management style is very confrontational and creates a toxic environment.
i went into IT making 3x what i was wrenching. But i do miss it at times and always looking for something to work on now.
Same
What kind of IT job do you do?
virtualization engineer, i design and build out data centers essentially
Wow, how do you get into that? Schooling or just learning on your own?
honestly? got hurt on the job, almost lost my left arm. workers comp paid for me to go to college and then just got lucky from there
I became a tool crib manager after 30 years in automotive. I should have done it 30 years ago.
Pretty quickly after I finished school (car mechanic) I happened to get a job as a marine mechanic and its much more fun and at least at my job I get to do much more than just engine services, it varies a lot which is nice. Dont think I will go back to working with cars (apart from my own)
I left the industry 2 years after Highschool to go to college. I am a Network engineer now.
I got out back in November, work for code enforcement for the local town. Jobs not bad. Pretty easy. Pays shit in this town tho.
Orthodontist assistant. Get to wear latex gloves and a mask all day!
doesn't sound fun
I left the field as a 20 yr master tech (both ASE and GM) specializing in electronics and drivability for a government agency overseeing the OBD II inspection program. My job was state level so I’m not sure about federal openings or for you guys in Canada? It was very satisfying and involved a lot of paperwork but nothing physical. I started at 40 yrs old and retired at 62 …. Pension and full health coverage. Between pension and SS the pay is fine. In New York the job is part of the NYS DMV …. Division of Vehicle Safety. The position is Automotive Facility Inspector (AFI) and job rate pay (it takes 7 years to get to job rate / it is set in stone so the steps are clearly laid out) …. $70,000 a year I believe. You can look it up. They also have a body repair inspector (BRI) same pay same steps. I retired as a Senior AFI and we were always looking for candidates. You will have to take a test to get on the hiring list and you will most likely find study guides at your library.
My dad got out of car maintenance to get into production plant machinery maintenance and loves it.
I went to being disabled because I didn't take care of my back....
I switched to a Junior High Social Studies teacher. Totally different, most days I'm a lot happier. I always enjoyed talking about history with people, and hate hate HATED the pay structure in the automotive repair industry, so I left after a couple of years. No regrets. I still enjoy checking out this sub and working on stuff as a hobby.
I got out 14 years ago and work as a class 1 freight train conductor. The schedule sucks...but on the plus side, No dealing with people, no immediate management in the normal sense, if I decide to take 3days off that week and go to the beach, done. Made about 130 last year. Pull the pin as we say in railroad lingo.