If you made a career change...

[partsjay]

I wish I had an answer....in same boat as a couple of you guys.....automotive sucks.....a thank-less job...The part that bites is I can't even think of something else to do....unless I want to take a pay-cut....

[chris L]

my next career ? hmmmmm
Im going to be a prostitute . good money , pretty clients and many withdrawls and deposits . good exercise !

[outfished]

I've been a photographer/videographer for almost 20 years now and wouldn't dream of changing. But if I had to change, I guess marine biology or some sort of earth science.

[JohnR]

Dave - Daryl did have a decent idea. Anyway you slice it the Car Biz sucks but going over to a role as a writer, dispatcher, or ASM for a while and work towards being a shop manager might be at minimum a good career change to at least hold you over until devine intervention kicks in. If you have questions on the back end of that business, I may be able to answer them for you as I did that for 7-8 years.

IF you were to do that, go to an all Jap shop, pref Toy, Honda, Nissan (in that order) as a lot of the work is gravy work with a mild reduction in headache -v- domestic. This is not an endorsement for the Japanese cars but an observation that they need regular maintenance more than many domestics so there is more balance in the work load. VW is also good in that space.

Money is not what a Class A tech doing 60-80 flat rate is going to make, not even what an A Tech is making @ 40 but it is less stressful on the body short term and long term. You won't need to yell "Put a %&$@# hose on it " but you will need to tell the line to fill out the RO, verify it if REALLY needs brakes, and get bitched at when you don't get the upsell, Oh, and you will need to worry about CSI. I think every tech should spend a month as a writer to learn about CSI .

Other options, especially where you are a tranny guy, is to get a job as an estimator for one of the underwiting/warrwanty companies. Yes, kindof a crap job but there is some flexibility, you use the knowledge you already have, and you would probably be good at it. You are Master, right?

[fishaholic18]

Originally Posted by JohnR

Other options, especially where you are a tranny guy, is to get a job as an estimator for one of the underwiting/warrwanty companies. Yes, kindof a crap job but there is some flexibility, you use the knowledge you already have, and you would probably be good at it. You are Master, right?

Holy S#@$%, I never thought of that.
Yes, I've been a Master for about 10 years or so.

[JohnR]

Originally Posted by fishaholic18

Holy S#@$%, I never thought of that.
Yes, I've been a Master for about 10 years or so.

Also, talk to the some of the Zone service reps and maybe get a gig at the regional training center.... Call me this weekend.

[TheSpecialist]

Dave check your pm's

Mac I hear ya, it's not easy running your own business..

[kevin d]

A year or 2 ago I got paid $100 to drive a bride and groom in my buddy's 68 Buick GS convertible. Couldn't believe I was gettin PAID to do that! I got calls and e mails for months after that requesting the same service. Now all I need is a fleet of classic convertibles......
I just retired from the Marine Corps in Dec and have been trying to find a job that pays well and and isn't a drag. Not much luck so far.
I have a buddy who wants to do charter fishing when he retires. That might be the way to go for some of you!

[redlite]

Went to college for environmental engineering with the dream of being a squirrel cop in Mass. Talked to one from my hometown and he told me not to bother. Very few openings and getting one of the very few openings is extremely politically influenced. He told me to just become a State Trooper as they go through the same training, but staties make more, but they don't get the cool toys of the squirrel cops.
That being said, got a 97 on the last state exam and they just announced that they are going to start taking 97's and above, so my hopes might still be alive.
Been a bean counter for the past 5 years and HATE it. Benefits are great, especially with time off to fish and I'm inside driving a desk chair all day, but I'm sick of crunchin numbers.
I need a new job soon too.
My little brother just went through a carrer change of being a mechanic since he went through tech school, but now just got hired by our town's water department and got hired as a call fireman. He doesn't miss his hands being permanently grease stained.
Good luck to you in what way you go for.

[TheSpecialist]

Kevin or anyone else thats looking try here, just lookup for you state:





http://www22.verizon.com/about/caree...16271,,00.html

[JohnR]

Originally Posted by JohnR

Also, talk to the some of the Zone service reps and maybe get a gig at the regional training center.... Call me this weekend.

Funny thing, I was just talking to my new neighbor across the street and he's the GM Service Rep for SE Mass - I'll need to ask where someone like you might fit in that type of ogranization next time I see him...

[fishaholic18]

I may still have some hope.
You guys are the best.
THANKS!!!!!
I feel a little better now.

[mrmacey]

A limo franchise you can be my RI connection.