Leaving the motor trade.
Discussion
A bit of a back story been in the motor trade now 12 years since I was 16 now 28 technician and MOT tester. The last couple of years have completely drained me of any love for the job or in fact cars in general. After moving into my first house 2 months ago and with some time off I've got to the point I need to get out while I still can.
The only thing is it's been my life for a long time so I'm in struggling too work out what next, I do enjoy driving which is leading me towards getting my hgv training and going into recovery.
Anyone got experience either from working in the industry/truck driving or if they have made the move off the tools into something else. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
The only thing is it's been my life for a long time so I'm in struggling too work out what next, I do enjoy driving which is leading me towards getting my hgv training and going into recovery.
Anyone got experience either from working in the industry/truck driving or if they have made the move off the tools into something else. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I know that feeling, been into the car trade since 16 myself, now 41 and run my own business, it just seems the job gets harder (cars are not simple anymore, costs like diagnostic computers get mental) and the customers the same. Drained, yep I know that feeling all too well.
I think I will ride it out, I am in too deep but have had thoughts like this previously, what else is there, I think most people think there job is the pits and we all think other jobs would be easier/better/more pay?
Carl
I think I will ride it out, I am in too deep but have had thoughts like this previously, what else is there, I think most people think there job is the pits and we all think other jobs would be easier/better/more pay?
Carl
C. Grimsley said:
I know that feeling, been into the car trade since 16 myself, now 41 and run my own business, it just seems the job gets harder (cars are not simple anymore, costs like diagnostic computers get mental) and the customers the same. Drained, yep I know that feeling all too well.
I think I will ride it out, I am in too deep but have had thoughts like this previously, what else is there, I think most people think there job is the pits and we all think other jobs would be easier/better/more pay?
Carl
I'm in a dealer as well which can be a blessing in some ways and a real nightmare in others. The constant drive for efficiency and upselling over doing the job right is exhausting. I think I will ride it out, I am in too deep but have had thoughts like this previously, what else is there, I think most people think there job is the pits and we all think other jobs would be easier/better/more pay?
Carl
I'm at the age I can do change just don't want to leave it too late.
I had a go at recovery for a year and mostly enjoyed it.
Most people are pleased to see you, and most of the time it's satisfying that you're helping some one in need.
In the end it was the nights where I was on call that drained me.
Company I worked for insisted you be on call for the night previous to a day booked in. Not sure how legal that would be nowadays, but back then it was no tachograph if you stayed within 60 miles of base.
If the law's since been changed I'd be pleased for the drivers.
When I moved on from that job a good nights sleep was very welcome, so just bear that one in mind.
Anyhow, nothing to stop you going back to the tools if whatever you tried wasn't for you.
Most people are pleased to see you, and most of the time it's satisfying that you're helping some one in need.
In the end it was the nights where I was on call that drained me.
Company I worked for insisted you be on call for the night previous to a day booked in. Not sure how legal that would be nowadays, but back then it was no tachograph if you stayed within 60 miles of base.
If the law's since been changed I'd be pleased for the drivers.
When I moved on from that job a good nights sleep was very welcome, so just bear that one in mind.
Anyhow, nothing to stop you going back to the tools if whatever you tried wasn't for you.
CoolHands said:
Could you specialise as a mechanic in a particular area eg clutch replacement and work from home or perhaps mobile? The clutch ones seem to be busy.
I did have a unit before the house had a bit of a thing going with mx5 built up a good network to sell on parts or repair and sell on. That time has gone now harder and harder to find cheap cars. I had to give it up to fund the house and will no real site of a pay rise in work getting another one may be tough finically. Plus I do want to get into racing again was put on hold for the house and being a mechanic really drains any energy too work on the race car.I
Trevor555 said:
I had a go at recovery for a year and mostly enjoyed it.
Most people are pleased to see you, and most of the time it's satisfying that you're helping some one in need.
In the end it was the nights where I was on call that drained me.
Company I worked for insisted you be on call for the night previous to a day booked in. Not sure how legal that would be nowadays, but back then it was no tachograph if you stayed within 60 miles of base.
If the law's since been changed I'd be pleased for the drivers.
When I moved on from that job a good nights sleep was very welcome, so just bear that one in mind.
Anyhow, nothing to stop you going back to the tools if whatever you tried wasn't for you.
This is what I was thinking always handy to have the driving entitlemts anyway and I can keep the mot license going to fall back on. The other option I was thinking of is contracting with auto recruit and going freelance.Most people are pleased to see you, and most of the time it's satisfying that you're helping some one in need.
In the end it was the nights where I was on call that drained me.
Company I worked for insisted you be on call for the night previous to a day booked in. Not sure how legal that would be nowadays, but back then it was no tachograph if you stayed within 60 miles of base.
If the law's since been changed I'd be pleased for the drivers.
When I moved on from that job a good nights sleep was very welcome, so just bear that one in mind.
Anyhow, nothing to stop you going back to the tools if whatever you tried wasn't for you.
If you’re going to leave the trade leave and do something completely different don’t do it half arsed.
Doing hgv then doing recovery will be something you regret.
Going from doing decent hours earning decent money to stood roadside dragging some absolute piece of junk on at 2am in the middle of winter being harangued by members of the public.
Putting your life in danger for worse hours and less money.
The motor trade is dire at the moment it’s mostly just catastrophic breakdowns that you in the garage are having to fix.
for folk that know better and can get it done cheaper by their mate who has googled what the problem is.
If I were you I’d stick with it or do something completely different.
The mechanics days are numbered as with the ev revolution ice cars will get less and less over the next decade or so. They are far simpler far less moving parts to break.
Or apply for one of the breakdown companies at least then the hours are terrible but the money is good if you willing to put the hours in and can cope with mincing round on the hard shoulder in pitch black and banging it down with rain.
Summer is ace tho.
All this is just my view make of it what you will.
Lots of mechanics seem to be going to work on trains or into the windmill and power generation business
Doing hgv then doing recovery will be something you regret.
Going from doing decent hours earning decent money to stood roadside dragging some absolute piece of junk on at 2am in the middle of winter being harangued by members of the public.
Putting your life in danger for worse hours and less money.
The motor trade is dire at the moment it’s mostly just catastrophic breakdowns that you in the garage are having to fix.
for folk that know better and can get it done cheaper by their mate who has googled what the problem is.
If I were you I’d stick with it or do something completely different.
The mechanics days are numbered as with the ev revolution ice cars will get less and less over the next decade or so. They are far simpler far less moving parts to break.
Or apply for one of the breakdown companies at least then the hours are terrible but the money is good if you willing to put the hours in and can cope with mincing round on the hard shoulder in pitch black and banging it down with rain.
Summer is ace tho.
All this is just my view make of it what you will.
Lots of mechanics seem to be going to work on trains or into the windmill and power generation business
Spent almost 20 years from leaving school in the car trade, like you, at that point I'd had enough of the way it was going, so I moved to the railways, shift work, but much better pay and conditions, no pressure as such compared to the cars, times flown by, and I've just retired the past march at 55, enjoying life now, times too short to be working in a job you dislike, not always possible to love your work, but, to get up every day knowing you'll hate is is soul destroying.
Changed roles either into being a mechanic on company van for big companies like the utilities, they are on a decent number with tidy hours and pensions, or go into being a fitter in a different industry. I work with lots of mechanics in my job in the water industry, we work on pumps mainly but also generators and big machinery. If you have a background in cars it’s not too difficult to pick it up.
Edited by Gooose on Monday 31st May 08:30
shakindog said:
If you’re going to leave the trade leave and do something completely different don’t do it half arsed.
Doing hgv then doing recovery will be something you regret.
Going from doing decent hours earning decent money to stood roadside dragging some absolute piece of junk on at 2am in the middle of winter being harangued by members of the public.
Putting your life in danger for worse hours and less money.
The motor trade is dire at the moment it’s mostly just catastrophic breakdowns that you in the garage are having to fix.
for folk that know better and can get it done cheaper by their mate who has googled what the problem is.
If I were you I’d stick with it or do something completely different.
The mechanics days are numbered as with the ev revolution ice cars will get less and less over the next decade or so. They are far simpler far less moving parts to break.
Or apply for one of the breakdown companies at least then the hours are terrible but the money is good if you willing to put the hours in and can cope with mincing round on the hard shoulder in pitch black and banging it down with rain.
Summer is ace tho.
All this is just my view make of it what you will.
Lots of mechanics seem to be going to work on trains or into the windmill and power generation business
I think this is pretty much spot onDoing hgv then doing recovery will be something you regret.
Going from doing decent hours earning decent money to stood roadside dragging some absolute piece of junk on at 2am in the middle of winter being harangued by members of the public.
Putting your life in danger for worse hours and less money.
The motor trade is dire at the moment it’s mostly just catastrophic breakdowns that you in the garage are having to fix.
for folk that know better and can get it done cheaper by their mate who has googled what the problem is.
If I were you I’d stick with it or do something completely different.
The mechanics days are numbered as with the ev revolution ice cars will get less and less over the next decade or so. They are far simpler far less moving parts to break.
Or apply for one of the breakdown companies at least then the hours are terrible but the money is good if you willing to put the hours in and can cope with mincing round on the hard shoulder in pitch black and banging it down with rain.
Summer is ace tho.
All this is just my view make of it what you will.
Lots of mechanics seem to be going to work on trains or into the windmill and power generation business
shakindog said:
If you’re going to leave the trade leave and do something completely different don’t do it half arsed.
Doing hgv then doing recovery will be something you regret.
Going from doing decent hours earning decent money to stood roadside dragging some absolute piece of junk on at 2am in the middle of winter being harangued by members of the public.
Putting your life in danger for worse hours and less money.
The motor trade is dire at the moment it’s mostly just catastrophic breakdowns that you in the garage are having to fix.
for folk that know better and can get it done cheaper by their mate who has googled what the problem is.
If I were you I’d stick with it or do something completely different.
The mechanics days are numbered as with the ev revolution ice cars will get less and less over the next decade or so. They are far simpler far less moving parts to break.
Or apply for one of the breakdown companies at least then the hours are terrible but the money is good if you willing to put the hours in and can cope with mincing round on the hard shoulder in pitch black and banging it down with rain.
Summer is ace tho.
All this is just my view make of it what you will.
Lots of mechanics seem to be going to work on trains or into the windmill and power generation business
Appreciate the reply only using recovery as a example but totally get your point. Also agree with you on the state of the trade and the on set of electric cars. Plenty of food for thought.Doing hgv then doing recovery will be something you regret.
Going from doing decent hours earning decent money to stood roadside dragging some absolute piece of junk on at 2am in the middle of winter being harangued by members of the public.
Putting your life in danger for worse hours and less money.
The motor trade is dire at the moment it’s mostly just catastrophic breakdowns that you in the garage are having to fix.
for folk that know better and can get it done cheaper by their mate who has googled what the problem is.
If I were you I’d stick with it or do something completely different.
The mechanics days are numbered as with the ev revolution ice cars will get less and less over the next decade or so. They are far simpler far less moving parts to break.
Or apply for one of the breakdown companies at least then the hours are terrible but the money is good if you willing to put the hours in and can cope with mincing round on the hard shoulder in pitch black and banging it down with rain.
Summer is ace tho.
All this is just my view make of it what you will.
Lots of mechanics seem to be going to work on trains or into the windmill and power generation business
Speak to folk in other garages at the moment most seem to have had enough and want out it’s really weird.
The backlog of work waiting is immense.
Most garages have a least a weeks worth waiting to be looked at and a fair amount of that is dead due to high cost to repair.
Everybody wants theirs snapped timing belt fixed in 5 minutes and for 100 quid.
Weather it’s due to a lot of them being furloughed and spending time at home doing what they want for months on end and getting paid for it. Then having to go back to the same place day after day dealing with idiots I’ve no idea.
Definitely something has changed it will get better the easy smash em in smash em out work will return.
And as an mot tester keep your ticket up and you’ll never be out of work it’s a handy thing to have as even Ev’s need an mot
The backlog of work waiting is immense.
Most garages have a least a weeks worth waiting to be looked at and a fair amount of that is dead due to high cost to repair.
Everybody wants theirs snapped timing belt fixed in 5 minutes and for 100 quid.
Weather it’s due to a lot of them being furloughed and spending time at home doing what they want for months on end and getting paid for it. Then having to go back to the same place day after day dealing with idiots I’ve no idea.
Definitely something has changed it will get better the easy smash em in smash em out work will return.
And as an mot tester keep your ticket up and you’ll never be out of work it’s a handy thing to have as even Ev’s need an mot
MG CHRIS said:
shakindog said:
If you’re going to leave the trade leave and do something completely different don’t do it half arsed.
Doing hgv then doing recovery will be something you regret.
Going from doing decent hours earning decent money to stood roadside dragging some absolute piece of junk on at 2am in the middle of winter being harangued by members of the public.
Putting your life in danger for worse hours and less money.
The motor trade is dire at the moment it’s mostly just catastrophic breakdowns that you in the garage are having to fix.
for folk that know better and can get it done cheaper by their mate who has googled what the problem is.
If I were you I’d stick with it or do something completely different.
The mechanics days are numbered as with the ev revolution ice cars will get less and less over the next decade or so. They are far simpler far less moving parts to break.
Or apply for one of the breakdown companies at least then the hours are terrible but the money is good if you willing to put the hours in and can cope with mincing round on the hard shoulder in pitch black and banging it down with rain.
Summer is ace tho.
All this is just my view make of it what you will.
Lots of mechanics seem to be going to work on trains or into the windmill and power generation business
Appreciate the reply only using recovery as a example but totally get your point. Also agree with you on the state of the trade and the on set of electric cars. Plenty of food for thought.Doing hgv then doing recovery will be something you regret.
Going from doing decent hours earning decent money to stood roadside dragging some absolute piece of junk on at 2am in the middle of winter being harangued by members of the public.
Putting your life in danger for worse hours and less money.
The motor trade is dire at the moment it’s mostly just catastrophic breakdowns that you in the garage are having to fix.
for folk that know better and can get it done cheaper by their mate who has googled what the problem is.
If I were you I’d stick with it or do something completely different.
The mechanics days are numbered as with the ev revolution ice cars will get less and less over the next decade or so. They are far simpler far less moving parts to break.
Or apply for one of the breakdown companies at least then the hours are terrible but the money is good if you willing to put the hours in and can cope with mincing round on the hard shoulder in pitch black and banging it down with rain.
Summer is ace tho.
All this is just my view make of it what you will.
Lots of mechanics seem to be going to work on trains or into the windmill and power generation business
OP - not sure what your salary is at the moment but below is an advert for an AA Recovery driver
https://www.theaacareers.co.uk/job-details/?id=500...
https://www.theaacareers.co.uk/job-details/?id=500...
Countdown said:
OP - not sure what your salary is at the moment but below is an advert for an AA Recovery driver
https://www.theaacareers.co.uk/job-details/?id=500...
Around 23k ATM plus bonuses and overtime it was alright when I didn't have a house but now I got more bills and on my own it's getting less and less each month. This is one of the reason in getting out I can earn more in the city but extra travelling specially into Cardiff if a pain and extra fuel cost.https://www.theaacareers.co.uk/job-details/?id=500...
shakindog said:
Speak to folk in other garages at the moment most seem to have had enough and want out it’s really weird.
The backlog of work waiting is immense.
Most garages have a least a weeks worth waiting to be looked at and a fair amount of that is dead due to high cost to repair.
Everybody wants theirs snapped timing belt fixed in 5 minutes and for 100 quid.
Weather it’s due to a lot of them being furloughed and spending time at home doing what they want for months on end and getting paid for it. Then having to go back to the same place day after day dealing with idiots I’ve no idea.
Definitely something has changed it will get better the easy smash em in smash em out work will return.
And as an mot tester keep your ticket up and you’ll never be out of work it’s a handy thing to have as even Ev’s need an mot
Yea same with us main dealer the service work is returning along with Mots but it's been mostly crap for last 2 months. Also the place I'm at is going through a loss of staff Which is making things worse. Will keep the mot going way too handy even though they like to make it more difficult each year with the assessment.The backlog of work waiting is immense.
Most garages have a least a weeks worth waiting to be looked at and a fair amount of that is dead due to high cost to repair.
Everybody wants theirs snapped timing belt fixed in 5 minutes and for 100 quid.
Weather it’s due to a lot of them being furloughed and spending time at home doing what they want for months on end and getting paid for it. Then having to go back to the same place day after day dealing with idiots I’ve no idea.
Definitely something has changed it will get better the easy smash em in smash em out work will return.
And as an mot tester keep your ticket up and you’ll never be out of work it’s a handy thing to have as even Ev’s need an mot
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