Exotic car mechanic or indentured servant

[@sdallas68]

What you said applies to any person who works for someone else. Engineers especially. That’s why it’s important to invest for retirement and live below your means so you can choose to walk away at any time. Depending on a paycheck is what makes you a slave.

[@atfsgeoff]

Was gonna say this. What you get paid is dictated by how many other people can do your job acceptably. If you are the only person in the WORLD who can repair a priceless Duesenberg to factory spec, you can name your price. If you are one of five million guys out there who can use a torque wrench and diagnose car problems competently, then of course you are not going to be paid a fortune.

[@nicasiodean2762]

How do I get out of the rat race at 21 and only making 10 an hour? What are my options?

[@trentdawg2832]

Well said sir

[@trentdawg2832]

@@nicasiodean2762 learn a trade. ...be a plumber or electrician or hvac dude. ....go find a construction site and ask if they need any laborers, that's how u get your foot in the door, then show an intrest in a specific trade and ask questions and try and buddy up with one of the tradesmen.......that's what I did 20yrs ago.......needless to say, I'm not living check to check anymore, haven't been for over 15 yrs....I'm a plumber and a damn good one at that.....good luck to ya. FYI plumbers get dirty....electrician's dont

[@danielj5650]

@@trentdawg2832 so that's how u got ur job? u just walk up to a work site and talk to them?

[@ottergreen8190]

There’s an old phrase that says “the shoemakers son goes shoeless”.

[@JDale56]

I would like to add that even in the example you cited, the Mercedes dealer charging a shop rate of $180/hr, the mechanic is only getting about $20-$40/hr depending on efficiency, and the dealership pockets the balance.

[@4NINETYSIX]

@@randysearle2702 THIS Exactly ~ Excellent post .

[@Mrcrappyfuntastic]

@@randysearle2702 expect it to be sooner.

[@715rdmail]

@@randysearle2702 The one thing you missed was the risk that was taken by the owner. Putting his entire future on the line. We all believe we're worth more than we're paid but the market will dictate.

[@quickcooper61]

@mxt mxt if the workers deserve higher salaries, then why don't they demand it? If the business owner is not concerned about you terminating your employment, it must mean that there are many other people in the work force that are competent and willing to do the job for less or the same amount.

[@quickcooper61]

@mxt mxt yes... I have had many jobs and now work as a mechanical engineer. I find my work very fulfilling and I am compensated well for it. But even being paid a wage that I negotiated for and think is fair for my intellectual efforts, I know that I will eventually have my own business in manufacturing because it is the only way to move up in the world financially. Workers can play hardball all they want, but the reality is that working on cars is literally not rocket science and while not everyone can do it, the supply far exceeds the demand. That is why mechanics and techs get paid the way they do.

[@scotthagerty7837]

High end carpenters deal with this too. Hired by the rich and expected to work for cheap on their multi million dollar homes.

[@jollyrodger5319]

Been there done that on boats cars and motorcycles. Now the housing market. Can't believe that I still don't make a living wage. Smh

[@trentdawg2832]

Plumbers too.....lol

[@nyannyan123456]

@@trentdawg2832, Im a skilled worker and understand our skills cost money. But I just called a local plumber to replace a water heat and a couple pressure tanks. He quoted me at $2752. Come on that's just outrageous. I just bought a never used water heater off FB for $200 and went to Lowes bought two pressure tanks for $330. Ill probably spend another $100 or so on fittings. I'm going to have about $650 in it on my own. Saving myself $2,102. Even if I bought a brand new water heater I'm still saving a ton. Some people are pricing themselves out of business.

[@andyfreeman6865]

@@nyannyan123456 Plumbers get paid very well. That's a bad example 😝 A better example is, I got paid $11.50/hr to fix M cars, Porsches, Mercedes, and sadly a few Audis. Then they committed tax fraud and didn't report me as an employee to the IRS stating I was self employed. Now there's a notice in my mailbox that I'm not excited to read.

[@Blazerghost]

@@andyfreeman6865 Ferrari of San Antonio did that 🤡

[@davidr6865]

Engineers who can work with their hands are also a hot commodity nowadays. People come out of college with their engineering degrees but many can’t visualize, plan or design things well because they have no clue how to work on anything. Thank you for the honest and 100% on point video. I hope you turn some of the younger guys in the right direction. -engineer and car enthusiast

[@CaseyPutsch]

here here!

[@ryanrodriguez3319]

@@CaseyPutsch How intelligent do you have to be in order to become an engineer?

[@dquad]

@@ryanrodriguez3319 Not very. I made it through, so anyone can.

[@WayneB27]

Thinking more about this, I had little trouble with self made wealthy clients , however their offspring were a nightmare to deal with (air of entitlement)

[@angrysam1]

The “flat rate” system is the biggest crime ever bestowed on the industry. It allows everyone EXCEPT the person actually doing the work to name the price for that person’s labor. You don’t go into a car manufacturer and tell them how much they’re going to sell you a car for yet that exactly what the system they perpetuate does to mechanics every day. Not to mention, unless you’re at a union shop, most will not guarantee you 40 hour weeks if the work isn’t there. So, you can be there for 40 but since the shop could only schedule you enough work for 20 hours then that’s what you get. Seems fair, right? Forced to spend $10k on tooling and great paid part-time?

[@beastlydookie81]

My friend was making 100,000 straight outta college at a toyota dealership because he works faster than the expected rate

[@sunnohh]

Unless you own the shop, like the car wizard

[@jollyrodger5319]

Yeah but you do make more on flat rate than you do on f****** hourly that's for damn sure I'll take half a shop rate

[@CapitalWorksPro]

I make $50k without benefits included. The postal service estimates the benefits to be worth another $25k. I work at whatever pace I feel like working at, 5 days a week, 40 hours a week, and no one can say shit about how fast or slow I work. I definitely don't take advantage of it like I'm sure the picture in your head just concocted, but its nice to not have to die for my money in the industry.

[@stevenwilliams1805]

Most people scarcely realize the cost of tools or, assume the shop will provide tools.

[@simongarcia2083]

My father use to be a great mechanic until he kept bring guilted into fixing everyone's car for free that was around him

[@GhostOfAMachine]

I still charge them all same as anybody else

[@taylorjams4845]

Same. I don't mind fixing other people's things just to help them out. As long as they don't take me for granted or be ungrateful about it. Good thing it's only a hobby for me.

[@TheGooGaming]

Look up on KZbin "Louis Rossman F word"

[@dafirnz]

That's why I don't tell people I have the training, space or ability to fix cars. I work on a few for people close to me and that's about it.

[@automedic9781]

As I always say, I’m in the business of making money, I just happen to fix cars. I don’t work for free unless it’s my mother, my wife, or my own fuck up that I need to make right

[@JWsGarage]

As a shop owner I couldn’t agree more. I’m to a point I hate my business, cant even stand to go to my own shop that I worked 30 years to achieve. Guess it’s true what they say, careful what you wish for you just may get it.

[@dr.lyleevans6915]

At a certain point do you feel trapped; in that your success has you in a position where stopping (for your own physical/mental sake) would likely let down tons of employees and clients? Not to mention your family? If it is too personal a question feel free to ignore it

[@dr.lyleevans6915]

Melissa Hill I am in a similar position, have been for a while. What keeps me going is the huge responsibility to those people and their families (mine as well). I also know that if I were to squander this opportunity, the loss of all the potential assets I would have otherwise acquired would harm not only my current family, but their children and even their children. But I am not happy, and this isn’t how I planned it. The entire purpose of being successful is to gain independence and to live your best life free from anyone/anything that seeks to hinder that. Well, that and giving my family and friends that opportunity to have amazing lives. (Also we can pursue passions; I’ve always been into cars for instance). Sorry, I am rambling. It’s a burden. I will carry on

[@dr.lyleevans6915]

Melissa Hill Exactly! I’m not actually married; I am engaged though. Neither one of us have any children or have ever been married (I’m in my early 30’s, she’s late 20’s), but we plan on having children soon. I still think (a lot actually) about the future of those children. I wasn’t raised super poor I don’t guess, but certainly not wealthy. I had to buy my first car, school clothes (didn’t own a pair of pants until high school, only 2 pairs of shorts and 2 shirts), food sometimes, put myself through university etc. I started working very early (illegal early) in construction, washed dishes and detailed cars every afternoon after school and weekends. I began college through a dual enrollment program my softmore yearof high school (I was already a year ahead), so by the time I graduated high school I was barely a semester short of an associates degree. Even with all of that going on, I was able to save up enough to buy a new Toyota Celica as well as a slightly used Porsche by age 17. Paid them off. Went on to earn degrees in Business Admin and Constitutional Law. Point being I was forced to spend my youth working crappy jobs and studying (home life wasn’t great; older brother was a violent drug addict, father the same but had left when I was young, my mother a good woman but wasn’t around much and didn’t really look after me when she was). Although those conditions forced me to become strong willed and self sufficient, I know I can never allow my children to struggle and suffer like that. (I’m getting too personal. It’s nice talking to someone who kind of gets it. I’m sorry if its too much lol, please feel free to tell me your story) My fiancée is an amazing person, truly. But she has no idea the struggles I’ve been through (she had a great, well-off, large Christian family), nor the stress on me. I also feel sometimes that she doesn’t realize how bad things can be, and maybe she thinks all this comes easy. I don’t know. It isn’t her fault at all, and I envy her. It’s a good thing she hasn’t had to experience that stuff. I also have my deadbeat brother (who had a child he’s never bothered to see, not once; I’ve been helping out there), my mother (who lost her job and filed bankruptcy, lost her house after the 08’ crises), father in awful health and can’t work, a few good friends in bad shape etc. I don’t know, I’m just exhausted. But walking away isn’t an option. And like you said, employees. Amazing folks I am blessed to have. Salt of the earth, great people I could trust with my life (most of them). I really do take great care of them, and luckily they are the type that genuinely appreciate it. We’re basically family. So it is what it is. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love that I am in a position to do so much for so many great people. I feel selfish for complaining, this was my dream. I’m just wore out; stress and anxiety are so bad that it is physically hurting.

[@dr.lyleevans6915]

Melissa Hill I appreciate your input. Luckily I never really got into drinking; had fun in college and whatnot but otherwise it’s probably been 3 years since I’ve had more than 2 beers or a glass of wine. I should probably lay off the crank though. Just kidding I’m not a practicing attorney (thankfully), I actually run a large scale plant nursery / farm, along with a construction company. I’ve been doing a little better as far as lowering my obligations; a couple of years ago I would have considered 100 hours a short week. Stress comes with the job I suppose, but it keeps me busy and I’m really happy on general.

[@luchacefox259]

Immigrants worked at all the shops I have worked at for pennies while the shop owners charge 140 an hour. I made 30 an hour and was often the highest paid mechanic in the bay despite having less experience than some of the other guys. It was the same when I worked in restaurants. Until we force employers to use a system (e-verify) to prove an employee has the right to work here in the USA we will continue to see low wages and more immigration. I have noticed this idea is very unpopular amongst rich business owners and illegals, which I find ironic. They only agree on 2 things in whole world tacos taste great, and immigrant should be slaves to the rich at the cost of everyone eles future no matter what. Now finish your taco Juan that Ferrari's brakes have to be done today or no 12 dollars an hour for you today. Yeah its just like that.

[@6lemans10]

Employment At Will laws need to be abolished!

[@NewScottishGentry]

currently figuring that out for myself. even working at the dealership is a dead end these days - it’s all warranty/recall work, you don’t ‘repair’ much these days. maint intervals are stretched out so that gravy isn’t even there as much and the benefits suck. it’s crazy how much liability you assume for how little you’re compensated as a dealership mechanic. unless you own your own shop or work for a govt fleet, like transit or the city/county, you won’t be compensated enough for what you’re worth. so i’m saving up to start a merchant marine class next year, and treating my hourly tech job like a paid internship in the meantime!

[@JWsGarage]

As a shop owner let me tell you it absolutely sucks! Worked 30 years to get to own my own shop and I absolutely hate it.

[@toyoscio]

@@JWsGarage Business

[@JWsGarage]

toyoscio ? Yes sorry if I was not clear. I own the largest heavy collision repair shop on the west coast.

[@luchacefox259]

@@JWsGarage Dude that sucks I am sorry to hear that. I repair and flip cars off copart a couple times a year and do pretty good on what I buy but my real passion is building out my own custom visions off rolling shells. I always go upside down on my own builds though so I know there is no money in it even though I think my builds turn out awesome. Parts cost and insane hours (I'm a bit of a perfectionist) always add up to more than I ever get for the complete cars I usually end up selling to friends (With $$$) anyway. I guess my question for you is, if you had it to over again what segment of the car world would you work in or focus on? If any? I see alot of guys doing well making upgrade parts (thats who sponsors everything) also salvage yards seem to be making good money and keeping reasonable hours. Sorry I know this is long and kind of a deep question but I would love to hear from someone at the top with some perspective.

[@luchacefox259]

@@JWsGarage Hey thanks for the reply, and I was afraid you would say that. I am the son of an electrical engineer and my dad taught me a ton about the field so electric cars are very much within my depth. That being said I hate them with a burning passion and so do most other real car guys I know. Sure they are amazing machines in their own right but they have no soul and we all know it. No offense but I think you have a bit of west coast bias also. I used to live in Eugene (8 years) but I am from Houston where I live now. I know how popular electrics were out there but people here hate them and almost everyone drives trucks or SUVs and everything is much further apart. I can't see electrics making it here anytime soon. Plus even though they have been sold a green machines the truth is they are far higher in carbon footprint than is admitted. Na I'm a smoker for life and I know it. Even if when I'm old I am the last guy with a gasoline engine, I will refine my own and keep it on the road. Maybe thats the future of automotive work, boutique refiner of fine fuels lol.

[@brewcityb]

Totally agree I was a tech and for the first years most of your wages go towards tools That sucked.. I went into IT and now work on cars as a side hustle. P.S I really miss wrenching but economics don’t support going back.

[@ilham7345]

I would like to go the same path as you

[@TheTulerie]

It unfortunately happens everywhere. The ones that stay behind the scene & literally make everything work, almost NEVER get the amount of credibility that they deserve.

[@CaseyPutsch]

Accurate! Maybe we can on this channel!

[@ryurc3033]

I very much appreciate you sticking up for the little guy. We know more than most. I tried to build hot rods,no money in building. Instead I work on everyday crap so I can just build my stuff. But it burns me out working on crappy Chevy Cobalts and Ford f150s so I don't even want to put my stuff together. Parts aren't worth a crap anymore either. As if it was designed to fail..... Even what used to be good brands turned to something else.

[@joegeorgia8989]

Spot on. It seems like this goes for craftsman across the board in any trade.

[@CaseyPutsch]

100% and thanks for watching!

[@dh1240]

VERY grateful that you brought this topic up. The old saying was that you could tell that a man was a real craftsman if he couldn't afford his own work. As a machinist, I regularly rescue multi-million dollar equipment and get production restored (which can translate to 100's of 1000's of $/hr) only to get chiseled on my rate. As a sideline I build and restore custom rifles as well as make various rare or unobtainable parts for aircraft restoration. The $ I get ( as well as other craftsmen who not only do excellent work but are often among only a few in the world who can do it), is nowhere near the value it should have. Alas, at my age I take what I can get. Rare skills and true craftsmanship are a joy to pass along but it is done more rarely all the time as it's pointless for young people when the investment, effort and time are weighed vs. the reward. Terrific channel. You have great insights & I really appreciate that you are saying these things OUT LOUD!

[@CaseyPutsch]

D H thank you for sharing sir!! Saying this stuff sometimes scares the crap out of me, but I feel it needs to be said. Thank you for watching.

[@CaseyPutsch]

How many mechanics and craftsmen aren’t being paid what they are worth, are struggling, or get dropped on their butts? Most of them. Not cool!

[@lesterscrugs2272]

A friend of mine started his automotive career working for a vintage Porsche dealership. He did side work to make extra money because he wasn't paid enough. Made more money from side work then his job so he started his own business.

[@altanic5855]

As a young person, even as someone who isn't particularly interested in entering the automotive industry, this hits home. I finished high school, but dropped out of college after 2 semesters because I didn't have a clear major focus in mind, but I always felt satisfied leaving class and cooking in the school cafeteria immediately after. 4 years later, I work for rich white men at a Golf Club. I like cooking and creating delicious meals, but there is definitely a feeling of unappreciation. You see so many different people, some people come from labor background, and I think they legitimately sympathize and understand that these positions are underpaid and quite frankly, they are well-off to be out of them. I think it has a lot to do with the mentality of the elderly generation that really make the decisions. I think when more people, perhaps like you, become CEOs and major business owners it may be possible to see real changes in how laborers are treated.

[@shelbyavant5081]

Well, here goes.... I see most comments are in a pretty emphatic agreement, which is normal. Most people don't watch and then comment on things that they don't even like in the first place, so no biggie. Several comments I've seen involve people who have a different perspective from Casey's, maybe even an opposing one. I like these the best, and I'll bet a steak dinner that he does too. You see, we are not all car people. (I am but this isn't the point) The thing we have in common on this channel, which is one of the few to which I am subscribed, is that we are all addicted to learning. When you stop learning, you stop growing, and life becomes repetitive, empty. This leads me to the third category of posters. I believe the modern term is troll. I don't agree with every word that Casey says, and he can even be a little snarky sometimes, but getting on here and calling him nonsensical or a socialist isn't helping anyone to learn or change their mind. Funny thing is, the guy is even polite to these people. Casey didn't ask me to defend him or help make his point, but I have a long lunch today. No, not every ironworker deserves a skyscraper. Not every jeweler deserves a golden toilet and unlimited funds. However, if you combine the intricacy of the jeweler with the hard labor of the iron worker, then you start to understand what it is to build, repair, and restore classic or exotic cars. We are mechanics, machinists, welders, plumbers, hvac, woodworkers, fabricators, researchers, painters, electricians, musicians, e.t.c. Some of us are only a few of these, some are all of these and more. Yes, I said musicians. Tuning 2, 3, 4, or even 6 or 8 carburetors, balancing tires or doing front (or rear) end alignments, setting timing, valve lash, exhaust wave reversion, or slewing fuel tables and timing curves on a lap top all require the same feel or ear that it takes to tune or calibrate a stringed or percussion instrument, maintain a live mixing board, or program a light and sound show. And what a sound when you get it right! The intake air rushing in, the exhaust blasting its way out, tires shrieking, gears whining, girlfriend squealing. It is indeed like being the conductor of a symphony after rigorous rehearsals. The tools that we use are often prohibitively expensive, and can take a lifetime (or more) to accumulate and learn to use. Putting a water pump in a Lincoln town car at a dealership isn't so bad, but classic and exotic/race means dealing with antiques one day and the literal cutting edge of technology the next. Just finding parts can take an exorbitant amount of time and research, regardless of the customer's pocketbook. Someone made a comment about how we chose to go into this profession, so that's what we get. What a cynical statement. There are plenty of professions that are underappreciated, and many that are over glamorized. I think even a fan of football would admit that tens of millions per year to play a game might be a hair bit heavy. A world class builder once told me "By the time you've built a car right, you probably built it three times", and there is an enormous degree of profundity to this statement. Most people just don't realize what goes into this profession/hobby/lifestyle and a little more money WOULD be nice. We are unbelievably passionate artists and creators, and this is what the people that Casey is talking about are taking advantage of. A musician will load $5,000 in equipment into a $500 car and drive it 50 miles to make $5. Doing what you love is an inescapable high, but I'm with Sensei Putsch and Bill Murray on this one. "How about a little something for the effort?"

[@CaseyPutsch]

Shelby Avant hey! Hey Lama! Total conscience ain’t enough this time. :) here here and thanks for being a reasonable and caring person Shelby.

[@pivotalevent]

Ah yes! Learning is the answer. No matter what the profession, if your not progressing you will have stagnate income. Even humble mechanics have gone on to bigger and greater things when they look to bigger and greater things! Remember as well bigger and greater things almost always just means serving others better and or more people better! Although,I have heard a few musicians that weren't worth the five bucks. Ha!

[@danger450]

1. Nice Mercedes SL. 2. Excellent points. I know a lot of people with high end cars, Ford GT's, collectible" V12 Lambo's, and high-end classics by owners are are just douchebags to the mechanics who help keep them alive.

[@CaseyPutsch]

Too true! Thanks for the comment.

[@a7i20ci7y]

Just before graduating high school, my two auto tech teachers told me not to be a mechanic, despite having just received my state inspection license. They told me to go into computers instead. I took their advice and I'm glad I did. I can never thank those guys enough. They were the only mentors I had. No one else ever saw any potential in me.

[@CaseyPutsch]

a7i20ci7y good story and glad you found good mentors!

[@TheBrokenLife]

I've said this exact same thing to countless other people, but I don't know how many open ears it really fell on.... I've always had an interest in cars and at one point considered taking it up as a trade... Then I met several guys that had done so but were older... No matter how successful they were (and many were very successful), they all had blown out backs by the time they were 40 and were still punching a clock (or worse) hoping things would go OK in the long run... Many were job jumping all the time too, never really knowing where the next payday was coming from. I went into a Mechanical Engineering Technology program instead and worked in automotive through that avenue and play with my own cars for fun. Straight ME wasn't really for me, but the machining and design coursework in MET was right up my alley and has been hugely beneficial to my career... to the point that I'm literally the only guy in my department that even knows how to drill a hole..

[@Trussme96]

This was the main reason I decided to get into construction and development instead of becoming a mechanic. Pretty much every mechanic I knew either couldn't afford their dream car or had to sell it after putting a stupid amount of hours and money into it. Nobody can afford to fix their cars and mechanics can't afford to make their prices affordable for customers. Seeing the current state of the service/repair industry, I don't regret it.

[@theislandsc]

8:25-8:40-I thought you were talking about the marine industry for a second there. If you think that rich people with cars are bad try fixing their yacht with them on vacation. Then tell him he has to spend 10k+ on one part.

[@jollyrodger5319]

Must live in South Florida brother I feel your pain I know all about those yacht millionaires penny-pinchin bastards

[@mercedesornothing8664]

the mechanics at the dealership dont get paid $180 per hour. Thats what the dealerships charge. The mechanics make like 15-20 per hour. not even a living wage.

[@natert0ts]

I work with a diesel mechanic. First week of work he looks at me and goes if you want to be a mechanic don’t, it it’s not worth it. Took me a while to figure out why, and now I’m glad I delayed going to school to see if it would be right for me

[@dondakota920]

I can understand why a mechanic would tell you not to do that job but it's not about money. 25 years ago I earned six figures annually as a mechanic. I would still not advise someone to do it because the average person does not have the specific type of aptitude needed to be successful. Also you're working with harsh chemicals doing heavy grueling labor in some of the most extreme environments you can imagine. Sometimes working with ice cold metal in the middle of a frigid winter and other times working in temperatures above 150 degrees Fahrenheit trying to diagnose engine problems. It can be miserable but if you're good at it you will make lots of money.

[@TheBrokenLife]

@@dondakota920 That's what talked me out of it... The physical wear and tear wasn't something I wanted. Most of the successful mechanics I know probably out earn me, but I can stand up straight at 40 years old.

[@toyoscio]

​@@dondakota920 You think UPS and FedEx delivery drivers have it easier?

[@dondakota920]

@@toyoscio yes, absolutely

[@toyoscio]

@@dondakota920 LOL fair enough, though one UPS guy that delivered to where I was volunteering was tired out when he dropped of the package on a hot day

[@nickpiro5798]

I’m happy someone makes videos about the truthful side of this career / hobby , you inspired me as a college student to take on my recent 1999 M3 project. Keep em up, Nick.

[@CaseyPutsch]

Thanks Nick! I wanna see pics of your car sometime!

[@nickpiro5798]

What is the best way to contact you? I’m excited and have been working on it in the parking lot - cosmos black on black

[@CaseyPutsch]

IG DM

[@semifarming]

I was a mechanic for over a decade working at an independent shop in southeast Missouri having paid 30k to go to school to be a mechanic and then having to buy my own tools to do the job. By the time i quit turning wrenches for a living I realised that I was being taken addavatage of and was not making what i felt that i was worth by a long shot. When I left I was making 35k a year (10k below meadan wage) and had spent more on tools than what I spent on my house. Looking back I wish that I had chose a different path before I was so abusive to my own body from averaging anywhere from 70-100 hours a week doing heavy steering and suspension work making shit money. When I had left being a mechanic I was so burned out on working on cars that I would rather pay someone to work on my own car than do the work my self (and then turn around and not trust the work they did and go back behind them to check it over or worse fix it).

[@MyDailyUpload]

Society puts more value into manipulating capital than it does in artists and craftsmen. The sad fact is that there are far too many wrench turners and “artists” than society could support to such a level of wealth. The kids who couldn’t hack math or sit still in class get shuffled off to shop or drop out. I love craftsmen and artists but they often are not educated like the knowledge workers. Oh and one more thing. A mechanic is limited by his own ability to do labor at that moment. An equity raider has other folks do his dirty business for him, his abilities are multiplied by every person (who is on salary by the way) under him. Your mechanical engineer in your talk isn’t a lot better than your mechanic. They can’t afford million dollar cars either.

[@CaseyPutsch]

MyDailyUpload 100%

[@JDale56]

Its economies of scale. A finance manager who manipulates multiples of billions and manages a reasonable rate of return for the client gets a small fee for that transaction - but it is still a percentage of many BILLIONS. A skilled hands-on craftsman is still limited to the time it takes to perform a given project. As alluded to in the video a "smart" mechanic needs to become a MANAGER - hire less skilled mechanics and pay them $20/hr while supervising their work and hustling up rich customers to send them projects.

[@AnonyMous-jf4lc]

Started as a mechanic in my early 20's, by my late 20's I had 11 ASE certs, Chrysler gold certified, and was a shop foreman. Topped out. Left and went into engineering. Best decision I ever made. Currently a director for a division of a $15 billion company. The mechanic industry is poison for good techs. If you are highly skilled and intelligent, you realize you are getting starved and short-changed for your skills.

[@marcor413]

There's less and less people willing to do physical jobs so the supply and demand rule will take care of it. I doubt that robot's will be abled to fix vintage and exotics cars. We are seeing wages going up as we speak in all hands on jobs.

[@CaseyPutsch]

One hopes!

[@saltyapostle44]

No - not vintage and exotics - but regular cars are another story. I'm reading a book now about the future and many think personal cars will cease to be a thing in 20 years. Once they become driver-less and fully autonomous they are likely to become a shared resource instead of people owning them directly. We'll just call for one when we need them. They will become modular so robots will be able to swap out the malfunctioning parts. The car industry will be massively disrupted in ways we can't even imagine if they can get autonomous to work.

[@JWsGarage]

Sorry guy they already solved the supply and demand problem. Illegal labor!

[@toyoscio]

@@saltyapostle44 What's wrong with that?

[@saltyapostle44]

@@toyoscio Depends on your priorities. Do you want all those people who will be displaced by tech to continue to have jobs, be productive and maintain a sense of self-worth - or do you just want to see a bunch of robots running around for the sake of seeing if we can do it? It's possible - but is it necessarily better - and better for whom? Just because something is possible doesn't mean it's a good thing to do. If you can somehow create meaningful work for all those displaced workers - then yes - do it. If you are going to make them all wards of the state and dependent on the government for all their means of support - living basically at a subsistence level of existence - making the US into a 3 tier system of the ultra rich - a small class of tech workers and a massive underclass of poor with nowhere to work - then it's a very, very bad idea. This is a very real possibility.

[@luchacefox259]

As a top notch young mechanic I have to say I quit the industry for exactly this reason. Now I work in marketing and engineering and build my own cars on the side. I get offers all the time form dickless rich dudes and I just laugh.

[@stevenplaskett7728]

Yeah my head mechanic goes to Vegas twice a year and has a brand new ram rebel and I drive a beat up 92 talon yet were the same age in the same dealership doing the same job. Somehow he's great at ripping off big business fixing trucks for Cummins. Sometimes he books 8hrs of work in 3hrs with 20 mins spent watching a movie on his computer. Some mechanic are great at billling out hours for work they don't really even do.

[@robertreynolds9228]

It took 20yrs before i could comfortably keep one of my own creations. Im not upset about it. Im ok with what i have. I do understand where your coming from but i really love what i do and people with the means helped me evolve.

[@CaseyPutsch]

Robert Reynolds well I’m upset about it! Better in your garage than another wealthy wanker in my personal opinion.

[@robertreynolds9228]

@@CaseyPutsch Ive done many things in my life so far. Im 52 now and the one constant have been weapons. Ive built cars, bikes etc. But weapons are my favorite. I sill knock around in my home garages with the vehicles. But my home away from home is my shop.

[@CaseyPutsch]

Robert Reynolds I hear that friend. I enjoy historic firearms as well. Interesting history and machinery.

[@robertreynolds9228]

@@CaseyPutsch Good conversing with you sir but my weapons are all very modern. As are most of my vehicles. Im not a rich man nor am i poor. I just invested wisely with good advice from family and friends. Kinda like you.

[@robertreynolds9228]

@@CaseyPutsch have a great day casey.

[@DickinsonLivingInDickinsonNort]

I got a degree in mechanical engineering, so few jobs that I went to work in the oil field doing physical labor jobs right along side the meth addicts, there I met a few other engineers doing physical labor jobs too, with stories of 1,000 applicants for one engineering job. From reading the comments, everyone is dissatisfied with how much money they make relative to what kind of life it provides.

[@jayarnold8883]

You just spoke my entire working career. To the letter. I walked away from it after 30 years. From farm equipment to Pebble beach. Restored Gullwing mercedes. Wrenched on Duesenbergs. Body and paint work too. Between the outright corruption I've seen to narcissistic employers I'm left bitter. I still love cars but the humans attached to them were often the biggest issue. As far as wages were concerned we were always told as craftsman that we should be an honor to work on such autos and due to the hours involved we were to expect LOWER wages. I drive a lift ruck in a stamping plant now. Oh by the way theses careers you speak of have few benefits and no retirement plan either .

[@MrMaxyield]

Great point about the value of cars doubling or tripling in value, yet technician rates remaining the same... We really have some things to consider...!!!

[@mph5896]

Its like this in MANY aspects of life. I worked as a paramedic for 12+ years making around $15 an hour. Literally saving lives and having people dump on us constantly.

[@CaseyPutsch]

m ph indeed!

[@austinthrowsstuff]

But you EARNED their life!!! They should give it to you! I just don’t get this train of thought... lol

[@CaseyPutsch]

Austin Law huh???

[@honchoryanc]

probably because a ride cost 2 grand

[@shedtime_au]

As a retired guy who found himself "on his butt" (as you put it) over 15 years ago, and who now lives in a boatyard because he can't afford a house, this resonated well with me. Casey, all I have to say in response is, "Who is John Galt?"

[@joekent6576]

One of the most underrated comments on here.

[@sunnohh]

John Galt is a shitty meme where all the characters end up delusional and perfect

[@Sentient6ix]

Damn, now you've got me looking into getting started in Mechanical engineering. I'm currently a parts Tech. I used to be a Heavy Equipment Technician, or HD Mechanic. Destroyed my shoulder surgery on a welded-to-the-flywheel rusty clutch on an old ass international that failed the commercial vehicle inspection upon opening the hood. I quit my apprenticeship after that. Up to that point, i had worked in three shops in three months. The market in the area and time was flooded with techs looking for work, and no shop wanted a first year apprentice. I'm 28, almost 29 now, and i'm kicking myself for not thinking of this when i was in high school. We need more people like you in the industry.

[@daltonmcmaster3489]

Reasons I'm not a mechanic anymore. Wow. I got mad listening to this. The most under appreciated job on earth. Mechanics. We get you to point A and B.

[@mikehonchoboi]

This is spot on. Finding a good mechanic is a mother as well and the good ones have a hard time not getting undercut by the jiffy lube guy that doesn’t know jack about what they are doing. Pay more for the knowledge.

[@CaseyPutsch]

Mike Honcho cheers sir!

[@t_driftin_tyler2227]

This actually really sank in for me. When I was going to school to be a tech all you would hear from the teacher and the speakers were, “it’s an in demand job and demand is rising” (which is true) and the big one I always heard was “there’s a lot of money to be made in this field.” I’ve only been working as a tech for maybe 4 years now, but from what I’ve come to notice is those are not false statements, but also not very true. Just from what I’ve seen and who I’ve talked to, it seems to me that to get to that point where you’re “making the big bucks” and everything like that, you’ve got to be in the game for a longgg time and be good at what you do. So basically I’ve started to question the things I’ve been told and try and make a career decision based off of that. It really helps bring things into perspective for me when I hear other people say the same thing I think out loud. I think that when your tool guy even tells you the auto tech side of things is very over saturated and has kind of gone to shit, you should probably listen. And then with everything you said as well, it’s just like that extra bit of motivation. So thanks for saying all of that, it’s actually quite inspirational to me.

[@daltonmcmaster3489]

Once being a mechanic and stopped for this reason. Favorite video on youtube. You said it better than I ever have.

[@Zags78]

I totally get this. I'm the same age as you, just got into classic cars a few years ago. I love my Tr6 I drive the piss out of it and owning it has been eye opening. I consider myself a skilled trades person (airline pilot) by when I see the guys I've found to work on my car doing sheet metal voodoo in their garage to fabricate a part or diagnosing my finicky British roadster by the sound it's making I'm always blown away. Much respect. It's only going to get harder to find these guys :/

[@davidmclain2878]

Wow I have been trying to explain to people why after 20 years I shutdown my shop. I should have 15 years ago, I was smart enough then to realize I was too smart for that. However I now love cars again and working on them on my terms.

[@jbird6048]

So true! My twin built a stupid huge house a few years back.. full of vintage details...he stopped by one morning to see how things were going.. the crew installing new marble.. was huddled around an antique marble sink.. the owner of the company had it on its side showing his employees how he could tell how old it was , even the tiny region of Italy that it was made, all by HOW it was made!!! My brother quickly realized the people that appreciated his house the most ...were the workers building it!.. I restored exotic Italian cars for 14 years.... I fell in love with everyone... To the owners...they were mostly investments

[@mickeyb.3374]

My dad's a mechanic.. His dad was a mechanic. The resonates pretty hard with my family. A+ Video. Thank you. With great respect.

[@CaseyPutsch]

Cheers and thank you! I hope you will keep watching and share if like a video.

[@diggingattycho7908]

Casey, your right. To add to your point, I remember in high school(mid 80's). They would say, "You don't want to be a mechanic". I think that's where it starts, because people in authority told us these jobs were menial, and didn't have much of a future. Of course as a stupid kid I listened, only later in life I found out just how wrong those in authority were. In the end the mechanic will get his day. When there are only a few of them left. Like in other professions scarcity demands a premium.

[@JDale56]

There was a push in academics to get more students into college because high school evaluations are somewhat based on college acceptance rates and more college students means more money for academics. Also, big business wanted to increase the supply college-educated labor to drive salaries down. In fact, that is what all business owners try to do and a big reason for the structural wage gap society is facing.

[@diggingattycho7908]

@@JDale56 It's simpler than that, it's all based on money. Each student in school meant more money for the school. Based on a whole lot of factors that would confuse any engineer. College acceptance has little do with high school except academic performance, since kids could potentially go to any college in the world. Corporations are entirely ignored as far as preparing students for the work place. It is a rare thing to see a college do it. But all this isn't my point. People have been conditioned over many decades to believe a higher education means a better life. So they push students to that goal. They look at vocations like an auto mechanic negatively. They are teachers after all, they push what they know.

[@dmcharlestt4945]

Please make more videos like this. I recently turned 18 and was about to move to America to pursue my dream of working on exotic cars but this is really putting things into perspective for me

[@CaseyPutsch]

America is still a cool place to live and work. I just want to see you be successful as an individual and community member when you come!

[@dmcharlestt4945]

@@CaseyPutsch Will do man! Thanks for the inspiration :)

[@Troph2]

'If you want to make a small fortune in cars, you need to start with a large fortune' - Jay leno. Something to that effect.

[@ZHGAmingAllTheWay]

It's if you want to make a small fortune in racing first start with a large one

[@Courageous_Link]

@caseyputsch My father is an immigrant from Sicily. Interned at Ferrari his first year in America and then started his auto mechanic small business on Long Island New York “ Alfa Auto Clinic “ which he ran for 40 years. He specialized in Alfa Romeo’s from the 20th century and all Italian exotics Ferrari , Lamborghini , Fiat , Maserati Lancia etc. He’s a master craftsman and the knowledge he has about vintage Ferrari Lamborghini Alfa romeos is seemingly limitless. My father is 75 years old and is no where near as wealthy as then men he has worked for his whole life. This video hits so close to home it’s scary thank you for being the first person I’ve ever heard talk about this.

[@minatormyth]

You know what, this video hit a cord with me. For 28 years I was in the close protection industry. 18 of them years I was with a wealthy family and was exclusive to them on as part of a KNR insurance policy insurance. I was/am even god farther to two of there children. Then a couple of months after my 50th , I was let go as the family no longer needed security due to new dynamics. Bam! That's it, dropped like a stone at 50 after 18 loyal years to one boss/family. Now I am 53 and no one wants you in the job market especially in the close protection industry In your mid 50s. I now drive trucks. I hate every day having to do it, first time in my life i have ever hated what i do, and for peanuts. I wish I could go back and have a word with my 25 year old self, I would talk about mis placed loyalties. Yea your video hit a mark with me brother. I enjoy your thought process. :)

[@CaseyPutsch]

minatormyth I’m sorry brother. I really get it and hope it at least helped hearing it be spoken about it.

[@alex10294]

Honestly, I'd pick the 50yo guy who has judgement and experience if he's kept his skills up for protection. Sorry to hear about your situation.

[@Tardis-rh2li]

Hello Casey: Regarding your comment about mechanics, there are these organizations called " Labor Unions " the goal of which is to protect the Rights of the Worker.

[@JamesBrown-sr1zy]

How do you feel about being charged “Book Rate” or being charged 4 hours labor when it only took them 15 minutes to fix? My semi cost between $150-$300 an hour and they insist on charging book rate, I don’t think they are getting screwed. Well the Mechsnic is still getting screwed but the owner of the shop is banking!!! I once had my truck in the shop for 8 hours and was charged 18 hours labor! They swapped my transmission and it was suppose to be under warranty yet they didn’t honor the warranty and chard me full price. I still tipped the mechanic because I know he’s not being paid fair.

[@Britishdude1]

If the skill required to repair a Camry is worth $150/hr and that same level of skill is all that is needed to repair an Auburn, then I don't see why the skill's value would change. It doesn't take any extra skill to turn a $100 bolt than it does to turn a $0.10 bolt. The price of what you work on doesn't and shouldn't dictate what you get paid. You should get paid appropriately for the amount of skill required to do the job.

[@aaroncross7301]

As a young up and coming mechanic I highly appreciate someone spreading some light on this subject.

[@brandonhawkins4715]

Thanks so much! I’m a senior in high school, and am going to a tech college in the afternoon for diesel mechanics, and I currently work as a machinist at a small shop. I hope to start my own shop someday and this was really good to know. I love what you are doing with Genius Garage and I will definitely apply after I graduate. Thanks so much for the advice!

[@kendorsey4499]

20 years in the auto industry. Every year it became harder to make money. Tools, warranty work, lack of parts etc. I got out. You speak the truth. I am now a subscriber.👍 I’d buy you a beer.

[@CaseyPutsch]

Ken Dorsey honored you are here!

[@SeriouslyCoolVideos]

Straight up!! During my apprenticeship it only took a couple of years of workshop slavery to realize that, as someone that lives for cars, I was definitely on the wrong side of the transaction. My back, knuckles, mental health and bank account were messed up. My project car sat untouched for months while these private equity types were having it their way all day every day while not even acknowledging your existence. My boss, who worked 6 days a week with zero holidays in the previous 15 years, had his second stroke due to stress and couldn't even afford to stay home more than a couple of days. Was that who I aspired to become? Hell to the fucking no. Thank God I moved on to more lucrative endeavors

[@user-gp6sw]

Links directly to the GM strike currently happening, people are not being paid what they are worth. Even down to a GM lube tech who has been doing it for 20 years and still makes less than $13 an hour.

[@ghostwrench2292]

I don't know what they're complaining about. It doesn't take much skill to assemble the same thing for 8 hours all day, every day. I think they get paid quite well for what they do.

[@adolfhonkler8324]

Gm makes crap cars

[@ruthlessreid9172]

Look up Chris Runge he makes early Porsche inspired hand hammered aluminum cars. True craftsmanship with that guy.

[@CaseyPutsch]

Reid Plyler he’s great!

[@spooler7828]

Turned a wrench for a living for several years while going to school. I got my EE deg and hung up my tools. Loved working on cars, totally enjoyed it. The shop was making 80 dollars an hour and I was making a whopping 16 dollars an hour. That was only if my wrenches were turning. I'll pass on that job.

[@CaseyPutsch]

Boss makes a dollar, I make a dime. That's why I poop on company time! :D

[@jasonjohns732]

Your ideal definitely changes my outlook on everyday life. I work in a “chassis shop” for drag race cars. 100% applies to me. Thank you for this.

[@regulater117_]

Thank you for explaining how the everyday work force works.

[@elviseinstein3503]

this video is really eye opening for me, i never thought about how the people who really make the world go round, mechanics, carpenters, plumbers, etc. work on things that cost so much, and have so much skill and expertise, and are given so little recognition or payment for it. its extremely unjust. i used to think i wanted to be a mechanic or own a shop, but i know a lot better now.

[@saleemwaheed9956]

The head shimmy was classic, but your point was well received.

[@neooverby3750]

of that $180 we only get 20 of that if we are lucky... that's why I do majority of my work on the side for 50 to 75 depending on the work that needs to be done. better for me and the customer. Sad It has to be this way.

[@Brian-ff7tw]

Dealership charges $180 an hour mechanic makes $45 an hour flat rate. He also has $20,000 in tools. I used to do it as a young adult. I look back now knowing I got completely screwed.

[@jordanmeader9469]

So this really hits home. For the last 5 years I have stopped doing everything traditional about my shop. Now to stay profitable I work mobile and only on a list of 800 customers that I hand pick and turn away everyone else. When I was in tech in 06 they told me one day you will be so good you will name your price. Most people cant afford more than 60$ hr. So I have found my income has leveled and acutaly decreases if I raise prices any further.

[@CaseyPutsch]

I'm glad it was interesting to you. I have big respect for anyone working with their hands to make a living. Got your back!

[@jordanmeader9469]

Thanks Casey, keep up the good work and negative comments are coming from some shop owner paying ther mechanics "20$" hr. Also known as minamal wage. And they think that's acceptable. Hallarius a dealership job averages 60 bucks a day, and I can do same job out the trunk of my car and make 300$ and the customer pays 1/3 of what they are acustomed to.

[@jasonandrew5707]

I agree with everything you said. Now im not rich by any means, but if i were wealthy and had a car collection that I needed people to help me maintain, how could I help said mechanics and prevent many of the issues you bring up, because if ever I could start up something like that I wouldnt want to be screwing anyone over, I would want them to have a future

[@TheBrokenLife]

Giving them real benefits, including a retirement savings, would be a good start. Annual reviews and performance raises (like a real job) would also go a long way. The truth is that none o f us are guaranteed anything from any job, so, it's up to each of us to be looking out for number one, including any potential employees you may ever have some day. Expect them to put themselves first, as they should.

[@joshp2542]

Casey you are right. Im disabled and am constantly told by my familily how i should have my own shop and i have such knowledge on cars and bikes... There are 2 problems. I have no space(w/ lift, spines broken cant work on the floor) and i dont have enough tools. A friend once told me knowledge is the last bit. The space is one, and like he said "if you dont have 100k worth of tools you have nothing. My dream is to help unfortunate kids get into learning and working on things. Right now I'm in bed with no feeling waist down just hoping i can figure out how to do this. If yoy ever need help working on stuff call me. Most of my friends laugh when i get excited about building things and it really brings me down. If there is any chance i could come hang oit one day and work on cars i dont need pay... Just one friend who gets the passion for cars i do. Sorry to bother you Casey... Keep up the good work and you inspired me to help others because honestly, my life is painful and over.

[@CaseyPutsch]

Let's find a way to do something together. Life is indeed painful, but yours ain't over! Send me a message on Instagram or e-mail me. I'm honored you are here watching and inspired.

[@joshp2542]

@@CaseyPutsch casey thank you for responding. I applied at 2 nonprofits over the winter to help other disabled kids so hopefully it works out at a volunteer level. My plan is to get them to let me teach a basic shop class on how, why, and the reasoning behind why things like oil psi and even other maitenance items are very important. Not just teaching why its done a certain way but also if you try a different way how it could not work or cause damage. College wasnt my thing but i had my aws in vertical stick welding and my asme in tig so i just want to pass my love of mechanics on to the next generation. At 29 i still have some time.

[@CaseyPutsch]

Go get 'em!

[@joshp2542]

@@CaseyPutsch thanks i really mean it. Im sorry for bothering you on your channel btw.

[@CaseyPutsch]

Josh P no bother. Glad you’re here

[@theredgoatviking4686]

More great wisdom good sir. I have a close friend who is a certified technician on Ferrari, Aston Martin, Porsche and Maserati, and I see how hard he works and how hard he worked to be the lead tech in the dealership he is at. I have also witnessed the amount of creative positions he has to contort his body to fix certain aspects of the car and the mental issues of dealing with customers, I witnessed all that while hanging around the shop with him learning about these engineering masterpieces. After seeing all he has to do I realized I am lucky I’m to big to work on these speed machines, and I am lucky I do not have to deal with these pompous customers on a Daily basis. Some of these people only have money, that’s it, no common sense, no regard for life, just money, well ego as well, mostly money tho. Some of the asinine things they bring their cars in for makes a real car guy want to assault them. My friend gave me lots of Wisdom when it came to the technician side of exotic super cars and it saddened me when I was told what he was compensated for his decades of knowledge, education and experience, this guy literally can fix anything that runs on gasoline, yet he can’t buy the cheapest new exotic car he wrenches on, don’t get me wrong he makes a decent living but not enough to buy a new version of what he fixes. With what he told me it made me redirect my focus on wanting to fix semi trucks, they are much bigger and easier to fix, components maybe heavier but easier to access, then I seen how diesel techs get treated in shops outside of prototype centers I decided against that and started driving semis. That was until I had an inspiring conversation with an engineer where I work and I realized that was my ah ha moment I have been looking for and decided to pursue mechanical engineering. So yet again you are correct, this generation of students who are into anything automotive should become an engineer, get the practical experience and prove to these rich ass hats that skilled techs and engineers are worth way more then they are currently compensated.

[@andrewwhiteman8357]

Man you hit the nail on head bro straight. I'm 54 years old I've been a mechanic's since I was 18 I still love cars but I hate the business of fixing cars.

[@GrimRepair]

I was at a car museum and the cars from the 20s and 30s looked amazing. Some cars were the only 1 in the world huge show winning cars. The mechanics that worked there were volunteers.

[@Kylie.Rose.]

i really really enjoyed this video, PLEASE make more like this.

[@dman273]

This is a interesting topic because I see both sides of the argument. I look at craftspeople as artists no different than your friend in the last episode. Months of work for $8500 (and well worth it) but you wont get rich unless you are smart with the money you earn.

[@CaseyPutsch]

True. 8,500 was way too cheap frankly

[@semperfi-1918]

I use to love working on my own cars until I got burned out by working on others cars, still love it, but not motivated to do it. I finally own brand new car and I know I gotta pay for the services. My local mechanic does a great job. Great points

[@backyardboosters9128]

I do occasional mechanic work on the side. Even went to school for it..... I love working on cars “most the time lol”. But people want to screw you over left and right and it’s very difficult to really get anywhere in it... that’s Why I became a propane/natural gas technician, it doesn’t pay amazing but at least I can go somewhere. I use not one bit of the schooling that I paid for.....

[@chowtownfoodreviews6679]

Great video and makes you think alot....being a toolmaker and skilled craftsmen...ever wonder why a skilled craftsman makes less then somebody who works on a office????? Who cant do a damn thing.

[@johnrhoades6214]

You're right man it's very hard to be a mechanic somebody who does it for yourself it's a struggle everyday

[@Astro9320]

I feel this on so many levels, working for Mercedes has shown me all of this and have told many people to steer clear of any of it, 5 years of hard work without a raise without any appreciation... It's just such a nightmare in the real world

[@IvanRiveraStagea]

You speak so much sense man. Mad props to you.

[@TytusG]

Too real mate. I closed my shop last year and have been resentful of the industry. I saw this in myself and still do with many fellas stuck in the rut with no way out.

[@davidsides7333]

Thank you for setting that straight!

[@vinniecorleone62]

I am a very talented Decorative Painter & Muralist who works as a licensed Painting Contractor in California in many million dollar homes & I do custom old school car paint jobs, pinstriping & race car graphics by hand with paint not vinyl, it barely provides me a modest living, a 1300 square foot home & a used Dodge Challenger, this is the world we live in Casey, I applaud your point here my friend!

[@Ashum28]

I own an auto repair shop and employ technicians. It is EXTREMELY hard to find a good one... even if you pay them well... I have to charge way more per hour then shops around me because I have to have quality people employed. I see the trend with customers that are starting to see the value of paying more for quality work. Last year 3 auto repair shops closed within half a mile of my shop and they were way cheaper than me. Why, because people don’t go back if your car is constantly not getting fixed right the first time. I believe the industry will go in the right direction and technicians will be paid a good wage if they are good at their job.

[@UToobSteak]

You just described everyone's plight. The thing is, nobody owes you or anyone else a high wage. If you don't want to do a job for a price, someone else will. Move on to the next one.

[@1theautospa_]

Interesting topic....I had a front row seat in this world for many years and I concur with many of your talking points...saw many of the things you describe play out.This scenario plays out in many different jobs that cater to the super wealthy...maids,butlers,driver,cooks,grounds keepers,etc.. Although in today’s world it’s no different working for a company.You can be a skilled worker and be very good at what you do...work day in and day out for years or perhaps decades working towards retirement spending countless hours traveling for your job.Then one day it abruptly ends due to downsizing or the company got bought out or is closing .Hopefully the worker has saved up enough to weather the storm until the next job comes along.The wealthy individuals or corporations will always have the upper hand.

[@TheBrokenLife]

The more I learn about the world, it seems the right business to be in is one that sells rich people expensive things while not actually working for them... Recently I ran across a $25,000 _range hood_ that I could make on a press brake in easily under a week. That's the type of racket to be in, if you can find one.

[@aussieas.9296]

Couldn’t agree more. I left home to go off and be a race car mechanic when I was in my early 20s. It was fun until it dawned on me I was being used. I work for myself these days, it still has its problems but at least I’m my own slave 😁...so there’s that I guess.

[@pivotalevent]

My peeve, closely related to this topic, is the media's coverage of mechanics in racing. Maybe the topic of another tant for you Casey? Never an in depth profile of the mechanics (usually the most interesting characters) and in my humble opinion the most skilled member of the team. So much focus on drivers whom usually go fast because of youthful reflexes and the lack of recognizing their own mortality. "But without a good driver! " they say! "Without a car! " is just a man sitting in the road!

[@misterxmistery7424]

This is a flawed argument. These exotic cars get their values pumped not by the materials used, but by something intangible. They have exaggerated prices due to the fact only few of them are built, it's very easy to basically invent a price in this scenario. The mechanic gets paid based on market value. This is the reality. For the mechanic this "uber expensive" car isn't something extraordinarily hard to build and manage, it's just that auctions and businessmen know how to sell "air".

[@FragEightyfive]

It is one of the reasons I got out of contracting. Working on mutli-million properties, and could barely keep my head above the water. It was a living, but with all the taxes, regulations, insurances ect I was taking home

[@Firebert79TA]

As far as the engineer vs mechanic point, the pay is grounded in the reality of the manufacturing environment. A typical engineer's design inputs will be multiplied by the means of mass production and automation. A mechanic is limited to a 1:1 input/result ratio. New things can be produced far more efficiently than an old thing can be repaired or customized.

[@jc-kj2on]

You are quickly becoming the voice of reason in the automotive world. Lots of truth in this video, lets all drop our pens at 9!!! Another great video, so glad your doing them

[@mattl1811]

Glad you are bringing this up. My first real mechanic job was for a classic car and hot rod shop. I made $10/hr with no benefits or future. Now, as a helicopter mech for the government, I make nearly $40/hr plus great benefits. I'm never working on rich guy's toys again.

[@csharpe3]

Keep this content coming! Great insight.

[@rongosciniak264]

Good content. I was a UAW plant rat for 8 years, beating myself for 50k a year. I took the buyout in 2008, went back to school got my degree in Business management admin mgt and Im doing better, not physically beating myself up every day and making better money. Im still in the automotive sector but in a more secure sector.

[@gstorhof1]

Good advice Casey. I was an ASC certified tech after high school but I ended up making more money working at Walmart. I eventually went to college and got an engineering degree. Now I have the means and knowledge to build the kind of cars that I like to build. PS flat rate sucks

[@CaseyPutsch]

G Storhoff well done my friend!! Awesome!

[@elvislive1557]

Preach it like it's Easter Sunday! As a Mercedes Master Tech, I got out of the auto business for this exact reason. Thank you Casey for speaking the truth!

[@CaseyPutsch]

Elvis Live you got it brother!