Question for those that work on cars for a living.

I'm basically at a point in my life where i'm trying to figure out wtf I'm going to do as a profession. Never had any real drive to do anything specific and I never grew up excelling in any particular thing. I have a decent amount of knowledge about cars, but no real experience diagnosing/working on major things. But at least It's something I have some interest in.

So for those that have jobs in the field / have gone to school and such for it. How do you like it & what are some of the pros/cons?
Are there any particular branched careers that offer better pay / better environment or job outlook?


For those that are here just because they enjoy cars. Feel free to answer the same questions, but about your actual profession.

Good luck finding a job if you do go auto I have a lot of friends that are ase cert and can't get a good job

Well im by no means a mechanic, nor am super mechanically inclined like some people here, but my opinion on this matter is, why limit yourself to something strictly in the automotive field?

Oh i'm not. Just an option that I have some interest in so I'm just looking to see peoples opinions on it.
And Justin, that's a major factor I'm trying to figure out as well. I understand a lot of people are having problems finding jobs in most fields. But I'm trying to find something that has a high chance of open jobs. The little college experience I had was basically pointless so if I went back to school it'd be a new start.

Trying to figure out if going back to school is the best choice, but considering I have no real interest in anything in particular + not exactly financially stable, Idk what the best choice is atm.
Also due to all the recent problems i've had, I've been stuck working minimal part time hours. Needing to get a full time job no matter what, but i'd like to get one that will actually help me for the future as experience (instead of working a bull shit factory full time job or something)

So i'm just interested in hearing anyone's perspective/experience/knowledge about anything related.

I work in the industry and I like it.

From my experience Id say to shoot for a specialized field. I like restoratations because usually the owner cares a lot about the vehicle, and has deep pockets to prove the fact.

I felt like I was robbing people when Id have to fix, and charge accordingly, for the rapairs that had to be made on their only form of transportation to and from work.

So I took the Robin Hood approach and only charge those who can afford it.

I started doing electronic accessory installs when I was 15, decided I wanted to have some sort of education so I took an auto tech course, now I'm trying to get into the army as a vehicle tech.

Most shops work off a flat rate system.
I do well in flat rate systems but I was very unhappy when the slow months came. This is obviously averaged out by the busy season but I just didn't like sitting around for a good portion of my 13 hour shift without pay.
I've worked in all kinds of shops and I can tell you that flat rate is not for some people.

My job as a electronic accessory installer has some obvious perks.
My brother and I both get:

HOURLY PAY
Company car
Gas for said car
Insurance for said car
Paid hotel and food for when we're sent out for overnights

Side job installs are also a good source of extra cash, alarms and HID installs especially.

/e only thing about it is that you need to able to grasp the concept of how electricity behaves and the theories behind it. It baffles me how much people don't seem to understand how electricity works (and they blame it on not being able to "see" it in action).

This post was edited by SlyGoSu on Oct 28 2013 04:26pm

i went to school for gas auto and found nothing better than minimum wage which was a huge step down compared to what i was making doing something else at the time. i dont work on vehicles daily but anytime a friend of family member needs help i do their work for them.

in my honest opinion i would advise you to go diesel tech. the world of diesel engines is starting to really pick up in passenger cars and trucks and there is ALWAYS a job working on semis. plus most farm machinery is diesel so its another plus.

a lot will depend on your cost of living.

my advice would be to learn about hybrid cars as well as the regular gas. I find diesel more to be trucks, of course there is regular sedans having diesels but the volume is not there, the business of diesel is in trucks.

and try to work for a dealership. Ford, Toyota etc sell a lot of cars to fleets, so you have both regular families and company cars to be worked on. Though the luxury dealerships will pay more, but you would have to have more of a resume to get hired there (i assume)

went to the lexus dealership to change oil, seen only 1 guy have a "master hybrid technician" on his wall thing

try to go co-op and land in a independent shop, and remember dealerships/insurance companies use local "reputable local shops" for work, its not all dealership work

gl

Guy I know recently started working in the service center at sears and mentioned there may be some PT openings for entry level stuff. Doing oil changes/ tires and such and he mentioned you wouldn't really need your own tools. Already working a PT mainly night shifts but it'd be nice to have some more income so if they could both work together I might consider it.

Anyone advise against working at a place like this? Whether it's just shitty work or bad experience or anything. He said he wasn't sure if this position is commission based or not. But he said the level he's at he gets paid 6.50/hr + com. I don't know a ton about it, just heard about it so I know i'm not much help, but any thoughts on the subject is definitely appreciated.

Thanks for the previous replies as well.

Where does the commission part come from?

If you pursue the mechanic career anywhere you will want your own tools. I want to say it will even require it.

As far as this position goes it wouldn't hurt to get a feel for it I guess. And if he said you don't have to supply your own tools that's even better. Give it a shot man.