I am thinking about a career change...

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forced 340

forced 340

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hey guys! i have been a mechanic my whole working life which is about 18 years. i am 33yo. i like what i do, and where i work. i think i am just getting burnt out with it:-( i dont have the drive i once had for wrenching... has anyone else felt this way? i have found myself thinking about making a change in my career.... i dont even know how or where to start? has anyone else made a move like this? or is thinking about it? any info would be great! THANKS GUYS!!
 
I did that a few years (forced, work comp injury) and I'll tell you, that drive to fix things will still be there so if you don't have a home garage, get one before you change.

I went back to school to become an engineer. I'm not 100% sure it's right for me. Most engineers are suits, who like to do math problems. I'm beginning to think that there isn't much of a place in the world for a guy like me. I've worked in a machine shop for the last two years and it's rewarding, but I'm starving on the pay.
 
jos51700 said:
I did that a few years (forced, work comp injury) and I'll tell you, that drive to fix things will still be there so if you don't have a home garage, get one before you change.

I went back to school to become an engineer. I'm not 100% sure it's right for me. Most engineers are suits, who like to do math problems. I'm beginning to think that there isn't much of a place in the world for a guy like me. I've worked in a machine shop for the last two years and it's rewarding, but I'm starving on the pay.
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Don't get discrouraged. It's not all math and suits.

When I graduated as an M.E., there were two members of my class (one ~38 years old and one ~58 years old) both of whom were changing careers to become MEs. It's tough work but it opens a lot of doors. For example, I work in the energy industry and I split my time between performing energy savings calculations (yes, lots of math) and testing and analyzing steam distribution systems in large commercial buildings.

It's nice to have the Dress shoes stacked next to the work boots and never know which you'll be wearing lol.

Back to the OP, I've never had to change careers, but I know the value of liking what you do everyday. If the time/funds allow, find something that you like doing everyday and pays the bills, and just do it.

No sense in waking up everyday, dreading going to work. Life is just too damn short.
 
I have made 4 totally different career changes during my time - 20 years in the Air Force in long haul HF communications, then on to restoring antique cars for a small company and then in business for myself, then to becoming a Lowes kitchen/bath designer using a computer program and finally to a part-time rural mail carrier. All were/are great jobs. Would have stayed in the antique auto restoration but found that you are one of the last people to get paid by customers and the wife said she'd like to eat now and them lol!
 
I got burnt out a few years ago. Switched to management with the chance to wrench when I get the urge. Best move I've ever made. I wake up and I'm not near as sore as I was a few years ago.
 
65 Dartman said:
I have made 4 totally different career changes during my time - 20 years in the Air Force in long haul HF communications, then on to restoring antique cars for a small company and then in business for myself, then to becoming a Lowes kitchen/bath designer using a computer program and finally to a part-time rural mail carrier. All were/are great jobs. Would have stayed in the antique auto restoration but found that you are one of the last people to get paid by customers and the wife said she'd like to eat now and them lol!
Click to expand...

You ever notice what you like to do doesn't always pay the best or as often.
 
I think you have to look at it 2 different ways, if you are wrenching and it's paying the bills and you just start over doing some thing different can you afford it, the other way is to gradually switch over doing your new career on the side until it pays the bills and you can still wrench on the side to fulfill that love of cars,


Bob
 
I wrenched from 1978 to 1989 for dealerships , then went to Work for Uncle Sam as Motor Vehicle inspector , to Transportation Operation Specialist then to selling Government Vehicles to now working for a Fleet/lease company writing condition reports on vehicles. It is Not bad work .
 
I was bored, I felt like I had no more challenges working in the shop anymore. I would volunteer for crazy electrical or drivability issues that came along. Went to the owner of the dealership and explained how I felt and he told me ” that when you physical cannot do what you do for me in the shop” (300 plus a month in hours billed) he would find something else for me to do. Right. Had a job offer from Hyundai to move to California and be the “hands” of the engineer dept and my wife refused to move there. Got a job teaching automotive technology at one of our state colleges and loved that. Named teacher of the year, got to meet the governor but hated bureaucratic bullshit. After 6 years I spent a Sunday out in the garage cleaning my tools and boxes from my sons making a mess and went back in the house and told my wife it was like seeing old friends I had not seen in a while. With in 2 months I had my building, resigned my teaching position and opened my shop. I have never looked back.You never know where life will take you.
 
I was in a similar situation. I went to the local community college to learn engine rebuilding because it was my passion. I worked at the same shop for my entire 10 year career as a machinist. About 6 years into it, I hated it. I knew I wanted out because of the low pay and the fact that I wasn't building cool stuff very often, just fixing people's messed-up parts.

I went to school at night to learn how to fix computers & do networking & I've been doing that for about 13 years. I'm kinda burnt out right now, but the money is really good, so until I win the lottery, I'm sticking with my second career.

FYI - I did the night school/career change in my early 30's. It's never too late if you decide you want to do it.

Good luck!
 
I understand your feeling of being in the auto industry.I have been in it for now 40 years and the bull s#%t is getting worse and worse.Every thing needs to be done for yesterday,and if some thing brakes that was not on a estimate its your fault and all kinds of problems to call the customer.Managers and advisiors that just can,t understand that things are seized and brake,its the life of a tech.If you feel it,s time to change,Do it,as this field opens your mind to other area,s of life.You still have the field to fall back on and can do side jobs and repair friends and family,s cars for cheap price.you just might need a brake from the BS of the industry,and some quiet time doing some thing else to help reflect.Find some type of hands on job and get away from it for a year or two and then,think about things with a clear mind,mrmopartech 40 years in the biss,and pissed for the last 10 years.
 
Get out now while you have the chance and your choice ... when you are forced to get out .. that is when there is a problem ( back/neck/knee issues )... at least now you are healthy to start a new career and financially can afford to ... NOT very many avenues for a former tech PERIOD.
 
i worked in dodge dealers wrenching for 17 years,now i'm fork lift wrench ,i have company van that i take home and make more that wrenching on dodges
 
I am in the same situation you are. I have been a bodyman and painter since the mid 80's. It's been almost 30 years and my health is telling me it's time for a change. It is very scary to be in your mid 40's and be facing a career change. Body pain from fibromyalgia doesn't make it easy to climb around on the frame machine all day anymore.
 
I was an automotive tech for nearly 30 years. My body forced me to changed career. My change was to auto parts and have been very successful at it the last 15 years.
I find it rewarding being able to still help folks with the car problems and for me the transition was almost seamless. It like all careers has it's days and depends on who you go with and the position you take.
 
This is mine. And I think this is basically how it works for a lot of guys; I started out wrenching, then worked for a GM dealership. Wife bitching-never could get clean or wash away the smell. So, my dumb azz quit a good job, and went into construction, with a shovel in my hand.

But, I applied myself, and in 6 years was a superintendent, then was hired by bigger companies through my life, until I was building scjools in 8 months, that cost $18k. The downside? Between mech, and construction, I am on SS disability, before I turn 62.

Like they said; wrenching never leaves. Once a gearhead, you can't walk away from it. Period. Case closed, lol.

While in construction, it ate at me, so I bought property zoned rural, with a double-wide on it, and built a shop, over the years. And bought more tools. And put my original 70 Duster in it, and then proceeded to destroy it's value, with back-halfing, roll cage, etc. But I was happy! Still am.

If you aren't happy, figure out what you really want to do- anymore takes night courses. Then apply your-self 100% to that job; $ will come.

Oh, and, keep your tools clean; you will need them for your addiction.

All the luck in the world to you.
 
Kind of in the same boat as well.

Been a welder for the last 10 years and it's starting to take a toll on my body, especially on my neck. I'm only 30.

I put my app and resume in at the El Paso County Sheriff's Dept and had the testing on the 26th of Sept. I passed the test with flying colors and got scheduled for the oral boards (personal interview). It was pretty intense, 1.5 hours as a matter of fact, of 4 commanding officers staring you down and asking questions.:???:
I go to church with a detective that's been on the force for 15 years and told him how it went. He said it sounded like it went very well.

Supposed to hear this week whether or not I made the cut for the next step of the process....background investigation.
If I make it through that then it's the lie detector test.
After that I'll have two 3 hour psychological exams.
After that, comes the physical/medical exam.
Then they let you know if they want you.
 
wow! thanks guys for all of your stories! i didnt think i was the only one out there that was thinking or has gone through this! i am really thinking about different careers now!
 
64 SRT8 Dart said:
Kind of in the same boat as well.

Been a welder for the last 10 years and it's starting to take a toll on my body, especially on my neck. I'm only 30.

I put my app and resume in at the El Paso County Sheriff's Dept and had the testing on the 26th of Sept. I passed the test with flying colors and got scheduled for the oral boards (personal interview). It was pretty intense, 1.5 hours as a matter of fact, of 4 commanding officers staring you down and asking questions.:???:
I go to church with a detective that's been on the force for 15 years and told him how it went. He said it sounded like it went very well.

Supposed to hear this week whether or not I made the cut for the next step of the process....background investigation.
If I make it through that then it's the lie detector test.
After that I'll have two 3 hour psychological exams.
After that, comes the physical/medical exam.
Then they let you know if they want you.
Click to expand...

did you have to go to school for that before you put your app in? i was thinking law enforcement or border patrol my self...
 
wow your going in the oppostite direction ....i cant imagine getting burnt out with wreching at this point .....

i did the community college automotive thing too for a lot of "elective" credits plus i wanted to learn to build my own cars.

i have a Master's degree in Political Science ....however im feeling that i want to move into the auto industry .......i want to build transmissions, but im a female and im not sure how welcoming the auto industry is to that.

i know i can make more money using my degree but what is a degree and money if you cant do what you want.....this thread is really making me think about the advantages of a nice air conditioned office job as opposed to working in a shop with your wrenches .....smelling the sweet aroma of 90 weight all day. everytime i pass by a transmission shop i wish that it could be me in there............so one really needs to weigh it out
 
forced 340 said:
did you have to go to school for that before you put your app in? i was thinking law enforcement or border patrol my self...
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Nope, the only requirement for an EL Paso County Deputy Sherrif is a H.S. Diploma or G.E.D.

They teach you what you need to know in their 22 week long academy and you get paid while doing it.

It may vary from city to city, county to county and state to state though.
It's worth a shot though.

I got an email a few days ago from the Colorado Springs Police Dept stating that they had changed their testing procedures and if I wanted to reapply I could and that they would have an orientation for such applicants next month. If the county denies me, I'll try with the city again.

It's a long, hard, and stressful process.
 
Retired, disability, from the USPS. Not going to be of much help to you. But I can say the burnt out part is a drag. Hit the burn out stage about a year before being removed/walking away. Has I not been forced into retirement I was going to change crafts with the Post Office and become an ET. For me, the burn out made it very difficult to go to work everyday. Was far easier to pick up the phone and bang in. Nothing wrong with wanting a change. Just be smart, make sure what you are looking at next is something with some security and room for growth.
 
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Days-The-Work-You-Love/dp/0805431888"]48 Days To The Work You Love: Dan Miller,Dave Ramsey: 9780805431889: Amazon.com: Books[/ame]

a very good guide on how to do this, without screwing up the rest of your life, for less than $10

good luck
 
Seems like these threads come up pretty often on automotive forums. Figure I'll weigh in as well, hope it's relevant.

Decided to change my career at 37 years old, I'm now 42. I was in the printing industry for 15 years as a graphics guy. Got pretty good at it but found I was beating my head against my desk and dreading going to work. No real money to be made, I was plateaued for a long time. I'd ask myself "self, what would I rather be doing with my time instead of beating my head against my desk?" Answer was always working on cars since that was my passion and all-consuming hobby.

Wife encouraged me to go seek out my dream of being a tech. Went to school to learn whatever I could. They sold you on the idea you would be placed in a job if you did well. Ended up being one of the top 3 students in my graduating class (I was older than most of the slacker bums in that place) and did everything right. Never got placed though which was infuriating.

My first kid was born right after I graduated with a congenital heart defect. I was jobless at that point so I ended up staying home with him for almost two years while my wife worked. During that time, we moved out to the burbs and I finally got a job at a dealership in late '09 when he was OK to go to daycare. Got hired as a helper to one of the top techs in the shop. Learned a lot over the year I was there but ended up getting fired a week before Christmas of '10. (Not important why, not my fault).

Landed at another dealer as a B tech with a raise in pay but struggled to make hours. This place was a 'team' environment where the work was supposed to be spread around so everyone could make time. Doesn't work that way when the writer and lead tech are brothers. Lasted less than a year there and got hired back at my old shop as a line tech.

I went back because I liked the guys and it was near my house but I never liked the manager at all. He did fire me after all but the owner hired me back over his head. Did fair for a bit but never really made hours. Hard to do when you don't get gravy handed to you and you're putting in window regulators under warranty and diagnosing mystery noises on cars with 7,000 miles on them. Yeah, there's a hierarchy in every place but I never got a damned thing. Got tiresome very quick. Not to mention demoralizing.

Decided to go back to being a helper so I could work with the guy who does all the powertrain/Cummins/Sprinter stuff. I was really most interested in that type of work anyway, I figured if I am not making hours, I might as well do what I like. We do very little in the way of body electrical or suspension/brakes/service, it's all heavy mechanical. I can get engines and transmissions in and out with ease now. We actually rebuild engines, cylinder heads, transmissions, transfer cases. I even lap valves on a regular basis. But I don't work on flat rate so I get treated like garbage.

At this point, I don't see much future in it. I'm OK at what I do but I'm not sure I have enough experience or expertise to do powertrain and make time at it. I detest doing warranty work, it just sucks the life out of you. I also don't want to be in my 50's with my balls in my sock doing brake jobs and timing belts or humping units out of diesel trucks.

I went to school to get a good background but my intention was never to work at a dealer. I really wanted to get in to the restoration business but it's a rare opportunity and not likely for me at the moment. On the bright side, I am able to deal with the old car stuff pretty easily now which is rewarding. I'm not intimidated by anything mechanical anymore so I guess I accomplished my initial goals in that regard. I do work on my duster whenever time allows which isn't very often.

Probably going to make another change very soon and get out of the car business altogether. I have a plan to go work with my dad to eventually take over his business. Not going to say what it is but let's just say it should be able to provide a better way of life for me and my family. I would like to stay in the car business but time is short when you're in your 40's. Realistically, I don't see it becoming financially viable for me any time soon. Sometimes life makes the choices for you, this one is kind of hard to ignore. I've put in my time but there does appear to be much on the other side.

It is tough to make any real money as a tech unless you have a lot of experience in the same place and you've mastered the political game with the guy dispatching the work. That ain't me, probably never will be. Thankfully my wife does OK, no way would I be able to provide for a family of four on Long Island with what I make. Our kids have to kind of suffer because of that too, we have a 4 month old in daycare which just kills me every time I drop him off for 9 hours a day. I am home right now because he got sick and he can't be with the other kids. My boss hassled me with all sorts of obtuse questions before I left too. Like I need an idiot like him busting my balls when my kid is sick.

If you make a good living, consider that before you decide on a career change. I changed my career before my kids and house but I can't say I would have done it again, has not been easy. I don't know much else at this point besides wrenching so I am thankful for the opportunity I have to be able work with my dad. If I didn't have that, I'd be screwed. Or at least looking for another place to work.

It's tough to be a grown man with a family and a house to be starting at the bottom. Not sure if that's you but if you're considering a move and you are single, that's the best time to do it. Wife/kids/house change everything.
 
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