Question for all you veteran techs...

So, I have a year experience working at a high volume dealership on salary as the shop foreman's assistant. Recently, Ive come to the conclusion that I may need to go somewere else if I ever want to make any money. Even though I can do a lot of different jobs pretty well and generally work independently, I am still low man on the totem pole. There actually is another kid who went on comission last year and as been getting killed every week, he rarely makes hours.

Anyway, I was curious if any of you guys that have worked for a dealer went on to work at an independent shop. If so, what is the learning curve like? Meaning going from working on one or two makes to all cars.

Before I worked for a dealer, I helped out at a small shop near my house a few years ago but I was just there to watch and learn. It was a totally different atmosphere and way of doing things. Owner was always hovering and over bearing, not a great situation. Dealerships can be a grind though, just get em in and get em out. Some days I would do 12 cars.

Probably cant go on commission just yet but am thinking about it for the future. Dealer provides factory training but the knowledge can be narrow. Kind of want to go to an independent shop if I can find one that would be willing to let me learn.

Would like to hear some input.

Thanks,

- Greg