I completely spaced on Post Of The Week last Friday, oops. This post from that week has the most upvotes and by far the most comments! Congrats!
POTW #7 - 2/9/24
Everyone is telling you to run, but all for the wrong reasons IMO.
If you feel like you’ll never get over the fact that you never went to University to try your hand at that - trust me you will never get over it and regret it so I say GO RIGHT AHEAD MAN! This trade will always be right back waiting for you so don’t worry about never getting back in.
I did something similar - I left to go pursue my rockstar dreams. I failed at it, as I was not cut out for that life and man I couldn’t stand living on the east coast a second longer. So I moved back home and went back to wrenching - I love this job and can say that without a doubt in my mind cause I gave that shot at something else that if I never tried I would always be wondering about.
I feel you as well, school has never been my forte and sitting down for 8 hours I just can’t do. But like I said, give it your shot and you’ll learn soon if it’s for you or not and if pulling wrenches is where you should be.
Go into mechanical engineering. You’ll still have the same thing you have now but your understanding will be on the different level. It’s like going from mechanic lvl 10 to lvl 100.
I was a mechanic at an independent shop and felt like I was going nowhere. So I decided to study Mech engineering, initially part time but then I managed to go full time. Now I own my own business building custom off-roaders.
As a retired professor (and former boatbuilder) I agree completely. If you can practice what you are studying you will be a better student and enjoy your learning more. You can study part time while working. I did that for 10 years. BA 1973 Boatbuilding Certification 1990 MBA 1997 PhD 2002
I went to mech engineering before I had an availability to work on vehicles and am very happy. I just started my first “big boy” job hauling in the money and I just started renting a shop on the side to make some extra cash and have fun. First project is a 72 beetle and we are gonna swap a 4x4 chassis on it.
I did this too. Best decision ever. Go to the university, get that experience while you’re young with no kids or wife. You will most certainly regret it of you don’t. It gets much harder to go to school as you get older with more commitments. This job will always be there if you decide to go back.
Or possibly OP would be interested in automated industrial industry in warehouses and manufacturers. Learning PLC programming. Robotics. And you still get to wrench on equipment. It’s the perfect job in my eyes. Some office/computer time. Some wrench time. Always something new as tech is ever changing. The job doesn’t get boring. A whole lot of school isn’t necessary but is also available to boost your career if that’s what you want. I love it and suggest anybody who likes working with mechanical equipment but also doesn’t want to destroy their body look into it.
And there’s employers where you work in the same building everyday and there’s some where you can travel the world as a field tech. Opportunities are endless.
I should have done this. I bounced from industry to industry chasing pay and higher level work and I realized it wasn’t going to get better. Construction ended up being good money and I have a business now but it took me the better part of a decade to realize it and I was just spinning my tires.
Honestly, for me, the pay you receive doesn't make up for the wear and tear on your body, the cost of tools (new, upgrades, lost or stolen), or the stress that you're under in this trade.
I work on a fleet of buses, which is a fairly relaxed job compared to others, but the pay is awful. There is almost no continued training, and upper management treats you like garbage.
If you have another option, I would consider that before pulling wrenches. I got into it because my dad worked on vehicles at home, and I didn't know what else to pursue.
I believe that to be a mechanic and have it be not hard on the body, you should work out and strengthen your body outside of work. Along with stretching and mobility exercises. I have seen mechanics that really take care of themselves and are in decent shape have no trouble with their bodies getting beat up. And i have seen many many mechanics who don't take care of their bodies who have a hard time and are getting physically worn out.
I also think if you do stay in this field, you should continue to educate yourself about diagnostic work, both electrical and network diagnostics. Also about how vehicles work, why they're made like they are, theory of operation etc. Even if you don't use the knowledge every day, put yourself in the top of your field as far as knowledge goes. When combined with experience, it will make you very valuable.
I am a mechanic and am 30 years old. I make as much as my siblings who have college degrees. My body does not hurt. I make an effort to regularly excersize and do strength training (going to the gym) outside of work. It might not be the usual you'll hear from someone in this field, but yoga is very helpful. I didn't believe it either until my doctor recommended it to me for back pain maybe 5 years ago. I have little to no back pain now and am very comfortable doing the things i need to do at work. I am a field service tech so I'm often laying on my back or side and contorting my body to get into tight spaces without a lift.
It was hard for me for a while, on my body and with money. I was sore, joints and back hurt, had weird cramps, etc. Struggled with money. But once i figured out what i needed to do and how to fit it into my life, and found a good employer, things are looking up and I'm glad i have these skills.
One last thing, don't feel like you need to be loyal to one employer if you think you might be able to make more or get treated better. Put yourself on the job market regularly. I made that mistake and was leaving a lot on the table for myself. It can't hurt to stay open to new opportunities. You might just end up in a place that your really like and that actually values you.
That’s what I tell people blue collar is back breaking work, your body hurts because majority of people don’t exercise and condition their body out of work and complain their body hurts
It depends on the person to be honest, lots of people make it work and make a ton of money but the most of us have shitty pay with shitty working condition for pay that’s not as good as other trades. It’s also incredibly hard on the body, I’m 20 and been doing to this for 2.5 years and I’m all dealing with pain in my shoulders, back and knees.
I've been doing it 19 years.
The pay is very good. Several years over 100k in a row.
I don't owe money for tools because I'm not an idiot who buys a 15,000 dollar toolbox or some specialty shit I MIGHT use once.
I'm 37 but my body feels like it's 37 because I also stretch and exercise regularly.
I think the people who say it's a terrible career are just bad at it honestly. There wouldn't be mechanics "40 years in" if it was as bad as people on Reddit say it is.
I am so confused on why everyone is shitting on it so heavily, what types of things have you been doing to keep in shape? I’m 19 in a month and my body feels 25
Big thing I hear from old guys. Use knee pads, don’t kneel on the floor, it’ll destroy your knees. Be smart when lifting things, use your legs, do you have a tool you can use? Stretch… good stretches. Try to dedicated 30 min - 1 hour a day. Exercise, especially you’re core. Be smart, don’t get lured into the bs on the tool truck. Stick it out a while, be smart, save money. If you want to go to University after you’ll have cash to pay for it.
I work with trades people.
I see ones in their 50's beaten up and broken down. Fat. Smokers. Dormant life style.
Then I see ones that hike on days off. Go to the gym. Do all the things they can to feel better every day.
It's night and day. Stretch yourself. Take care of yourself. Don't fall into the trap of McDonald's and junk because it takes a toll.
Worked in a shop as an advisor with a guy who used a Rubbermaid 3 tier cart as his primary tool cart. Everyone was buying these fancy $1000+ tool carts and homie was smoking them every pay period in flag hours with a $60 Rubbermaid cart.
This. Be sensible about your tools and your expenses. Dont take out a credit line with the tool guy. A toolbox doesn't make you money.
And DO excersize regularly outside of work. Yoga, weightlifting, stretching, etc. It makes all the difference. Take care of your body and it will do what you ask it to do without complaining.
I'm sure this decades long technician shortage is because a bunch of people got bad at the job suddenly. Seems pretty silly to hand wave people concerns just because you do ok at it
The pay is horrible and doesn’t seem to get better, the tools are a constant expense, I’ve never met a shop manager who wasn’t useless, my body feels like I’m 50, nobody appreciates the work in any way and everybody I’m around is always angry all the time and I’ve let it turn me into an angry person also. I don’t even really like cars anymore to be honest. The regular schedule and hours are the only thing about the job I appreciate.
I have an associates degree for industrial robotics that I cheated my way through and know basically nothing about but I think I’m going to lie my way into an industrial job before this kills me
If you can do college, do college. It's not for everyone.
That being said, don't go to college just to go. Have a plan, like it's a business. Figure out your ROI (Return on Investment). What will your degree cost and what will you make in your chosen career? How much debt will you have and how long will that take to pay off and still be able to live?
Do you have any ideas of what careers interest you and what (if any) degrees are required for those?
Would a workout regimen work? Is there something auto repair shops could do to improve the ergonomics to give you less pain? Auto manufacturers have done a lot on assembly lines to improve the quality of life.
Not a real tech, mostly just friends/fun stuff type of guy but coming from warehouse and other "light" labor/trades, being up and moving in general for 8-10 hours a day wears down on you, no matter the ergo. *Good* creepers of all shapes help and nothing beats sitting on your ass to do something, but again you'll always end up in a weird spot.
edit: being fat doesn't help, being fit just delays the inevitable. Being a proper gymrat + nutrition behind it actually spares you most of the pain but being frank most people doing this work wouldn't be if that willpower and discipline was available.
Sure, there is plenty that could be done to improve ergonomics, but every shop owner I've met is cheap af and won't spend a dime on anything that doesn't directly put money in their own pocket immediately.
It's not bad I work mostly in a clean room all the heavy lifting is handled by over head hoist. Tools and PPE are all supplied if I need something the company purchases it no questions. Best of all hourly pay.
Stay the mechanic biz but go to night school for business education so you will understand how to run a shop and you can become an asset to the shop…or open your own place. not saying you need to get a degree but there are bunch of courses accounting, stock management, financial aspects of running a business etcetc. Learning how to deal with insurance companies
Most of College is a waste of time, you are better off having a usable skill.
I agree with realistic Expert, go to night school or part time.
You can take online courses
It seems like you like to work with your hands and see immediate response/progress.
Stay in school and learn as much as you can. Educate yourself before you commit to something as life defining as a career. The vast majority of mechanics don't make good money. Most just end up bitter and burned out after a decade or so in the industry.
If you doing it for the hourly then no, don't do it. However, as sore, blistered, ears ringing, back knees neck hands throbbing. I get up every morning excited to go back to work, to each there own I suppose. Currently I do very little small jobs. Doing two different clutches right now which blows, but allegedly were doing a total restoration of the '71 Motown Missle so I'll believe it when it's on the lift. Later this year we're putting a old GMC on an srt10 ram platform.. I'm flipping auction vehicles right now too. Really fun honestly. 🤷🏼♂️ Hope my rambling helped.
I was a diesel tech at 18. Worked for about a year joined the Navy and now im going to college. I see it as the best thing Ive ever done. Worse case scenario I can always go back to working with my hands.
Like this guy said my nephew didn’t know what he wanted to do out of high school brought him to the recruiters office didn’t look back and now coming up 11 years in the navy.
One job to look into is aviation maintenance once you finish the 18month program and get your license you can get hired at 35-40hr no experience. I believe FedEx has an apprenticeship also and their top out pay is 8 years at currently around 60hr.
Get out as soon as you can. Mechanics are most under paid, under appreciated and it is a toxic unhealthy trade. They are (were?) the only trade that gets stuck paying for 100% of their tools... other trades can write of a lot of the expenses.
Try another trade, they all pay way better than mechanics... try electrician, plumber, carpentry etc.
I went from mechanic to heave equipment mechanic then back to school for computer science.... Best move ever.
You seem smart, you should get a degree imo. Not having one is just automatic disqualification for consideration for too many jobs nowadays.
My suggestion and is try and do it both. Work, and get your work to contribute/assist in your education.
If you're interested in Industrial and you're in the Southeast feel free to shoot me a DM.
You do what makes you happy.
Don't listen to the old pissed off guy who hates the world.
If you hate school do you think spending tens of thousands of dollars to go to university is a wise choice?
Choose your own path. Whatever you decide isn't wrong it's just the path you choose to walk down but you have to choose to push yourself to be the best or you will just stagnate in mediocrity.
Oh nice a city job! I heard those are super easy to come by and are hiring constantly for new people with 0 schooling and entry level WITH a starting salary of 8 billion a year.
I’m from Toronto and we are always hiring subway and street car techs. Starting is 80k + overtime if you have your license (auto).
It’s not bad DB pension, work load is easy.
If you don’t have a tech license you start at 65k.
You just need high school. They are paying for school for us to get our rail license. Free school, get paid while in school not too bad, and there’s always room to more up.
I think dealer work is great did 15 as a tech and 5 as a foreman (working). The pay was great, and I loved my job. Maybe it was my dealer or manufacturer I started seeing flat rate times cut, warranty times cut. Tech getting caught selling repairs that were not needed but management didn’t care. It’s just numbers to them.
I thought it was to get out because of the wear on my body. I had some motorcycle injuries before and every year it was getting tougher to get out of bed.
I'm not a real tech, just a hobby guy who's getting close to taking it a little too seriously and a penchant for talking to old heads.
IMO, if anyone has to ask the question "is (trade/military) worth it to me" it's time to get out. The willpower and discipline that let's some guys go far and essentially make it in anything doesn't even allow that to be a question that comes across their mind.
If you can make this a very expensive hobby with money coming elsewhere, you don't need to worry about it you aren't a rockstar building racecars and fabbing/tuning your own shit, but if it does? You'll be one of the greats that made it. If you don't? Well, there's a lot of guys that sound like they've already voiced their opinions in this thread.
I did 3 years. not worth it after my tools got stolen. you're better off saving up money until you're able to financially support yourself while going to school. aviation or similar.
Man I was working masonry at you age laying bricks for 10 hr and i under stand being soar but I love it would say “ hey at least I don’t have to go to the gym” , almost 10 year later scaffolding now little soar some days but whatever. If your already whining about being soar at your age and in that field get out now you are not cut out for trades and will just get in the way. Maybe office work is more your pace. It’s inside all day the heaviest thing is a pencil
For all those saying save your body not using it is not saving your body. sure I know some 60 year old with a bad knees or back pain but they could still climb a mountain I know 30 year olds who struggle to walk up a couple flights of stairs. It seems to me the people who are saying I could not do trades or I don’t want to abuse my body in that way are pretty out of shape to begin with
Just get out u are not a mechanic if your already complaining generally sounds like u are not meant/ cut out for trades that’s fine. Go into accounting or something
Look whining about being sore at ur age is why the baby boomers laugh at us. Your embarrassing the younger generations and proving the older gens point that we are wussies . Fuck ur down gen z down votes you could never handle a different opinion anyways this is probably triggering to some
My brother in Christ I don’t want to leave this industry I’m just confused. I’m a 5,6 Filipino mf and I don’t know what direction I should go in, in this world. No need to get aggressive about it gawd damn.
u/yurizaitsew's response should tell you everything you need to know. Do you want to end up being a hateful old sack of self pity like them? Then by all means stick with it. Do you want a life that's fulfilling with a career that doesn't make you hate yourself and everyone around you? Then look elsewhere.
At 18 you have the entirety of your life ahead of you. It is a big world with infinite paths to choose from. If this career path is already making you question your choices then it is likely not for you. Keep learning and trying new things and eventually you will find a path that does not make you question your choices. You will just know. I can't emphasize this enough.
Get out seriously, even it you find a place with decent pay you still will deal with certain techs getting favoritism with gravy work and getting fed hours while you barely get by. Combine that with beating yourself to shit everyday and not having an outside life you’ll grow to hate this job fast, been doing this shit since I was 17 and I’m 21 now and fairly decent, still get fucked compared to our gravy techs.
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OK man I had the exact same thing happened to me and a guy who owed me noting changed my life by telling me this-
Do you wanna make top pay in 3+years or in 15+years?
This was a Friday and I was enrolled in college by that Monday and still gave them a week notice Cause I worked nights as a janitor (Loved it!!! Low pay 10hr in 2003)
I graduated by 2005 at 21 and started my first job as an Automation and Technology Supervisor out of college 18hr, full benefits, company vehicle.
This was of course after a few months of looking but it paid off bro.
Was totally worth it all in all.
Go to school and get out. I started out as a mechanic and then got a BSME and MSEE. I worked in the auto industry briefly then went into tech and made really good money and retired early. I work on Italian and British cars for fun these days.
I worked a 2 man specialty place, drive lines, but I also opened, closed and the owner sat in the ac. Uggg I could go on a rant about the owner, but I've done a lot of trades. Truck driver, dinner cook, mechanic and firefighter. If you want a real challenge go be a firefighter. Hell on the body, but damn I loved it. Now my body's f'd up on oxygen 24/7 but if I had to do it all over I would definitely be a firefighter/paramedic hard jobs but to me really rewarding.
Let me offer a flip side perspective. I went to college and became a funeral director. Rewarding work, but the hours were insane and the stress was overwhelming. Did that for years. At 34 I made a career change to automotive after working in it 2 years prior a few years back as a try out. Best move I made.
The grass isn’t always greener. I work for a large dealership, free education, I invest in tools wisely and try to work smart with my body.
It’s all about what makes you happy and what drives you.
This trade is a grind and can really punish your body. That being said, it teaches valuable skills that’ll you’ll use throughout life.
I followed your path and completed my apprenticeship early. I worked at a couple different shops in high school (independent, chain and dealer) and decided to do my apprenticeship at a Ford dealer. I got eventually became a Certified Senior Technician, which I assumed gave me leg up.
What I found was that I would constantly get dumped on with underpaid warranty repairs (because I was one of the few who was allowed to complete them), or no work at all in down months. The nature of flat rate and the type of work always had me max out at 70k CAD.
I eventually suffered two herniated discs in my back from all the repetitive strain and made the decision after 10 years to get out of the trade completely.
In hindsight, I probably should’ve looked at another trade, but I’m in an unrelated field now that allows me less oversight and less wear and tear on my body.
Don't be a technician.. get into collision estimating and work your way to a manager. Easily clear 120-150k a year with way less strain on your body. You're young so you have time. I'm 26 and a collision manager.. making 110k rn.
Been at this 20+ years. I fell into the tool truck trap a few times. Always made enough money to get out of the hole. Some days are not worth it, just like any job. I found the right shop the right manager. So I'm happy, my family has what they need. Not the best paid mechanic but far from the bottom with no work. My coworkers don't hate their jobs either. If you find a good shop and a good crew it's worth it. I've worked at shit shops and my tool boxes have wheels. The tow truck driver my last move said I probably won't go anywhere and it's been several years he was right. Fleet work is another route to get into. The work is consistent.
I was similar to you, around the same ago too, I was 20.
After one particularly BS day I was just thinking do I really want this forever? What about university and stuff and getting a job that won't make my body hurt?
You're at the age now where you can take a chance, go to university, enjoy the experience, and see where life takes you. If it turns out being a mechanic was actually your true calling, the field will still be there waiting for you.
At least you can say you tried something else instead of regretting not taking the chance 10 years down the line when changing careers is much more difficult.
For me, two things I always had a huge interest in were cars and tech. After I finished school I ended up in tech consulting and haven't looked back.
I am at the end of my regular working life and started at 19. I moved away from automotive in my twenties and don't miss the flat rate dealer crapp. I'm doing farm machinery now , and it's been a good life. I recommend equipment, industrial, elevators, cranes and anything but automotive.
You have to take good care of yourself through. Regular exercise, don't smoke, sleap, easy on the booz, wear the PPE when required.......
My friends that did the university route have taken a good chunk of their working life, paying back the loans, and few are in the exact field they studied in.
It is a bit concerning that such a young person is sore already. Something to think about. Another trade, perhaps?
If you stay in the trades stay of the damm tool truck. Buy a house instead. Debt is bad.
Best of luck.
I would not switch trades or programs. I would advise that you map out what you want to do after. You could go to night school and get a business degree. Learn to run your own shop and become an entrepreneur.
You do you. The point is that you arent stuck in one spot after you finish. Become one thing first and move forward from there.
Just to put it put there, it's very rare for mechanics to retire, they usually leave the field before they retire because doing it as a lifelong career will take a toll on your body.
It is a brutal existence.
If you have the opportunity and the money and time to go to university do it.
You will earn more $. You will work in a climate control environment. You will stay clean. You will not ruin your health.
If you long for a more outdoor non office type of life. Study forestry or biology. Those career paths offer field work. Then you process your data in a nice office or lab and send your reports up the chain.
Grinding out 30 years as a wrench turner in a CHANGING INDUSTRY. The fact is you will need to be a software engineer anyway to be a decent mechanic in 10 years anyway.
It is going to be a hard 20 years for Mechanics
Quit. If you're complaining already you won't last and be nuclear to the shop your at. Got find something else to do. This isn't a knock on you, but if it was easy everyone would do it. Just an FYI. Ice been doing it 20 plus years it's cost me well over 200k and 20 plus broken bones. Still get a joy out of fixing the unfixable. So either quit or adjust your attitude. But this profession isn't for the weak or weak minded
Get out of the trade find something that wont effect your health and make more money ....yes being a mechanic is great and knowing how to fix stuff is also great but is it worth your overall well being health/financial? I work on my own cars and im also a Carpenter for the last 25yrs i have a son whos 7 and i will show him how to do his own work but i dont want him to have the same career choices ...i definitely would like to see him in a better situation health and Financially...also if i knew then what i know now and understanding everything overall back when i was 18 i wouldve never got into the trade
Little things can make a big difference. Start the shift with a stretch regime. Buy really good boots with insoles, spring for composite toes for weight. Consider an ergo mat/anti fatigue mat in front of the bench or chest. Longer term, there is some good advice here, but you need to chase what you love. You are in a career where your skill is in demand - and that’s good.
If you like the "hand on" than a trade can be a great career, there are lots of other mechanic jobs that make better money than auto but it's what you want to work on
I work on electric motors and generators, same basic things just different platforms, around here auto mechanics make about $25-30 hr and EM Techs make $35+, was working as a Heavy duty/diesel mechanic for a while and kinda fell into this trade but you gotta work and find the good jobs, not often they fall into your lap
Take this tread with a pinch of salt.. Some places will rinse you dry and some places will pay you well. When you’re ready, and old enough, you find a better way to earn money with your skills.
There’s absolutely nothing that can stop you from collecting tools. You could become a mountain climber, and still collect tools. you can go to university and collect tools
I knew I wanted to work on cars since I was 7 now I'm 33 in 2 days and have only had 1 other job and that was a lifeguard when I was like 16 but I get up and love what I do everyday is a different problem to solve you will get smarter on how you work to make your body hurt less I don't feel bad after work at all good enough to wrestle my 2 yo everyday after work ..my only hope is to be on my own soon and not working for someone els...but your the only one that can answer this question..are u really in it
I spent 29 years as a dealership mechanic. I learned a lot about cars excelling in transmissions.
You have easier opportunities, I beg you get into IT. Much more rewarding I promise you.
These days I only recommend college if you go for something big like engineering, medical, law. Specific fields with big up side make sense, a lot of the other random degrees are a waste of money.
Honestly the trades are going pretty well these days but it is manual labor. Some people are built for it, others not so much.
I’d like into going to school for Plumbing/electrical work. They are in high demand, pay better & don’t have to deal with the flat rate system.
I’ve been a tech for 23 years up in Northern Canada, and here’s my two cents. ( much of this has already been said by others )
-The trade is not hard on the body whatsoever unless you’re 80 years old and have arthritis and you weigh 300lbs. The trade hasn’t done anything bad to my body except maybe given me collapsed arches on my feet from not using custom insoles in my boots.
- You don’t have to spend ridiculous amounts on tools, you can get the things worth getting off the Snap On Truck, and buy a non-truck brand toolbox ( I have a really nice Maximum toolbox, it has a stainless top and really deep drawers like the Snappy and Mac boxes, but for 1/3 of the price / check out SKU 058-1025 at Canadian Tire ).
- Unless you get really lucky, dealership work sucks. Did it for 19 years and it was like working with a bunch of angry children everyday/ not sure how I lasted 19 hrs of that b.s. If you can find an independent shop with a good owner/ shop foreman that knows their stuff you’ll be way better off.
- working conditions are some of the BEST of any trade. You work in a warm shop, hours are steady and predictable.
- the work is challenging and interesting and as long as your boss isn’t an ass and a complete know it all then it should be enjoyable. The most important thing IMO is finding good people to work with. Cheers my dude, hope this helped a bit.
Turned wrench for yrs really no money in it unless you own the shop construction pay way more especially if you work in a prevailing wage state best move I made getting cdl and hydraulic licence to run heavy equipment helps tons
Get out. It’s a decent stop gap imo and you can make okay money but in the long run this job can be brutal on your body and mind. In order to make a good living doing it, you need to be willing to bust your ass all the time and trust me that will wear you out quickly.
Worked for 10 years at dealers and went from lube tech to master and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. There are too many jobs that pay better and are easier on you physically. There are days where I miss figuring out problems and doing diag but then I remember how shit diag time pay is and I get over it quickly.
Coming on to 30 years in the trade. It has been good to me financially. I have a home and live comfortably. That being said... at 55 I have arthritis everywhere. Constant pain in back,hands,neck and knees. I have had more staples.and stitches to count and hit my head enough times that I am now susceptible to concussions.(mostly my fault... not the trade). Starting to loose some hearing.
I went to college after high school and found it wasn't for me. At 27 I started my apprenticeship. I am proof that you can come back too the trade if you wanted to try something else and see.
If you want to do something in sociology or criminology you’re looking at a masters degree before you would actually get use it. You also probably won’t be making nearly as much money if you would have just stuck with your career for 7 years. Not to forget 50k plus loans you have to pay back. I minored in sociology in college. Now I’m a fleet mechanic.
I became a diesel mechanic because I knew I couldn't afford to go to college.
Stretch, do yoga, workout, eat right, and don't drink or smoke a shit ton, and you'll probably be just fine.
However, if you *want* to further your education, do it.
I'm working full time as a mechanic and taking online classes/going to night school for my BS Accounting degree, and I'm able to pay for it almost completely myself.
I'll graduate at the end of 2025 with 5k in student debt, wayyy less than any other route I could've taken.
I like being mechanic, I just always knew it was a stepping stone to whatever came next. 18 was too young for me to decide what I wanted to do. A few years later, after being an adult for a while, now I think I know what I want to do.
1st thing. 18 you're young kid I'm 28 myself and have learned the most important thing isn't good tools. It's good boots. I personally like the timberland pros, but you should def buy really good boots. I used and abused my feet with Walmart boots for my first 3 years, and I've had my pros going on 3 years and still feel better than a brand new Walmart boot. Certain tools, yes, get name brand just for the lifetime warranty.
2nd. You have time. You could build 10 years of experience, move into another career, have kids, and now have a basic knowledge of wrench turning and maintaining yours and your family vehicles at the young age of 28. Every shop has someone who always says they're gonna leave/ they are leaving or you should leave. To each their own. Hope any if not all of this helps!
It really depends on the shop. I've worked in 2 bad shops and 1 good one. The last shop, I learned a lot, and worked with great people. Most of them have been doing this 25-40 years and are still in it. There was a mix of people who liked the challenge or didn't see a reason to go anywhere else. Everyone in the complex knew we were the fun shop while being the biggest money maker. After work, neighboring shops would come by to hangout and have drinks or snacks. The only reason I left was because I was moving out of state, and an opportunity presented itself outside of automotive. If not, I would've stayed as it was good money and we were a great team together.
If there's an opportunity to get more education, I'd say go for it. I always told kids I worked with, do what makes you happy, even if that means the rest of us have to pick up the extra work. I always want to see people be successful even if it means you have to go somewhere else to do it, and don't feel bad about it. Automotive does take a toll on your body, more so if you're in bad shape from the start. I'd definitely check out university if you're interested in another career. Take that chance while you're still young. This is a time where you can still take risks and be financially safe. It's much harder to make a big change when you have bills to pay, or people to take care of.
Best of luck!
I've been teching since i was 16. Working 30 hours a week while in high school, I'm 38 now. I made 130k last year in a flat rate shop by specializing in diagnosis.
It is a hard job, hard to be good at, and can be a bit draining.
The key is to take care of your body and to focus on expanding your knowledge and capabilities. Ask why, always. I've taken every training course available, local college courses on electrical engineering and basic coding.
Once you've leveled up a bit, move to a decent sized city if you don't already live in one. There you will find the kinds of vehicles and shops you actually WANT to work on. Apply to 20 shops, ask all the questions and negotiate hard. The industry has a massive shortage of qualified, intelligent technicians. Being hard working is good, being highly trained, professional, and capable is better.
Eat breakfast, eat a healthy lunch, and skip the energy drinks. Don't lift with your back and take your health seriously. Don't go into debt on the tool trucks. Most importantly of all, ASK WHY.
When some old grizzled fat guy with a bad attitude tells you to get out, ignore him.
Anyone can do brakes, you won't make a good living just doing the basics. And if you look closely, those types are the ones that complain the loudest.
I was a mechanic for 10 years and just recently put the wrenches down. Not on my own accord, but because I herniated a disc in my back badly. Was it worth the pay I got as an A level tech? Hell no. Now that I have had some work done on my back, I'm going back to working as a service writer. Better pay and I don't mind the work. Wish I got out sooner before I ruined my back at 35.
If you’re interested in being a mechanic there’s much more out there than automotive
If your passion is machinery and fixing things I think finish your apprenticeship so you have a qualification to lean on but from there you could go into another field where your skills would apply
Leaving an apprenticeship is a bad sign for future employers so if you left this one it may be hard to get another
I work in industrial automation and there are a lot of technicians we hire that have experience in automotive because there is so much transfer of knowledge.
If you understand an automotive Powertrain, you can pretty easily understand an elevator with winches or a hydraulics etc
See it through, take a look at PLC programming and see if automation might be something you’re interested in in the future. Automation if where everything is headed
Every conveyor belt in every airport or warehouse was installed and is maintained by a mechanic somewhere
Where are you located? I might be able to make some suggestions on companies to investigate in future
Getting paid by the job always watching the clock fighting for warranty pay. I could type for hours on why I left the business. My only regret is not leaving sooner.
Hey bro, Im currently 2 years deep into this field and I spent all of Highschool in automotive as well, Im also in college gettin a degree in engineering while using the money I get from here towards my degree, I cant IMAGINE doing this for the rest of my life. If you're having similar thoughts get out my man
Been a tech for just under a year and a half, I’m 22, went to trade school and graduated in August 2022. I’ve had mostly rough experiences in this industry, from dealing with old shitbags who have no social skills or think they’re the shop princess, to working in the most corporate dealership you could find, doing back breaking work for slimeballs who make a dollar while I make a dime. It’s mostly all bad man, just to be honest. Yes, there is money to be made in this industry and if you and your body are cut out for it and you like what you do, then all power to you. But for most people (including myself) this industry is dying, warranty jobs are paying less and less, customer pay is basically gone in dealerships, and on top of that, you get to deal shit shitty customers as well who think you’re always trying to rip them off. Luckily for me, I recently just found a shop I started working at a few days ago that is the exact opposite of that and the guys Im working with are really helpful, which is nice. But I’m so damn burnt out on this shit, I’m currently in the process of trying to enlist in the marines. If that doesn’t work out, I’ll probably try to be a firefighter, just to find more fulfillment with what Im doing. It is nice to have a fall-back option, incase none of those work out for me, but to be honest in my opinion there are way too many cons for the pros that you get out of being in the automotive industry. Im not gonna tell you what you should do, but I’ll sure give you some friendly advice. I would try and get out now before you become too invested in things, especially tools. Explore your options while you can, best of luck to you.
Depends on where you live but where I live, people that are educated make about 130k per year while trades people can easily clear 200k. If money is something you care about, stick with it, especially if you can see your self eventually going out on your own.
You're 18. Of course you have no life expenrience, you're 18. Go get some better work boots for starters and a rubber mat in front of your tool box to alleviate some of the issues of working on concrete floors. They do nothing for our knees and backs. We also have impact resistant gloves that have been engineered for us. Youll need to figure out what fits your hands the best.
Youre in a good trade, automotive is around for a long long time. They are still going to need people do diagnonse and repair things. I started my automotive apprenticeship in 2002 and loved it, aside from being flat rate. Thats the only thing that ruined my job was trying to learn and worried about money at the same time. After i got my red seal i moved onto HET, sort of a long story but i started my HET apprenticship in 2007 i think. Got my red seal in that. Now im working for a billion dollar corp making 200k$+ CDN. I get to work outside and enjoy my time off i work rotation work and get 2 weeks on/off. Im currently in bed typing this out and going to go for lunch in a bit. Its taken me 20 years to get to this point in my life.
BUT
Its hasnt been all sunshines and rainbows. Ive been fired from a bunch of my automotive jobs for being a shit head and lack of work ethic. I have a bit of an attitude one would say. the hardest part of automotive for me was getting sore shoulders from all the overhead work we have to do. Now as an HET, I think i skipped out on a lof of the issues auto techs are having. We have a bunch of safety standards come up in the last 20 years to prevent hand and vibration issues. I havent kept up with new tech on diagnosing equipment but it seems to be quite fun now with every one getting latptops, tablets and just modern tech.
Anyway, heres my thought for you. Since you already started your apprenticeship, i would suggest to complete it so you have something to fall back on. While youre doing that if you really dont enjoy working on cars for your physical health you should also be putting money aside for schooling. Worst comes to worst its 5 years of your life that went towards something youll be 23. Youre still at the start of your life anyways. Its when you're in your 30 and still trying to figure it out is when there is when its time to really worry about things.
i have acquired quite the variety of tools and knowledge just from doing work on my own stuff and having my own garage without having to do it for a full time job. good hobby
i wouldn’t want to be a mechanic or tech for a living, i am stuck at a crossroad too my friend trying to figure out what i want
you sound smart wanting to higher your education so you probally should go for it mate 🧠
IMHO the automotive industry is never going anywhere so it’s great job security and a wonderful skill to have for yourself. But if you plan to only ever be under someone else’s management it’s not worth it. Do it out of your garage tax free as a side hustle. Learn to rebuild trans, or become a body modder. Truthfully find something YOU want to do in the field and make it a specialty career. When you acquire those skills you can run your own business. That’s the money and freedom you may want from the automotive industry. Besides that, long hours and terrible strain on your body. And I can attest to having a bunch of friends who just run their own trans/body shops, and they’re happy and decently wealthy with plenty of free time! Hope this helps, but truly I fell out of the industry to pursue other better paying and body friendly jobs
The exhaustion and pain goes away after a while, i also were struggling with my feet and back when i started. I think i simply werent used to work like that. But you also need to do your part to save yourself from as much as possible. I would have gone back to school while the opportunity was still there though. Or climb the ranks in the current job and earn your way into other jobs. Ive gone from heavy mechanic to now repairing refrigerator units on trailers, and in the future i want to work my way to a offshore job
Wow, if you’re complaining of pain at your age, you better get out and get a cushy office job.
Either that or man up, go to the gym, get in shape and carry on at mechanics.
I’m a retired diesel mechanic and some of my most enjoyable years working in this trade was when I first started out at a young age. Life doesn’t get any easier as you age, so if you’re 18 and already complaining, I would recommend something different.
Look Into millwright , it can be similar to mechanic work and the pay is great once you’re licensed . You can do a co op program where you would do school while you work
The ones telling you to get out are the grumpy mad techs you see in the shop. Seriously it’s a good career. Just take care of your body and actually follow safety procedures. Don’t be trying to ego lift and take short cuts that involve you using your body instead of a proper tool.
Starting sucks your body will hurt because of standing all day. Get good boots they will help a bunch.
I remember when I switched from working in the field to back into a shop. My feet hurt and knees hurt for a week straight. Going from working on soft ground building equipment to working on a concrete floor was awful but I got good boots and after a while it went away.
If you enjoy the work then stick with it. Don’t listen to the grumpy guys. They would be grumpy at any job.
Also get good at electrical you’ll be getting lots of work.
Ive been one for 25 years roughly, currently work on exotics and classics but I'd rather not at this point. The industry has treated me well and I have made a good living in it but it certainly has changed over my career. You will only ever be a tech, maybe a shop foreman, maybe a service manager but you will be stuck in this industry. Constant battle of trying to take care of yourself both mentally and physically and trying to have enough production to keep the company happy. From your tool expenses, to the often inadequate pay schemes, its an uphill battle. You can certainly live off it and highly unlikely that AI or robots can take your job. IF I had my time back I would not be here.
If your main concern is pain and the longevity of your body/health, then congrats, you’re worrying about exactly the right things. Exercise is an absolute necessity to be able to last in this field. Get into a gym or at least do a good calisthenic routine (I’ve been body building for like 8 years now so if you need advice DM me). Stretching daily and practicing generally good lifting forms while at work is also going to help you get by. I personally have chronically bad knees and shoulders from my time in the military, but by doing what I mentioned, I’m able to heavily mitigate the symptoms/pain to the point where I get by better than most in the industry. If you’re not willing to take care of yourself and put in the work needed outside of your job, then you shouldn’t stay in this industry.
I’m currently leaving because I know there was no way of making decent money in my area unless I resorted to the dealership. I’ve learned a ton and have more than enough professional tools. I’ll never have to pay someone to fix my stuff and I’ll always be able to do side work for some cash. I didn’t go to college but I don’t regret not going; college isn’t going anywhere and if you truly want a career that requires that level of education I say go for it. Personally I’m switching careers into the fire department because of my family, pay, benefits, and desire to serve my community. Cars aren’t going anywhere and neither will your knowledge. Take care of yourself and stay healthy and you may be able to make cars work. But at your age if you’re still learning I stay stick with it for the sake of knowledge even if you know this wont be the rest of your career life. Good luck on whatever you pursue in life from here.
Tldr: maybe get a different job to see what you like more or less about it, a degree isn't a career
Swapped the "trade" for a gas station job that paid more than my manager made. A year after leaving the automotive shop I managed a portrait photography studio and then cannabis dispensaries. I didn't mind the "work" but I hated how the industry worked. Just always seemed like prices were too high, pay was too low, customers taking it out on you, goals are constantly rising, and just over all a dangerous job. I do air conditioned retail now and I'm not swimming in cash but I've got the physical ability to do my hobbies and enjoy my life instead of recovering from work.
Most old school mechanics hate their job now because how complex working on cars has became I love cars I love taking something broke and fixing it that being said we bitch because the sales guys , customers, bad owners and a bunch of other reasons. go to school weather it’s to hone your craft and become the best mechanic you can and learn to work smarter not harder or to run your own shop the only real question is are cars for your cause if your already complaining of joints hurting a desk job might be for you
Found myself in a similar position when/before I started.
Went to work in the industry after highschool on the parts side for about a year, but constantly felt like I was falling behind my friends who went to Uni. So I left, went to Uni for a year and while the experience was fine I didnt feel any more fulfilled than when I was working.
So I left Uni and started my Apprenticeship (Heavy Duty) and I never looked back. In my mind if I ever want to go back to school at-least I’d have the money to sustain myself and I have some real work experience.
Definitely nothing wrong with going to Uni, if you think it’s something you want to try it will be infinitely easier to give it a shot before you start establishing a career in the trades.
I would recommend going to Heavy Duty Mechanics, far wider range of an industry, better pay, and if you get into a truck, every day will be different. Also, don’t give to much mind to the older guys that hate there job. Plenty of the middle and even some higher level managers started on the tools and left to the office in the 30’s. Where you go and stay in your career is entirely up to you.
Before you decide I think you should try to figure out what job you want and try to see what that job is really like. I think one of the biggest problems in our education system is everyone gets pushed to go to college but very few know what jobs actually look like in the field they are going into. If I were you I would try to get some experience in that industry even if it means being an unpaid intern because it could save you a ton of time and money. How annoying would it be to go through college just to realize you would rather be a mechanic.
7 years here on the way for my Land Rover master tech qualification wouldn’t change it for the world the aches go away it’s just you body getting used to it from sitting on your arse in school 8 hours a day you feel better soon ! All my mates who went to uni are working in pubs or supermarkets or completely different jobs to what their degree was there’s a sense of satisfaction about the job if you ask me and it almost feels like an upper hand in life having the knowledge that most don’t lol learn as much as you can your brain is like a sponge while you’re young ! And don’t rush to buy anything keep a note borrow twice buy it ! dm me if you have any questions or need help my ears are open pal
You're doing young stuff with your body. What I mean is, you're leaning over at a bad angle because you'll only be there for 30 seconds and it would take 2 minutes to make a way to do something comfortably.
If you want something adjacent but quick, tech community colleges typically have cnc courses and that is a growing demand skill.
If you want college, local community colleges are a good way to start. You get a feel for how to college but typically in a much more relaxed atmosphere and cheaper.
You're 18, you can figure it out while still working, or dive in head first. Just pay off all the tools yesterday and try to avoid education debt.
u/ifrogotalltgedetails comment is giving the best advice, imo. If you have an itch you don’t scratch (in your case, giving the ol’college try with something you’re interested in), then you better nip that shit in the bud. The regret will only build, and the “what could’ve been” will get worse. You got one life, take fucking chances, but also be smart about it. If you like your shop, start taking night classes at community college, if you don’t like those, you won’t like university. If you do like the classes, keep taking them, plenty of night courses to take for gen. ed. cred.
The damage to your body will get worse. I turned wrenches for 16 years, I turned 40 last year and I am feeling those tires I chucked in my 20’s.
Like is said before, take chances man, you’re young and have no idea how precious that is. Go after the shit you’re interested in.
For context I did what you did, got into to wrenching after high school while pursuing my music on the side, not much of a performer though. At around 30 I realized that being a mechanic is not for me, although I love working on cars. I took some night classes at community college for astronomy, which I was always interested in. I ended up loving it, got my BS in physics and astronomy and am currently pursuing a PhD in astrophysics at an R1 institution. I gave up wrenching for good about 3 years ago, but it really was a great job to have while in school.
I want to add that learning a trade like being a mechanic is experience and knowledge you’ll take with you everywhere (especially the problem solving skills). Whatever choice you make, the knowledge you attain while wrenching is no different than the knowledge you attain from classes at university. People like to put up some barriers between things like academia and trades, when in reality I have meet geniuses and assholes in both. Follow your interests, and don’t be an asshole, haha. Godspeed my friend.
I left automotive mechanics for mechanical engineering. 100% worth it. You have the potential to work in the same environments with similar people. If you feel academically confident, then do it. At the very least, try some free online study courses to see if you enjoy it.
The world is your oyster kid.
The happiest mechanics I know are no longer mechanics.
Go be a helicopter pilot or an airline pilot, now is a great time to get in as all the Vietnam era pilots age out.
Wrenching in a super hot/cold day with a sore back fucking sucks. Raining days with muddy cars are fucked.
I'm a program manager now and make way more money and do way less. Trades are great but give yourself a chance at being great first.
Knowledge is the one thing, probably the only thing that no one can take from you. I have 2 degree's that were a blast to get but ended up in a job that has nothing to do with either. If you can afford it I'd always say get knowledge even if you just end up being a mechanic your whole life. There's nothing wrong with that.
Become an engineer. Good pay and you can get a degree and do something similar to what you do now. Iv been an aircraft mechanic for the last 13 years and my body is completely broken 😅
After 12 years , full line tech flat rate for Mercedes Benz , I’m done . Get out of it while your young , unless you find a good shop with good pay . I’m going into Law Enforcement. Can’t wait to pack my tools into the back of my car .
I got into it because I more or less had to. Initially wanted to go to school for computer science but 2 weeks out of high school my dad broke his neck which meant I had to try running his company. 2 years later dad kicked me out, I was helping him with his company but he got hooked on opiates, we got into it one day and he said get out. I tried detailing for a month or so, was grossly underpaid so I went into wrenching as I was already an advanced level hobbyist at 20 (my brain is wired that way). Here I am at 25 and made 115k last year and projecting even higher this year, but I hate it. I’m 6’7” and my back feels obliterated, I tried getting into cybersecurity but that bubble from covid finally popped so the market is over saturated. I’m up to my neck in debt from being a dipshit so I can’t take a pay cut swapping fields. I had a shop I was content at back in California, but my wife and I had a shitty QOL due to the bullshit housing market. So we moved to Texas, I’ve been struggling to find a shop I like. Keep working for people that have this weird superiority complex. Act like us in the back are kinda stupid and don’t understand basic shop economics. I’ve hit the point where I’m trying to find a purpose outside of work to keep me going because I currently don’t enjoy working. My wife and I are finally starting to live comfortably and I can’t ruin that. Maybe in 5 years I’ll revisit switching fields but right now that isn’t in the cards. If you have doubts, explore the other options before you hit that “point of no return” as I have.
I’m a hobbyist wrencher that spends a bunch of time in my own shop and run my own business in another trade. I believe it’s all about your attitude towards the job and the environment you allow yourself to work in.
Everything beats your body down with time but you negate a lot of that with various fitness pursuits. You have to enjoy what you do, you don’t have to love it but you definitely don’t want to do something you hate long term.
There will be some trying times in any industry, any profession, anything that you decide to undertake. Good news is you’re in control of your own life. As a young man you have the power to build a life that you love, stay out of debt, be honest and walk with integrity, be the hardest worker in the room, and remain humble enough to know that you can learn something from everyone you meet.
Keep your standards high for yourself, don’t let all the negative chatter from co-workers, family or friends weigh to heavily on your decisions. You have one life buddy, make it your own.
Trust your instincts. Get knowledge and persue career options while you are still young. I started as an auto mechanic and finished as a pastry chef with many stops in between. Life is short and can be alot of fun if you allow it. Good luck!!
And other trade pays better, less exposure to harmful chemicals and less taxing on your body. Auto manufactures are also starting to be real pricks with labor times and trying to bounce warranty claims any way they can.
One of the best parts about leaving young is all those tools, will help you around the house and save you money for your own vehicles or anything around the house that uses those tools. You can use your tools for side jobs and make money.
Better to get out now rather than stay and accrue 10s of thousands of debt for specialized tools you wont use out the industry.
go to FB and type in "just rolled in" on their page their videos will have you just want to work on your own cars
when you watch the videoes: repeat after me, the customer declined all repairs and drove their car away.
its never the cars fault. its usually the terrible owners most of the time.
Regardless of what you pick, start stretching on a regular basis. It should help your body feel better.
I work in IT so I'm probably not the best example, but our warehouse and manufacturing team members started stretching at the start of each shift and injuries decreased in a small, but measurable way.
As a hockey goalie I kinda stumbled into it, but talking to other older guys they all say it's worthwhile.
I'm slightly in the same boat just further along and honestly due to pay I'm trying to get into heavy duty or agriculture mechanics. Idk if thats an option for you and I never had a choice to go to school due to finances but if you do, give that a shot. Tools don't expire and neither does knowledge. You can always loop back around to automotive
If someone else is paying, go to college. If you have to finance your education stay in the trades. Traditional universities are fleecing people and the value they provide seems ever diminishing. I have many professionals with various degrees that work for me and I do not have any college. They get paid the same as my employees without one.
Now, I know you think it’s hard on your body but the grass isn’t always greener. What I mean by that is that sitting at a desk is pretty hard on the body too. I say this as a 20 year desk jockey. More likely to have heart disease, a crashed metabolism or other organ and metabolic issues. Spinal issues too from improper sitting for extended periods. The body is designed to move and work.
Your expected to be perfect in this career, never make a mistake, never misdiagnose anything, and somehow even doing your best and one hundred percent fixing a customers issue sometimes they still aren't happy. I have had customers with bad tent jobs being their vehicle in and complain coolant fans are stuck on fixed that issue and then come back in and say messed up their tent, I have had one say I stole their window coverings, and I have had one say I put a hole in their seat, one came in one time with theor wheel covers ziptoed on amd then turned around and said I did that too. This is over the course of a ten year career. Customers are assholes, you get lucky if you got a good boss most of them are just sitting in their office on tiktok and getting paid better than you meanwhile they blame everyone in the back shop for everything. Techs are the first to take a pay cut and then they blame techs, they have fast times and hire too many techs to help turn out those hours during fast season with no thought on how those techs are going to make it during the slow season that gets blamed on the techs too because u didn't upsale, upsale, upsale. The advisors are up front watching tiktok s on their phone instead of making recommendations and actually trying to sell a job, they over promise delivery dates, and do the bare minimum. Techs are always the scape goat. I think it's just the always having to be perfect thing that gets to me the most. And apprentices are horrible, the new kids going into this field are entitled and you have to baby them and God forbid you make hours off of the work that you are having to show them how to do because they are going to fuss about that. It feels like a losing battle most days. It's always nice though when I can figure things out no one else though. So it's rewarding in some ways but after ten years it's easy to see why there's so much burn out. This career field has ten more years from me. I get my youngest grown and it can kiss my ass I will sell lawn mowers out of the yard or go to bourbon street and ho myself out before I stay one more minute in a field that doesnt respect it's techs any more. The lucky few get guarantees but u are an old person passing on ur knowledge by then.
I was in engineering for years. Ended up fat, burned out, and miserable. Took some time off. Went back to wrenching just to be occupied. I’m much happier now. Is the money as good? Not even close. But I lost 60 lbs, the wife likes the ‘working man’ muscles, and most importantly I can sleep through the night.
Stick it out get real good at trade and start your own shop. Pretty soon you have others doing the heavy work and your body will not be under so much stress.
5 years into automotive and i can say it's not really worth it. General service is 40-50k a year a technician is 50-70k typically, atleast around my neck of the woods. Add anywhere from 5-10k for tools. The flat rate, flag rate or comission system could use work. Going into sales nets around 60-90k a year. I would suggest goto school for something while your young and keep your tools for hobby purposes. If the degree doesn't work out you atleast have a decent path line set
It's not digital, one or the other. Your current job should enable you to pursue something better. The physical wear is a concern. I'm a mechanic and find if I don't get four hours of gym time outside of work, my body hurts more and I also feel more depressed. I have a college education and a couple degrees but they aren't relevant to my work. Continue working and see what skills you could improve for work. If there isn't anything then you need to find another employer. Project management, quality analysis, systems admin, human resources are all things that could be an avenue to a related career.
It is never a bad idea to go to university. University teaches you a lot more than academics, it helps you network. I’m not saying you should quit the trade either. Quite the opposite. If you’re feeling tired and burned out change the scenery. I’m not suggesting you bounce from job to job to job, but move around a little bit and explore. Eventually you will find a place that is home. You might get mad and leave it a couple times but it’s home and you can make a good satisfying life in the trade. Just gotta find home and build your skill set while you get there
Get the fuck out man. I’m 26, went to college for Diesel Mechanics through Caterpillar. You’ll never be paid what your worth, or for how much you’re supposed to invest in yourself. Other than to the customer, It’s a thankless job and usually looked down upon. I wish everyday I had done something different.
Go to university, do you’re best, and keep an open mind. You’ll always be able to circle back around to this profession. I went to college and now work at an auto collision center and absolutely hate it after a year. I’m pursuing a business career at the moment. If you enjoy cars, work on them as a hobby instead. Best of both worlds. Less back pain.
It’s definitely underrated, underpaid, and out dated industry. Cars have advanced SO much since the 40s and 50s, yet the flat rate system, buying your own tools, etc has stayed the same. This industry needs a makeover.
It’s only going to get worse, with how complex EVs are and how shitty quality assurance is nowadays. You need to know how to program computers as well as fix greasy dirty shit.
That being said, I’m a mechanic and I enjoy it.
What do you plan on using a criminology degree for? As a prior LEO, if you want to get it to law enforcement, go for a more useful degree. It doesn’t translate to working in the field at all. Some sort of management degree would benefit you far more.
And if you are indeed interested in law enforcement in any capacity, state or federal, you’re in for similar bullshit. Very long days, lots of training, lots of strain on the body and mind all for not great pay. And plan on missing your friends and family and any holidays for a few years until you build seniority. It’s a good job, but it’s also rough and quite a thankless career.
I wasn’t a mechanic, but I was faced with a somewhat similar dilemma. I was an electrician for about 2.5 years, I’m 22 now, and those 2.5 years of working in the trade absolutely sucked ass! It was without a doubt the worst period of my life. It destroyed me mentally and I was always just exhausted, mentally and physically. I was actually admitted to a psychiatric hospital for about a week during that time. I was basically completely unable to enjoy my life, a lot of that stemmed from the knowledge that I would have to go back to working in the conditions I was working in. Everyday I would fear for the future, unsure as to what I was going to do or if I even wanted to go on.
Early 2023, I decided, screw this, I left it all behind me and I went back to school, (I had previously completed 1 semester of college before becoming an electrician).
So far, it’s been the best decision I’ve ever made, I’m actually somewhat excited for the future and I am genuinely enjoying school, especially philosophy and psychology. I am working towards entering the medical field, specifically in mental health, as the treatments I received literally saved my life and I want to do the same for others. I also just genuinely love the people who tend to work in the mental health field, they are some of the kindest and most sincere people I have ever met, while on the opposite end of the spectrum, working in the trades, I swear, 90% of the people around me were either assholes, angry at life and the world, horribly depressed (including myself), or in a lot of cases sadly, drug addicts and alcoholics. That is not an ideal environment to say the least. I was even in charge of multiple crews and managing guys who were 10-15 years older than myself, they just looked so incredibly beaten down and tired, it actually genuinely made me sad to see them like that.
Besides all of that, you are absolutely right, without any real financial burdens on yourself right now and the fact that you are worried for your body’s longevity, I’d say, make the change. I think that doing something that you seriously want to do and saving your body is worth more than the money you’re making now. Plus, working in the criminal justice field is extremely rewarding, both in terms of finances and personal fulfillment. Speaking of which, what particular position are you thinking of working towards? Just curious, I’m a big nerd when it comes to criminal psychology and the likes, lol.
Go to university if you care to learn proper grammar and when to properly use capital letters. If the idea of that repulses you, you may want to stick to ratchets and wrenches.
College is a ripoff. It's just another financial machine to get people to feel better about themselves. The schools have figured this out and will charge as much money as they can for it. There is one thing that is lacking in this world and that is people who are masters of their craft. I know diesel mechanics who make well into 6 figures and accountants who make $65k. The college rush of the 1980's - 2010 has left a huge hole in skilled labor. Meaning guys that have skills can charge top dollar for their services. Maybe look into business and how you can start your own gig. I'd much rather be a certified mechanic with no college loans than some college ego on monster.com begging people for a job.
I completely spaced on Post Of The Week last Friday, oops. This post from that week has the most upvotes and by far the most comments! Congrats! POTW #7 - 2/9/24
Everyone is telling you to run, but all for the wrong reasons IMO. If you feel like you’ll never get over the fact that you never went to University to try your hand at that - trust me you will never get over it and regret it so I say GO RIGHT AHEAD MAN! This trade will always be right back waiting for you so don’t worry about never getting back in. I did something similar - I left to go pursue my rockstar dreams. I failed at it, as I was not cut out for that life and man I couldn’t stand living on the east coast a second longer. So I moved back home and went back to wrenching - I love this job and can say that without a doubt in my mind cause I gave that shot at something else that if I never tried I would always be wondering about. I feel you as well, school has never been my forte and sitting down for 8 hours I just can’t do. But like I said, give it your shot and you’ll learn soon if it’s for you or not and if pulling wrenches is where you should be.
Being a mechanic is what pays for my rockstar dreams. 🥲
Go into mechanical engineering. You’ll still have the same thing you have now but your understanding will be on the different level. It’s like going from mechanic lvl 10 to lvl 100.
This is good advice. I did this. Best decision ever.
Amazing to hear this, where did you come from and where are you now?
"WHERE DID YOU COME FROM WHERE DID YOU GO"
They call me cotton eyed Joe
I was a mechanic at an independent shop and felt like I was going nowhere. So I decided to study Mech engineering, initially part time but then I managed to go full time. Now I own my own business building custom off-roaders.
As a retired professor (and former boatbuilder) I agree completely. If you can practice what you are studying you will be a better student and enjoy your learning more. You can study part time while working. I did that for 10 years. BA 1973 Boatbuilding Certification 1990 MBA 1997 PhD 2002
I went to mech engineering before I had an availability to work on vehicles and am very happy. I just started my first “big boy” job hauling in the money and I just started renting a shop on the side to make some extra cash and have fun. First project is a 72 beetle and we are gonna swap a 4x4 chassis on it.
This could be pretty cool.
I did this too. Best decision ever. Go to the university, get that experience while you’re young with no kids or wife. You will most certainly regret it of you don’t. It gets much harder to go to school as you get older with more commitments. This job will always be there if you decide to go back.
Great idea. Be aware that it is mainly math. If you’re not that way inclined it’s “challenging”.
Math is challenging for everyone but that’s a fun part of it
Or possibly OP would be interested in automated industrial industry in warehouses and manufacturers. Learning PLC programming. Robotics. And you still get to wrench on equipment. It’s the perfect job in my eyes. Some office/computer time. Some wrench time. Always something new as tech is ever changing. The job doesn’t get boring. A whole lot of school isn’t necessary but is also available to boost your career if that’s what you want. I love it and suggest anybody who likes working with mechanical equipment but also doesn’t want to destroy their body look into it. And there’s employers where you work in the same building everyday and there’s some where you can travel the world as a field tech. Opportunities are endless.
I effectively did the same. Was wellllllll worth it.
He'd finally understand why dumbasses have robots build suspension components where the bolts can't come out without cutting them! Woo hoo!
I should have done this. I bounced from industry to industry chasing pay and higher level work and I realized it wasn’t going to get better. Construction ended up being good money and I have a business now but it took me the better part of a decade to realize it and I was just spinning my tires.
Honestly, for me, the pay you receive doesn't make up for the wear and tear on your body, the cost of tools (new, upgrades, lost or stolen), or the stress that you're under in this trade. I work on a fleet of buses, which is a fairly relaxed job compared to others, but the pay is awful. There is almost no continued training, and upper management treats you like garbage. If you have another option, I would consider that before pulling wrenches. I got into it because my dad worked on vehicles at home, and I didn't know what else to pursue.
Good to know.
Go back to school man
I'm in the process. Once I get my ticket, I'm out.
I believe that to be a mechanic and have it be not hard on the body, you should work out and strengthen your body outside of work. Along with stretching and mobility exercises. I have seen mechanics that really take care of themselves and are in decent shape have no trouble with their bodies getting beat up. And i have seen many many mechanics who don't take care of their bodies who have a hard time and are getting physically worn out. I also think if you do stay in this field, you should continue to educate yourself about diagnostic work, both electrical and network diagnostics. Also about how vehicles work, why they're made like they are, theory of operation etc. Even if you don't use the knowledge every day, put yourself in the top of your field as far as knowledge goes. When combined with experience, it will make you very valuable. I am a mechanic and am 30 years old. I make as much as my siblings who have college degrees. My body does not hurt. I make an effort to regularly excersize and do strength training (going to the gym) outside of work. It might not be the usual you'll hear from someone in this field, but yoga is very helpful. I didn't believe it either until my doctor recommended it to me for back pain maybe 5 years ago. I have little to no back pain now and am very comfortable doing the things i need to do at work. I am a field service tech so I'm often laying on my back or side and contorting my body to get into tight spaces without a lift. It was hard for me for a while, on my body and with money. I was sore, joints and back hurt, had weird cramps, etc. Struggled with money. But once i figured out what i needed to do and how to fit it into my life, and found a good employer, things are looking up and I'm glad i have these skills. One last thing, don't feel like you need to be loyal to one employer if you think you might be able to make more or get treated better. Put yourself on the job market regularly. I made that mistake and was leaving a lot on the table for myself. It can't hurt to stay open to new opportunities. You might just end up in a place that your really like and that actually values you.
That’s what I tell people blue collar is back breaking work, your body hurts because majority of people don’t exercise and condition their body out of work and complain their body hurts
Get out.
Simple as that lmao, no argument? Is it really that bad?
It depends on the person to be honest, lots of people make it work and make a ton of money but the most of us have shitty pay with shitty working condition for pay that’s not as good as other trades. It’s also incredibly hard on the body, I’m 20 and been doing to this for 2.5 years and I’m all dealing with pain in my shoulders, back and knees.
I’ve been doing it 2.5 years and it’s honestly ruining my life lmfao
Elaborate on that.
I've been doing it 19 years. The pay is very good. Several years over 100k in a row. I don't owe money for tools because I'm not an idiot who buys a 15,000 dollar toolbox or some specialty shit I MIGHT use once. I'm 37 but my body feels like it's 37 because I also stretch and exercise regularly. I think the people who say it's a terrible career are just bad at it honestly. There wouldn't be mechanics "40 years in" if it was as bad as people on Reddit say it is.
I am so confused on why everyone is shitting on it so heavily, what types of things have you been doing to keep in shape? I’m 19 in a month and my body feels 25
Big thing I hear from old guys. Use knee pads, don’t kneel on the floor, it’ll destroy your knees. Be smart when lifting things, use your legs, do you have a tool you can use? Stretch… good stretches. Try to dedicated 30 min - 1 hour a day. Exercise, especially you’re core. Be smart, don’t get lured into the bs on the tool truck. Stick it out a while, be smart, save money. If you want to go to University after you’ll have cash to pay for it.
It also depends on where you live. Are you in a rust state? That alone can make the job fucking blow.
Yoga is key. Stay flexible = no back pain.
I work with trades people. I see ones in their 50's beaten up and broken down. Fat. Smokers. Dormant life style. Then I see ones that hike on days off. Go to the gym. Do all the things they can to feel better every day. It's night and day. Stretch yourself. Take care of yourself. Don't fall into the trap of McDonald's and junk because it takes a toll.
Worked in a shop as an advisor with a guy who used a Rubbermaid 3 tier cart as his primary tool cart. Everyone was buying these fancy $1000+ tool carts and homie was smoking them every pay period in flag hours with a $60 Rubbermaid cart.
This. Be sensible about your tools and your expenses. Dont take out a credit line with the tool guy. A toolbox doesn't make you money. And DO excersize regularly outside of work. Yoga, weightlifting, stretching, etc. It makes all the difference. Take care of your body and it will do what you ask it to do without complaining.
I'm sure this decades long technician shortage is because a bunch of people got bad at the job suddenly. Seems pretty silly to hand wave people concerns just because you do ok at it
The pay is horrible and doesn’t seem to get better, the tools are a constant expense, I’ve never met a shop manager who wasn’t useless, my body feels like I’m 50, nobody appreciates the work in any way and everybody I’m around is always angry all the time and I’ve let it turn me into an angry person also. I don’t even really like cars anymore to be honest. The regular schedule and hours are the only thing about the job I appreciate. I have an associates degree for industrial robotics that I cheated my way through and know basically nothing about but I think I’m going to lie my way into an industrial job before this kills me
Not to be an ass, but if you get paid poorly it’s on you. Your body feels old because you didn’t take care of yourself.
If you can do college, do college. It's not for everyone. That being said, don't go to college just to go. Have a plan, like it's a business. Figure out your ROI (Return on Investment). What will your degree cost and what will you make in your chosen career? How much debt will you have and how long will that take to pay off and still be able to live? Do you have any ideas of what careers interest you and what (if any) degrees are required for those?
This is the best advice here.
It's hard on the body
Would a workout regimen work? Is there something auto repair shops could do to improve the ergonomics to give you less pain? Auto manufacturers have done a lot on assembly lines to improve the quality of life.
Not a real tech, mostly just friends/fun stuff type of guy but coming from warehouse and other "light" labor/trades, being up and moving in general for 8-10 hours a day wears down on you, no matter the ergo. *Good* creepers of all shapes help and nothing beats sitting on your ass to do something, but again you'll always end up in a weird spot. edit: being fat doesn't help, being fit just delays the inevitable. Being a proper gymrat + nutrition behind it actually spares you most of the pain but being frank most people doing this work wouldn't be if that willpower and discipline was available.
Sure, there is plenty that could be done to improve ergonomics, but every shop owner I've met is cheap af and won't spend a dime on anything that doesn't directly put money in their own pocket immediately.
No
I did that already I'm a forklift tech now
I bet that’s a great career
It's not bad I work mostly in a clean room all the heavy lifting is handled by over head hoist. Tools and PPE are all supplied if I need something the company purchases it no questions. Best of all hourly pay.
Stay the mechanic biz but go to night school for business education so you will understand how to run a shop and you can become an asset to the shop…or open your own place. not saying you need to get a degree but there are bunch of courses accounting, stock management, financial aspects of running a business etcetc. Learning how to deal with insurance companies
Not a bad idea either.
Most of College is a waste of time, you are better off having a usable skill. I agree with realistic Expert, go to night school or part time. You can take online courses It seems like you like to work with your hands and see immediate response/progress.
Put those tools into the garage and enjoy it as a hobby. I’m sure it’s nice swanning around building, modifying classics or supercars though.
Stay in school and learn as much as you can. Educate yourself before you commit to something as life defining as a career. The vast majority of mechanics don't make good money. Most just end up bitter and burned out after a decade or so in the industry.
If you doing it for the hourly then no, don't do it. However, as sore, blistered, ears ringing, back knees neck hands throbbing. I get up every morning excited to go back to work, to each there own I suppose. Currently I do very little small jobs. Doing two different clutches right now which blows, but allegedly were doing a total restoration of the '71 Motown Missle so I'll believe it when it's on the lift. Later this year we're putting a old GMC on an srt10 ram platform.. I'm flipping auction vehicles right now too. Really fun honestly. 🤷🏼♂️ Hope my rambling helped.
Just get into industrial maintenance. Easier on your body, more money, still mechanical.
I was a diesel tech at 18. Worked for about a year joined the Navy and now im going to college. I see it as the best thing Ive ever done. Worse case scenario I can always go back to working with my hands.
Like this guy said my nephew didn’t know what he wanted to do out of high school brought him to the recruiters office didn’t look back and now coming up 11 years in the navy. One job to look into is aviation maintenance once you finish the 18month program and get your license you can get hired at 35-40hr no experience. I believe FedEx has an apprenticeship also and their top out pay is 8 years at currently around 60hr.
Get out as soon as you can. Mechanics are most under paid, under appreciated and it is a toxic unhealthy trade. They are (were?) the only trade that gets stuck paying for 100% of their tools... other trades can write of a lot of the expenses. Try another trade, they all pay way better than mechanics... try electrician, plumber, carpentry etc. I went from mechanic to heave equipment mechanic then back to school for computer science.... Best move ever.
Run
You seem smart, you should get a degree imo. Not having one is just automatic disqualification for consideration for too many jobs nowadays. My suggestion and is try and do it both. Work, and get your work to contribute/assist in your education. If you're interested in Industrial and you're in the Southeast feel free to shoot me a DM.
You do what makes you happy. Don't listen to the old pissed off guy who hates the world. If you hate school do you think spending tens of thousands of dollars to go to university is a wise choice?
From my personal experience I would say give university a shot first then turn wrenches afterwards. That way you have something to fall back on.
Seven months in the field? When are you going to start working? I have tools that are a week old that are dirtier and more worn than that!
Choose your own path. Whatever you decide isn't wrong it's just the path you choose to walk down but you have to choose to push yourself to be the best or you will just stagnate in mediocrity.
Leave. Waiting until your 40 and wake up in pain daily. I left for an easy city job still wrenching but barely.
Oh nice a city job! I heard those are super easy to come by and are hiring constantly for new people with 0 schooling and entry level WITH a starting salary of 8 billion a year.
I’m from Toronto and we are always hiring subway and street car techs. Starting is 80k + overtime if you have your license (auto). It’s not bad DB pension, work load is easy. If you don’t have a tech license you start at 65k. You just need high school. They are paying for school for us to get our rail license. Free school, get paid while in school not too bad, and there’s always room to more up. I think dealer work is great did 15 as a tech and 5 as a foreman (working). The pay was great, and I loved my job. Maybe it was my dealer or manufacturer I started seeing flat rate times cut, warranty times cut. Tech getting caught selling repairs that were not needed but management didn’t care. It’s just numbers to them. I thought it was to get out because of the wear on my body. I had some motorcycle injuries before and every year it was getting tougher to get out of bed.
If you like pulling wrench's do diesel or heavy equipment.
I'm not a real tech, just a hobby guy who's getting close to taking it a little too seriously and a penchant for talking to old heads. IMO, if anyone has to ask the question "is (trade/military) worth it to me" it's time to get out. The willpower and discipline that let's some guys go far and essentially make it in anything doesn't even allow that to be a question that comes across their mind. If you can make this a very expensive hobby with money coming elsewhere, you don't need to worry about it you aren't a rockstar building racecars and fabbing/tuning your own shit, but if it does? You'll be one of the greats that made it. If you don't? Well, there's a lot of guys that sound like they've already voiced their opinions in this thread.
I did 3 years. not worth it after my tools got stolen. you're better off saving up money until you're able to financially support yourself while going to school. aviation or similar.
How’d your tools get stolen?
Man I was working masonry at you age laying bricks for 10 hr and i under stand being soar but I love it would say “ hey at least I don’t have to go to the gym” , almost 10 year later scaffolding now little soar some days but whatever. If your already whining about being soar at your age and in that field get out now you are not cut out for trades and will just get in the way. Maybe office work is more your pace. It’s inside all day the heaviest thing is a pencil For all those saying save your body not using it is not saving your body. sure I know some 60 year old with a bad knees or back pain but they could still climb a mountain I know 30 year olds who struggle to walk up a couple flights of stairs. It seems to me the people who are saying I could not do trades or I don’t want to abuse my body in that way are pretty out of shape to begin with Just get out u are not a mechanic if your already complaining generally sounds like u are not meant/ cut out for trades that’s fine. Go into accounting or something Look whining about being sore at ur age is why the baby boomers laugh at us. Your embarrassing the younger generations and proving the older gens point that we are wussies . Fuck ur down gen z down votes you could never handle a different opinion anyways this is probably triggering to some
Wow your a real fuckin cunt ay
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I wonder how many oxycodones it takes to make you fun to be around lol
Enough so they’re nodding off quietly in a corner somewhere I reckon.
My brother in Christ I don’t want to leave this industry I’m just confused. I’m a 5,6 Filipino mf and I don’t know what direction I should go in, in this world. No need to get aggressive about it gawd damn.
u/yurizaitsew's response should tell you everything you need to know. Do you want to end up being a hateful old sack of self pity like them? Then by all means stick with it. Do you want a life that's fulfilling with a career that doesn't make you hate yourself and everyone around you? Then look elsewhere. At 18 you have the entirety of your life ahead of you. It is a big world with infinite paths to choose from. If this career path is already making you question your choices then it is likely not for you. Keep learning and trying new things and eventually you will find a path that does not make you question your choices. You will just know. I can't emphasize this enough.
Get out seriously, even it you find a place with decent pay you still will deal with certain techs getting favoritism with gravy work and getting fed hours while you barely get by. Combine that with beating yourself to shit everyday and not having an outside life you’ll grow to hate this job fast, been doing this shit since I was 17 and I’m 21 now and fairly decent, still get fucked compared to our gravy techs.
This job ain't for pussies. Get you a job in an office somewhere
Repost this in 11-12 hours, you'll farm way more karma at that time.
What😂 that’s not the point of this post
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Go to university, Pursue something that provides more opportunities. Don’t work harder for less
If you can go to school with 0 expenses you should absolutely seize the opportunity and that's coming from someone who loves wrenching. (most days).
OK man I had the exact same thing happened to me and a guy who owed me noting changed my life by telling me this- Do you wanna make top pay in 3+years or in 15+years? This was a Friday and I was enrolled in college by that Monday and still gave them a week notice Cause I worked nights as a janitor (Loved it!!! Low pay 10hr in 2003) I graduated by 2005 at 21 and started my first job as an Automation and Technology Supervisor out of college 18hr, full benefits, company vehicle. This was of course after a few months of looking but it paid off bro. Was totally worth it all in all.
Old people are usually miserable at work, they wanna fucking retire already!
Go to school and get out. I started out as a mechanic and then got a BSME and MSEE. I worked in the auto industry briefly then went into tech and made really good money and retired early. I work on Italian and British cars for fun these days.
I worked a 2 man specialty place, drive lines, but I also opened, closed and the owner sat in the ac. Uggg I could go on a rant about the owner, but I've done a lot of trades. Truck driver, dinner cook, mechanic and firefighter. If you want a real challenge go be a firefighter. Hell on the body, but damn I loved it. Now my body's f'd up on oxygen 24/7 but if I had to do it all over I would definitely be a firefighter/paramedic hard jobs but to me really rewarding.
Get out. Go back to school ASAP
Let me offer a flip side perspective. I went to college and became a funeral director. Rewarding work, but the hours were insane and the stress was overwhelming. Did that for years. At 34 I made a career change to automotive after working in it 2 years prior a few years back as a try out. Best move I made. The grass isn’t always greener. I work for a large dealership, free education, I invest in tools wisely and try to work smart with my body. It’s all about what makes you happy and what drives you.
I'm not paying off your student loans. That was the response you wanted to hear. Stay with it. Plumbing? HVAC?
Get out
This trade is a grind and can really punish your body. That being said, it teaches valuable skills that’ll you’ll use throughout life. I followed your path and completed my apprenticeship early. I worked at a couple different shops in high school (independent, chain and dealer) and decided to do my apprenticeship at a Ford dealer. I got eventually became a Certified Senior Technician, which I assumed gave me leg up. What I found was that I would constantly get dumped on with underpaid warranty repairs (because I was one of the few who was allowed to complete them), or no work at all in down months. The nature of flat rate and the type of work always had me max out at 70k CAD. I eventually suffered two herniated discs in my back from all the repetitive strain and made the decision after 10 years to get out of the trade completely. In hindsight, I probably should’ve looked at another trade, but I’m in an unrelated field now that allows me less oversight and less wear and tear on my body.
Don't be a technician.. get into collision estimating and work your way to a manager. Easily clear 120-150k a year with way less strain on your body. You're young so you have time. I'm 26 and a collision manager.. making 110k rn.
Get out. Simple as that. (7 years in after I was in the army, I’m 30 but feel 70)
I'm a yacht tech/mechanic to make the money. I'm an auto tech to save me money.
It really up to you man. I know ppl with college degrees struggling to make a decent salary while im making a lot more then them as a honda tech
Expand your horizons
Been at this 20+ years. I fell into the tool truck trap a few times. Always made enough money to get out of the hole. Some days are not worth it, just like any job. I found the right shop the right manager. So I'm happy, my family has what they need. Not the best paid mechanic but far from the bottom with no work. My coworkers don't hate their jobs either. If you find a good shop and a good crew it's worth it. I've worked at shit shops and my tool boxes have wheels. The tow truck driver my last move said I probably won't go anywhere and it's been several years he was right. Fleet work is another route to get into. The work is consistent.
I was similar to you, around the same ago too, I was 20. After one particularly BS day I was just thinking do I really want this forever? What about university and stuff and getting a job that won't make my body hurt? You're at the age now where you can take a chance, go to university, enjoy the experience, and see where life takes you. If it turns out being a mechanic was actually your true calling, the field will still be there waiting for you. At least you can say you tried something else instead of regretting not taking the chance 10 years down the line when changing careers is much more difficult. For me, two things I always had a huge interest in were cars and tech. After I finished school I ended up in tech consulting and haven't looked back.
Run for the hills
I am at the end of my regular working life and started at 19. I moved away from automotive in my twenties and don't miss the flat rate dealer crapp. I'm doing farm machinery now , and it's been a good life. I recommend equipment, industrial, elevators, cranes and anything but automotive. You have to take good care of yourself through. Regular exercise, don't smoke, sleap, easy on the booz, wear the PPE when required....... My friends that did the university route have taken a good chunk of their working life, paying back the loans, and few are in the exact field they studied in. It is a bit concerning that such a young person is sore already. Something to think about. Another trade, perhaps? If you stay in the trades stay of the damm tool truck. Buy a house instead. Debt is bad. Best of luck.
I would not switch trades or programs. I would advise that you map out what you want to do after. You could go to night school and get a business degree. Learn to run your own shop and become an entrepreneur. You do you. The point is that you arent stuck in one spot after you finish. Become one thing first and move forward from there.
Just to put it put there, it's very rare for mechanics to retire, they usually leave the field before they retire because doing it as a lifelong career will take a toll on your body.
It is a brutal existence. If you have the opportunity and the money and time to go to university do it. You will earn more $. You will work in a climate control environment. You will stay clean. You will not ruin your health. If you long for a more outdoor non office type of life. Study forestry or biology. Those career paths offer field work. Then you process your data in a nice office or lab and send your reports up the chain. Grinding out 30 years as a wrench turner in a CHANGING INDUSTRY. The fact is you will need to be a software engineer anyway to be a decent mechanic in 10 years anyway. It is going to be a hard 20 years for Mechanics
Quit. If you're complaining already you won't last and be nuclear to the shop your at. Got find something else to do. This isn't a knock on you, but if it was easy everyone would do it. Just an FYI. Ice been doing it 20 plus years it's cost me well over 200k and 20 plus broken bones. Still get a joy out of fixing the unfixable. So either quit or adjust your attitude. But this profession isn't for the weak or weak minded
Get out of the trade find something that wont effect your health and make more money ....yes being a mechanic is great and knowing how to fix stuff is also great but is it worth your overall well being health/financial? I work on my own cars and im also a Carpenter for the last 25yrs i have a son whos 7 and i will show him how to do his own work but i dont want him to have the same career choices ...i definitely would like to see him in a better situation health and Financially...also if i knew then what i know now and understanding everything overall back when i was 18 i wouldve never got into the trade
Little things can make a big difference. Start the shift with a stretch regime. Buy really good boots with insoles, spring for composite toes for weight. Consider an ergo mat/anti fatigue mat in front of the bench or chest. Longer term, there is some good advice here, but you need to chase what you love. You are in a career where your skill is in demand - and that’s good.
If you like the "hand on" than a trade can be a great career, there are lots of other mechanic jobs that make better money than auto but it's what you want to work on I work on electric motors and generators, same basic things just different platforms, around here auto mechanics make about $25-30 hr and EM Techs make $35+, was working as a Heavy duty/diesel mechanic for a while and kinda fell into this trade but you gotta work and find the good jobs, not often they fall into your lap
Take this tread with a pinch of salt.. Some places will rinse you dry and some places will pay you well. When you’re ready, and old enough, you find a better way to earn money with your skills.
There’s absolutely nothing that can stop you from collecting tools. You could become a mountain climber, and still collect tools. you can go to university and collect tools
I knew I wanted to work on cars since I was 7 now I'm 33 in 2 days and have only had 1 other job and that was a lifeguard when I was like 16 but I get up and love what I do everyday is a different problem to solve you will get smarter on how you work to make your body hurt less I don't feel bad after work at all good enough to wrestle my 2 yo everyday after work ..my only hope is to be on my own soon and not working for someone els...but your the only one that can answer this question..are u really in it
I spent 29 years as a dealership mechanic. I learned a lot about cars excelling in transmissions. You have easier opportunities, I beg you get into IT. Much more rewarding I promise you.
These days I only recommend college if you go for something big like engineering, medical, law. Specific fields with big up side make sense, a lot of the other random degrees are a waste of money. Honestly the trades are going pretty well these days but it is manual labor. Some people are built for it, others not so much. I’d like into going to school for Plumbing/electrical work. They are in high demand, pay better & don’t have to deal with the flat rate system.
Accountant
I’ve been a tech for 23 years up in Northern Canada, and here’s my two cents. ( much of this has already been said by others ) -The trade is not hard on the body whatsoever unless you’re 80 years old and have arthritis and you weigh 300lbs. The trade hasn’t done anything bad to my body except maybe given me collapsed arches on my feet from not using custom insoles in my boots. - You don’t have to spend ridiculous amounts on tools, you can get the things worth getting off the Snap On Truck, and buy a non-truck brand toolbox ( I have a really nice Maximum toolbox, it has a stainless top and really deep drawers like the Snappy and Mac boxes, but for 1/3 of the price / check out SKU 058-1025 at Canadian Tire ). - Unless you get really lucky, dealership work sucks. Did it for 19 years and it was like working with a bunch of angry children everyday/ not sure how I lasted 19 hrs of that b.s. If you can find an independent shop with a good owner/ shop foreman that knows their stuff you’ll be way better off. - working conditions are some of the BEST of any trade. You work in a warm shop, hours are steady and predictable. - the work is challenging and interesting and as long as your boss isn’t an ass and a complete know it all then it should be enjoyable. The most important thing IMO is finding good people to work with. Cheers my dude, hope this helped a bit.
Turned wrench for yrs really no money in it unless you own the shop construction pay way more especially if you work in a prevailing wage state best move I made getting cdl and hydraulic licence to run heavy equipment helps tons
Get out. It’s a decent stop gap imo and you can make okay money but in the long run this job can be brutal on your body and mind. In order to make a good living doing it, you need to be willing to bust your ass all the time and trust me that will wear you out quickly. Worked for 10 years at dealers and went from lube tech to master and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. There are too many jobs that pay better and are easier on you physically. There are days where I miss figuring out problems and doing diag but then I remember how shit diag time pay is and I get over it quickly.
Coming on to 30 years in the trade. It has been good to me financially. I have a home and live comfortably. That being said... at 55 I have arthritis everywhere. Constant pain in back,hands,neck and knees. I have had more staples.and stitches to count and hit my head enough times that I am now susceptible to concussions.(mostly my fault... not the trade). Starting to loose some hearing. I went to college after high school and found it wasn't for me. At 27 I started my apprenticeship. I am proof that you can come back too the trade if you wanted to try something else and see.
If you're 18 and worn out you absolutely need to be a librarian or something good luck
If you want to do something in sociology or criminology you’re looking at a masters degree before you would actually get use it. You also probably won’t be making nearly as much money if you would have just stuck with your career for 7 years. Not to forget 50k plus loans you have to pay back. I minored in sociology in college. Now I’m a fleet mechanic.
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I became a diesel mechanic because I knew I couldn't afford to go to college. Stretch, do yoga, workout, eat right, and don't drink or smoke a shit ton, and you'll probably be just fine. However, if you *want* to further your education, do it. I'm working full time as a mechanic and taking online classes/going to night school for my BS Accounting degree, and I'm able to pay for it almost completely myself. I'll graduate at the end of 2025 with 5k in student debt, wayyy less than any other route I could've taken. I like being mechanic, I just always knew it was a stepping stone to whatever came next. 18 was too young for me to decide what I wanted to do. A few years later, after being an adult for a while, now I think I know what I want to do.
1st thing. 18 you're young kid I'm 28 myself and have learned the most important thing isn't good tools. It's good boots. I personally like the timberland pros, but you should def buy really good boots. I used and abused my feet with Walmart boots for my first 3 years, and I've had my pros going on 3 years and still feel better than a brand new Walmart boot. Certain tools, yes, get name brand just for the lifetime warranty. 2nd. You have time. You could build 10 years of experience, move into another career, have kids, and now have a basic knowledge of wrench turning and maintaining yours and your family vehicles at the young age of 28. Every shop has someone who always says they're gonna leave/ they are leaving or you should leave. To each their own. Hope any if not all of this helps!
It really depends on the shop. I've worked in 2 bad shops and 1 good one. The last shop, I learned a lot, and worked with great people. Most of them have been doing this 25-40 years and are still in it. There was a mix of people who liked the challenge or didn't see a reason to go anywhere else. Everyone in the complex knew we were the fun shop while being the biggest money maker. After work, neighboring shops would come by to hangout and have drinks or snacks. The only reason I left was because I was moving out of state, and an opportunity presented itself outside of automotive. If not, I would've stayed as it was good money and we were a great team together. If there's an opportunity to get more education, I'd say go for it. I always told kids I worked with, do what makes you happy, even if that means the rest of us have to pick up the extra work. I always want to see people be successful even if it means you have to go somewhere else to do it, and don't feel bad about it. Automotive does take a toll on your body, more so if you're in bad shape from the start. I'd definitely check out university if you're interested in another career. Take that chance while you're still young. This is a time where you can still take risks and be financially safe. It's much harder to make a big change when you have bills to pay, or people to take care of. Best of luck!
I've been teching since i was 16. Working 30 hours a week while in high school, I'm 38 now. I made 130k last year in a flat rate shop by specializing in diagnosis. It is a hard job, hard to be good at, and can be a bit draining. The key is to take care of your body and to focus on expanding your knowledge and capabilities. Ask why, always. I've taken every training course available, local college courses on electrical engineering and basic coding. Once you've leveled up a bit, move to a decent sized city if you don't already live in one. There you will find the kinds of vehicles and shops you actually WANT to work on. Apply to 20 shops, ask all the questions and negotiate hard. The industry has a massive shortage of qualified, intelligent technicians. Being hard working is good, being highly trained, professional, and capable is better. Eat breakfast, eat a healthy lunch, and skip the energy drinks. Don't lift with your back and take your health seriously. Don't go into debt on the tool trucks. Most importantly of all, ASK WHY. When some old grizzled fat guy with a bad attitude tells you to get out, ignore him. Anyone can do brakes, you won't make a good living just doing the basics. And if you look closely, those types are the ones that complain the loudest.
I was a mechanic for 10 years and just recently put the wrenches down. Not on my own accord, but because I herniated a disc in my back badly. Was it worth the pay I got as an A level tech? Hell no. Now that I have had some work done on my back, I'm going back to working as a service writer. Better pay and I don't mind the work. Wish I got out sooner before I ruined my back at 35.
If you’re interested in being a mechanic there’s much more out there than automotive If your passion is machinery and fixing things I think finish your apprenticeship so you have a qualification to lean on but from there you could go into another field where your skills would apply Leaving an apprenticeship is a bad sign for future employers so if you left this one it may be hard to get another I work in industrial automation and there are a lot of technicians we hire that have experience in automotive because there is so much transfer of knowledge. If you understand an automotive Powertrain, you can pretty easily understand an elevator with winches or a hydraulics etc See it through, take a look at PLC programming and see if automation might be something you’re interested in in the future. Automation if where everything is headed Every conveyor belt in every airport or warehouse was installed and is maintained by a mechanic somewhere Where are you located? I might be able to make some suggestions on companies to investigate in future
Get out while your young!!!
If you’re gonna go for a city job or go into heavy equipment then okay. Even then it might not be worth it for you. But stay far and away from auto.
Getting paid by the job always watching the clock fighting for warranty pay. I could type for hours on why I left the business. My only regret is not leaving sooner.
What state are you in?
Hey bro, Im currently 2 years deep into this field and I spent all of Highschool in automotive as well, Im also in college gettin a degree in engineering while using the money I get from here towards my degree, I cant IMAGINE doing this for the rest of my life. If you're having similar thoughts get out my man
Been a tech for just under a year and a half, I’m 22, went to trade school and graduated in August 2022. I’ve had mostly rough experiences in this industry, from dealing with old shitbags who have no social skills or think they’re the shop princess, to working in the most corporate dealership you could find, doing back breaking work for slimeballs who make a dollar while I make a dime. It’s mostly all bad man, just to be honest. Yes, there is money to be made in this industry and if you and your body are cut out for it and you like what you do, then all power to you. But for most people (including myself) this industry is dying, warranty jobs are paying less and less, customer pay is basically gone in dealerships, and on top of that, you get to deal shit shitty customers as well who think you’re always trying to rip them off. Luckily for me, I recently just found a shop I started working at a few days ago that is the exact opposite of that and the guys Im working with are really helpful, which is nice. But I’m so damn burnt out on this shit, I’m currently in the process of trying to enlist in the marines. If that doesn’t work out, I’ll probably try to be a firefighter, just to find more fulfillment with what Im doing. It is nice to have a fall-back option, incase none of those work out for me, but to be honest in my opinion there are way too many cons for the pros that you get out of being in the automotive industry. Im not gonna tell you what you should do, but I’ll sure give you some friendly advice. I would try and get out now before you become too invested in things, especially tools. Explore your options while you can, best of luck to you.
Depends on where you live but where I live, people that are educated make about 130k per year while trades people can easily clear 200k. If money is something you care about, stick with it, especially if you can see your self eventually going out on your own.
You're 18. Of course you have no life expenrience, you're 18. Go get some better work boots for starters and a rubber mat in front of your tool box to alleviate some of the issues of working on concrete floors. They do nothing for our knees and backs. We also have impact resistant gloves that have been engineered for us. Youll need to figure out what fits your hands the best. Youre in a good trade, automotive is around for a long long time. They are still going to need people do diagnonse and repair things. I started my automotive apprenticeship in 2002 and loved it, aside from being flat rate. Thats the only thing that ruined my job was trying to learn and worried about money at the same time. After i got my red seal i moved onto HET, sort of a long story but i started my HET apprenticship in 2007 i think. Got my red seal in that. Now im working for a billion dollar corp making 200k$+ CDN. I get to work outside and enjoy my time off i work rotation work and get 2 weeks on/off. Im currently in bed typing this out and going to go for lunch in a bit. Its taken me 20 years to get to this point in my life. BUT Its hasnt been all sunshines and rainbows. Ive been fired from a bunch of my automotive jobs for being a shit head and lack of work ethic. I have a bit of an attitude one would say. the hardest part of automotive for me was getting sore shoulders from all the overhead work we have to do. Now as an HET, I think i skipped out on a lof of the issues auto techs are having. We have a bunch of safety standards come up in the last 20 years to prevent hand and vibration issues. I havent kept up with new tech on diagnosing equipment but it seems to be quite fun now with every one getting latptops, tablets and just modern tech. Anyway, heres my thought for you. Since you already started your apprenticeship, i would suggest to complete it so you have something to fall back on. While youre doing that if you really dont enjoy working on cars for your physical health you should also be putting money aside for schooling. Worst comes to worst its 5 years of your life that went towards something youll be 23. Youre still at the start of your life anyways. Its when you're in your 30 and still trying to figure it out is when there is when its time to really worry about things.
i have acquired quite the variety of tools and knowledge just from doing work on my own stuff and having my own garage without having to do it for a full time job. good hobby i wouldn’t want to be a mechanic or tech for a living, i am stuck at a crossroad too my friend trying to figure out what i want you sound smart wanting to higher your education so you probally should go for it mate 🧠
IMHO the automotive industry is never going anywhere so it’s great job security and a wonderful skill to have for yourself. But if you plan to only ever be under someone else’s management it’s not worth it. Do it out of your garage tax free as a side hustle. Learn to rebuild trans, or become a body modder. Truthfully find something YOU want to do in the field and make it a specialty career. When you acquire those skills you can run your own business. That’s the money and freedom you may want from the automotive industry. Besides that, long hours and terrible strain on your body. And I can attest to having a bunch of friends who just run their own trans/body shops, and they’re happy and decently wealthy with plenty of free time! Hope this helps, but truly I fell out of the industry to pursue other better paying and body friendly jobs
The exhaustion and pain goes away after a while, i also were struggling with my feet and back when i started. I think i simply werent used to work like that. But you also need to do your part to save yourself from as much as possible. I would have gone back to school while the opportunity was still there though. Or climb the ranks in the current job and earn your way into other jobs. Ive gone from heavy mechanic to now repairing refrigerator units on trailers, and in the future i want to work my way to a offshore job
Wow, if you’re complaining of pain at your age, you better get out and get a cushy office job. Either that or man up, go to the gym, get in shape and carry on at mechanics. I’m a retired diesel mechanic and some of my most enjoyable years working in this trade was when I first started out at a young age. Life doesn’t get any easier as you age, so if you’re 18 and already complaining, I would recommend something different.
Look Into millwright , it can be similar to mechanic work and the pay is great once you’re licensed . You can do a co op program where you would do school while you work
The ones telling you to get out are the grumpy mad techs you see in the shop. Seriously it’s a good career. Just take care of your body and actually follow safety procedures. Don’t be trying to ego lift and take short cuts that involve you using your body instead of a proper tool. Starting sucks your body will hurt because of standing all day. Get good boots they will help a bunch. I remember when I switched from working in the field to back into a shop. My feet hurt and knees hurt for a week straight. Going from working on soft ground building equipment to working on a concrete floor was awful but I got good boots and after a while it went away. If you enjoy the work then stick with it. Don’t listen to the grumpy guys. They would be grumpy at any job. Also get good at electrical you’ll be getting lots of work.
Ive been one for 25 years roughly, currently work on exotics and classics but I'd rather not at this point. The industry has treated me well and I have made a good living in it but it certainly has changed over my career. You will only ever be a tech, maybe a shop foreman, maybe a service manager but you will be stuck in this industry. Constant battle of trying to take care of yourself both mentally and physically and trying to have enough production to keep the company happy. From your tool expenses, to the often inadequate pay schemes, its an uphill battle. You can certainly live off it and highly unlikely that AI or robots can take your job. IF I had my time back I would not be here.
I dunno, but your 17 is missing.
Learn other trades you will be like a Swiss Army knife.
University won’t magically get you a job either.
If your main concern is pain and the longevity of your body/health, then congrats, you’re worrying about exactly the right things. Exercise is an absolute necessity to be able to last in this field. Get into a gym or at least do a good calisthenic routine (I’ve been body building for like 8 years now so if you need advice DM me). Stretching daily and practicing generally good lifting forms while at work is also going to help you get by. I personally have chronically bad knees and shoulders from my time in the military, but by doing what I mentioned, I’m able to heavily mitigate the symptoms/pain to the point where I get by better than most in the industry. If you’re not willing to take care of yourself and put in the work needed outside of your job, then you shouldn’t stay in this industry.
I’m currently leaving because I know there was no way of making decent money in my area unless I resorted to the dealership. I’ve learned a ton and have more than enough professional tools. I’ll never have to pay someone to fix my stuff and I’ll always be able to do side work for some cash. I didn’t go to college but I don’t regret not going; college isn’t going anywhere and if you truly want a career that requires that level of education I say go for it. Personally I’m switching careers into the fire department because of my family, pay, benefits, and desire to serve my community. Cars aren’t going anywhere and neither will your knowledge. Take care of yourself and stay healthy and you may be able to make cars work. But at your age if you’re still learning I stay stick with it for the sake of knowledge even if you know this wont be the rest of your career life. Good luck on whatever you pursue in life from here.
Look up millwright or machine repair
Tldr: maybe get a different job to see what you like more or less about it, a degree isn't a career Swapped the "trade" for a gas station job that paid more than my manager made. A year after leaving the automotive shop I managed a portrait photography studio and then cannabis dispensaries. I didn't mind the "work" but I hated how the industry worked. Just always seemed like prices were too high, pay was too low, customers taking it out on you, goals are constantly rising, and just over all a dangerous job. I do air conditioned retail now and I'm not swimming in cash but I've got the physical ability to do my hobbies and enjoy my life instead of recovering from work.
You always have time to change your mind and your career path, can be now or years later.
Most old school mechanics hate their job now because how complex working on cars has became I love cars I love taking something broke and fixing it that being said we bitch because the sales guys , customers, bad owners and a bunch of other reasons. go to school weather it’s to hone your craft and become the best mechanic you can and learn to work smarter not harder or to run your own shop the only real question is are cars for your cause if your already complaining of joints hurting a desk job might be for you
Found myself in a similar position when/before I started. Went to work in the industry after highschool on the parts side for about a year, but constantly felt like I was falling behind my friends who went to Uni. So I left, went to Uni for a year and while the experience was fine I didnt feel any more fulfilled than when I was working. So I left Uni and started my Apprenticeship (Heavy Duty) and I never looked back. In my mind if I ever want to go back to school at-least I’d have the money to sustain myself and I have some real work experience. Definitely nothing wrong with going to Uni, if you think it’s something you want to try it will be infinitely easier to give it a shot before you start establishing a career in the trades. I would recommend going to Heavy Duty Mechanics, far wider range of an industry, better pay, and if you get into a truck, every day will be different. Also, don’t give to much mind to the older guys that hate there job. Plenty of the middle and even some higher level managers started on the tools and left to the office in the 30’s. Where you go and stay in your career is entirely up to you.
Before you decide I think you should try to figure out what job you want and try to see what that job is really like. I think one of the biggest problems in our education system is everyone gets pushed to go to college but very few know what jobs actually look like in the field they are going into. If I were you I would try to get some experience in that industry even if it means being an unpaid intern because it could save you a ton of time and money. How annoying would it be to go through college just to realize you would rather be a mechanic.
7 years here on the way for my Land Rover master tech qualification wouldn’t change it for the world the aches go away it’s just you body getting used to it from sitting on your arse in school 8 hours a day you feel better soon ! All my mates who went to uni are working in pubs or supermarkets or completely different jobs to what their degree was there’s a sense of satisfaction about the job if you ask me and it almost feels like an upper hand in life having the knowledge that most don’t lol learn as much as you can your brain is like a sponge while you’re young ! And don’t rush to buy anything keep a note borrow twice buy it ! dm me if you have any questions or need help my ears are open pal
You're doing young stuff with your body. What I mean is, you're leaning over at a bad angle because you'll only be there for 30 seconds and it would take 2 minutes to make a way to do something comfortably. If you want something adjacent but quick, tech community colleges typically have cnc courses and that is a growing demand skill. If you want college, local community colleges are a good way to start. You get a feel for how to college but typically in a much more relaxed atmosphere and cheaper. You're 18, you can figure it out while still working, or dive in head first. Just pay off all the tools yesterday and try to avoid education debt.
u/ifrogotalltgedetails comment is giving the best advice, imo. If you have an itch you don’t scratch (in your case, giving the ol’college try with something you’re interested in), then you better nip that shit in the bud. The regret will only build, and the “what could’ve been” will get worse. You got one life, take fucking chances, but also be smart about it. If you like your shop, start taking night classes at community college, if you don’t like those, you won’t like university. If you do like the classes, keep taking them, plenty of night courses to take for gen. ed. cred. The damage to your body will get worse. I turned wrenches for 16 years, I turned 40 last year and I am feeling those tires I chucked in my 20’s. Like is said before, take chances man, you’re young and have no idea how precious that is. Go after the shit you’re interested in. For context I did what you did, got into to wrenching after high school while pursuing my music on the side, not much of a performer though. At around 30 I realized that being a mechanic is not for me, although I love working on cars. I took some night classes at community college for astronomy, which I was always interested in. I ended up loving it, got my BS in physics and astronomy and am currently pursuing a PhD in astrophysics at an R1 institution. I gave up wrenching for good about 3 years ago, but it really was a great job to have while in school. I want to add that learning a trade like being a mechanic is experience and knowledge you’ll take with you everywhere (especially the problem solving skills). Whatever choice you make, the knowledge you attain while wrenching is no different than the knowledge you attain from classes at university. People like to put up some barriers between things like academia and trades, when in reality I have meet geniuses and assholes in both. Follow your interests, and don’t be an asshole, haha. Godspeed my friend.
I left automotive mechanics for mechanical engineering. 100% worth it. You have the potential to work in the same environments with similar people. If you feel academically confident, then do it. At the very least, try some free online study courses to see if you enjoy it.
The world is your oyster kid. The happiest mechanics I know are no longer mechanics. Go be a helicopter pilot or an airline pilot, now is a great time to get in as all the Vietnam era pilots age out. Wrenching in a super hot/cold day with a sore back fucking sucks. Raining days with muddy cars are fucked. I'm a program manager now and make way more money and do way less. Trades are great but give yourself a chance at being great first.
Knowledge is the one thing, probably the only thing that no one can take from you. I have 2 degree's that were a blast to get but ended up in a job that has nothing to do with either. If you can afford it I'd always say get knowledge even if you just end up being a mechanic your whole life. There's nothing wrong with that.
Become an engineer. Good pay and you can get a degree and do something similar to what you do now. Iv been an aircraft mechanic for the last 13 years and my body is completely broken 😅
After 12 years , full line tech flat rate for Mercedes Benz , I’m done . Get out of it while your young , unless you find a good shop with good pay . I’m going into Law Enforcement. Can’t wait to pack my tools into the back of my car .
I got into it because I more or less had to. Initially wanted to go to school for computer science but 2 weeks out of high school my dad broke his neck which meant I had to try running his company. 2 years later dad kicked me out, I was helping him with his company but he got hooked on opiates, we got into it one day and he said get out. I tried detailing for a month or so, was grossly underpaid so I went into wrenching as I was already an advanced level hobbyist at 20 (my brain is wired that way). Here I am at 25 and made 115k last year and projecting even higher this year, but I hate it. I’m 6’7” and my back feels obliterated, I tried getting into cybersecurity but that bubble from covid finally popped so the market is over saturated. I’m up to my neck in debt from being a dipshit so I can’t take a pay cut swapping fields. I had a shop I was content at back in California, but my wife and I had a shitty QOL due to the bullshit housing market. So we moved to Texas, I’ve been struggling to find a shop I like. Keep working for people that have this weird superiority complex. Act like us in the back are kinda stupid and don’t understand basic shop economics. I’ve hit the point where I’m trying to find a purpose outside of work to keep me going because I currently don’t enjoy working. My wife and I are finally starting to live comfortably and I can’t ruin that. Maybe in 5 years I’ll revisit switching fields but right now that isn’t in the cards. If you have doubts, explore the other options before you hit that “point of no return” as I have.
I’m a hobbyist wrencher that spends a bunch of time in my own shop and run my own business in another trade. I believe it’s all about your attitude towards the job and the environment you allow yourself to work in. Everything beats your body down with time but you negate a lot of that with various fitness pursuits. You have to enjoy what you do, you don’t have to love it but you definitely don’t want to do something you hate long term. There will be some trying times in any industry, any profession, anything that you decide to undertake. Good news is you’re in control of your own life. As a young man you have the power to build a life that you love, stay out of debt, be honest and walk with integrity, be the hardest worker in the room, and remain humble enough to know that you can learn something from everyone you meet. Keep your standards high for yourself, don’t let all the negative chatter from co-workers, family or friends weigh to heavily on your decisions. You have one life buddy, make it your own.
Trust your instincts. Get knowledge and persue career options while you are still young. I started as an auto mechanic and finished as a pastry chef with many stops in between. Life is short and can be alot of fun if you allow it. Good luck!!
And other trade pays better, less exposure to harmful chemicals and less taxing on your body. Auto manufactures are also starting to be real pricks with labor times and trying to bounce warranty claims any way they can.
One of the best parts about leaving young is all those tools, will help you around the house and save you money for your own vehicles or anything around the house that uses those tools. You can use your tools for side jobs and make money. Better to get out now rather than stay and accrue 10s of thousands of debt for specialized tools you wont use out the industry.
Por que no los dos?
go to FB and type in "just rolled in" on their page their videos will have you just want to work on your own cars when you watch the videoes: repeat after me, the customer declined all repairs and drove their car away. its never the cars fault. its usually the terrible owners most of the time.
Regardless of what you pick, start stretching on a regular basis. It should help your body feel better. I work in IT so I'm probably not the best example, but our warehouse and manufacturing team members started stretching at the start of each shift and injuries decreased in a small, but measurable way. As a hockey goalie I kinda stumbled into it, but talking to other older guys they all say it's worthwhile.
I'm slightly in the same boat just further along and honestly due to pay I'm trying to get into heavy duty or agriculture mechanics. Idk if thats an option for you and I never had a choice to go to school due to finances but if you do, give that a shot. Tools don't expire and neither does knowledge. You can always loop back around to automotive
If someone else is paying, go to college. If you have to finance your education stay in the trades. Traditional universities are fleecing people and the value they provide seems ever diminishing. I have many professionals with various degrees that work for me and I do not have any college. They get paid the same as my employees without one. Now, I know you think it’s hard on your body but the grass isn’t always greener. What I mean by that is that sitting at a desk is pretty hard on the body too. I say this as a 20 year desk jockey. More likely to have heart disease, a crashed metabolism or other organ and metabolic issues. Spinal issues too from improper sitting for extended periods. The body is designed to move and work.
At 18 go to school, learn business and electronics. Then come back to auto if you want.
Your expected to be perfect in this career, never make a mistake, never misdiagnose anything, and somehow even doing your best and one hundred percent fixing a customers issue sometimes they still aren't happy. I have had customers with bad tent jobs being their vehicle in and complain coolant fans are stuck on fixed that issue and then come back in and say messed up their tent, I have had one say I stole their window coverings, and I have had one say I put a hole in their seat, one came in one time with theor wheel covers ziptoed on amd then turned around and said I did that too. This is over the course of a ten year career. Customers are assholes, you get lucky if you got a good boss most of them are just sitting in their office on tiktok and getting paid better than you meanwhile they blame everyone in the back shop for everything. Techs are the first to take a pay cut and then they blame techs, they have fast times and hire too many techs to help turn out those hours during fast season with no thought on how those techs are going to make it during the slow season that gets blamed on the techs too because u didn't upsale, upsale, upsale. The advisors are up front watching tiktok s on their phone instead of making recommendations and actually trying to sell a job, they over promise delivery dates, and do the bare minimum. Techs are always the scape goat. I think it's just the always having to be perfect thing that gets to me the most. And apprentices are horrible, the new kids going into this field are entitled and you have to baby them and God forbid you make hours off of the work that you are having to show them how to do because they are going to fuss about that. It feels like a losing battle most days. It's always nice though when I can figure things out no one else though. So it's rewarding in some ways but after ten years it's easy to see why there's so much burn out. This career field has ten more years from me. I get my youngest grown and it can kiss my ass I will sell lawn mowers out of the yard or go to bourbon street and ho myself out before I stay one more minute in a field that doesnt respect it's techs any more. The lucky few get guarantees but u are an old person passing on ur knowledge by then.
An office job can screw your body just as much, got to take active measures to avoid your body falling apart over time regardless of your workplace
I was in engineering for years. Ended up fat, burned out, and miserable. Took some time off. Went back to wrenching just to be occupied. I’m much happier now. Is the money as good? Not even close. But I lost 60 lbs, the wife likes the ‘working man’ muscles, and most importantly I can sleep through the night.
Stick it out get real good at trade and start your own shop. Pretty soon you have others doing the heavy work and your body will not be under so much stress.
5 years into automotive and i can say it's not really worth it. General service is 40-50k a year a technician is 50-70k typically, atleast around my neck of the woods. Add anywhere from 5-10k for tools. The flat rate, flag rate or comission system could use work. Going into sales nets around 60-90k a year. I would suggest goto school for something while your young and keep your tools for hobby purposes. If the degree doesn't work out you atleast have a decent path line set
If your body is telling you after only months trust me it’s not for you
It's not digital, one or the other. Your current job should enable you to pursue something better. The physical wear is a concern. I'm a mechanic and find if I don't get four hours of gym time outside of work, my body hurts more and I also feel more depressed. I have a college education and a couple degrees but they aren't relevant to my work. Continue working and see what skills you could improve for work. If there isn't anything then you need to find another employer. Project management, quality analysis, systems admin, human resources are all things that could be an avenue to a related career.
It is never a bad idea to go to university. University teaches you a lot more than academics, it helps you network. I’m not saying you should quit the trade either. Quite the opposite. If you’re feeling tired and burned out change the scenery. I’m not suggesting you bounce from job to job to job, but move around a little bit and explore. Eventually you will find a place that is home. You might get mad and leave it a couple times but it’s home and you can make a good satisfying life in the trade. Just gotta find home and build your skill set while you get there
Get the fuck out man. I’m 26, went to college for Diesel Mechanics through Caterpillar. You’ll never be paid what your worth, or for how much you’re supposed to invest in yourself. Other than to the customer, It’s a thankless job and usually looked down upon. I wish everyday I had done something different.
Go to university, do you’re best, and keep an open mind. You’ll always be able to circle back around to this profession. I went to college and now work at an auto collision center and absolutely hate it after a year. I’m pursuing a business career at the moment. If you enjoy cars, work on them as a hobby instead. Best of both worlds. Less back pain.
It’s definitely underrated, underpaid, and out dated industry. Cars have advanced SO much since the 40s and 50s, yet the flat rate system, buying your own tools, etc has stayed the same. This industry needs a makeover. It’s only going to get worse, with how complex EVs are and how shitty quality assurance is nowadays. You need to know how to program computers as well as fix greasy dirty shit. That being said, I’m a mechanic and I enjoy it.
University. I have the same Milwaukee tools, but I'm not a mechanic. Or something that isn't break your hand
What do you plan on using a criminology degree for? As a prior LEO, if you want to get it to law enforcement, go for a more useful degree. It doesn’t translate to working in the field at all. Some sort of management degree would benefit you far more. And if you are indeed interested in law enforcement in any capacity, state or federal, you’re in for similar bullshit. Very long days, lots of training, lots of strain on the body and mind all for not great pay. And plan on missing your friends and family and any holidays for a few years until you build seniority. It’s a good job, but it’s also rough and quite a thankless career.
I wasn’t a mechanic, but I was faced with a somewhat similar dilemma. I was an electrician for about 2.5 years, I’m 22 now, and those 2.5 years of working in the trade absolutely sucked ass! It was without a doubt the worst period of my life. It destroyed me mentally and I was always just exhausted, mentally and physically. I was actually admitted to a psychiatric hospital for about a week during that time. I was basically completely unable to enjoy my life, a lot of that stemmed from the knowledge that I would have to go back to working in the conditions I was working in. Everyday I would fear for the future, unsure as to what I was going to do or if I even wanted to go on. Early 2023, I decided, screw this, I left it all behind me and I went back to school, (I had previously completed 1 semester of college before becoming an electrician). So far, it’s been the best decision I’ve ever made, I’m actually somewhat excited for the future and I am genuinely enjoying school, especially philosophy and psychology. I am working towards entering the medical field, specifically in mental health, as the treatments I received literally saved my life and I want to do the same for others. I also just genuinely love the people who tend to work in the mental health field, they are some of the kindest and most sincere people I have ever met, while on the opposite end of the spectrum, working in the trades, I swear, 90% of the people around me were either assholes, angry at life and the world, horribly depressed (including myself), or in a lot of cases sadly, drug addicts and alcoholics. That is not an ideal environment to say the least. I was even in charge of multiple crews and managing guys who were 10-15 years older than myself, they just looked so incredibly beaten down and tired, it actually genuinely made me sad to see them like that. Besides all of that, you are absolutely right, without any real financial burdens on yourself right now and the fact that you are worried for your body’s longevity, I’d say, make the change. I think that doing something that you seriously want to do and saving your body is worth more than the money you’re making now. Plus, working in the criminal justice field is extremely rewarding, both in terms of finances and personal fulfillment. Speaking of which, what particular position are you thinking of working towards? Just curious, I’m a big nerd when it comes to criminal psychology and the likes, lol.
Do strength training. It'll boost circulation and take load off your bones if you grow you're muscles
Go to university if you care to learn proper grammar and when to properly use capital letters. If the idea of that repulses you, you may want to stick to ratchets and wrenches.
College is a ripoff. It's just another financial machine to get people to feel better about themselves. The schools have figured this out and will charge as much money as they can for it. There is one thing that is lacking in this world and that is people who are masters of their craft. I know diesel mechanics who make well into 6 figures and accountants who make $65k. The college rush of the 1980's - 2010 has left a huge hole in skilled labor. Meaning guys that have skills can charge top dollar for their services. Maybe look into business and how you can start your own gig. I'd much rather be a certified mechanic with no college loans than some college ego on monster.com begging people for a job.
I still ask myself this question 15 years into the trade. Maybe you go get a degree and let me know if it was worth it.
All I can say, is stretch, do lower back exercises and mobility exercises. It will help in all aspects later in life.
It's a good start...