They Will Not Give You Bigger Jobs-- Why????

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[@redbandit8086]

Meanwhile I'm over here as the heavy line tech hoping to do some oil changes to get a break

[@shawnbauman5463]

Amen

[@jaydotseedot]

I started out doing engines at Cadillac loved it they just left me alone. I could come in Saturday’s for overtime if I wanted. Once that dealer got bought out and closed. I went to the bigger dealer and they would starve me. Went independent and never did engines unless it was a swap. Now I’m out of the car game into turf equipment. If it weren’t for the operators destroying equipment I would love my job.

[@nismo2070]

I'm in a sort of opposite position. Our shop foreman was let go a couple months ago. He was salaried at 80k. Now, I am doing everything the shop foreman did, AND still trying to hit some hours. It's the "we are going to give you more responsibility but we can't pay you more" deal. Greasing those toolbox wheels right now! Thanks for the videos FRM!

[@MaddenMaster843]

I started out at a ford dealer changing oil and rotating tires. Shop foreman wouldn’t let me even do brakes. I heard from other guys he thought I was too stupid. They promised me a raise after 3 months and didn’t see one for a year. So I pulled the trigger and moved to another dealer as a c tech. I now am the only tech at a shop where I do everything from network diag to alignment to engines you name it. Less than 5 years btw. Not trying to beat my drum but hopefully some inspiration for a young lube tech out there

[@NoRegrets001]

Same with me, I started out as a Lube tech at a chevy dealer, in a little under a year I was working with a tech on the mainline, while in there I just kind of branched out and started doing my own thing, now I can do it all, minus transmission rebuilds and diesels. I graduated last May, so it's been about 3 years I've been in the industry.

[@mikemata623]

Same here, I was at a Honda dealer for almost 2 years and asked my boss that I wanted to do more than just oil changes, tires, and fluid services. I was given nothing but lies saying that I was next in line to shadow someone. Now im at a BMW dealership, still a lube tech, but im getting classes to work my way up to be a certified technician.

[@gizzync1525]

Your story is exactly why I try to instill as much knowledge as any lube tech wants to know into them.

[@armandonika]

Please go back to that shop foreman and SHOW OFF!!!

[@iloveap83]

Just wanted to ask was it the "stupid" comment that prompted you to leave? An reasons why they would say something like That? Kudos by the way

[@cnf6045]

My story’s kind of funny here…I worked at a farm shop up north for about 3 years, mostly working on old rusty stuff and mechanically driven diesels, Really nothing newer than like 2005, recently moved down south, and started at a proper shop. So it’s really funny now…service manager will give me pretty much anything old or rusty, no matter what the job is, clutches, engines, etc, and then if they put me on something new, it’s like ‘tires, brakes, suspension, steering, tune ups.’. Gives me a little bit of a chuckle, even though he’s definitely doing it the right way, cause on new stuff it’s felt like I’m starting all over again from step one.

[@madmechanic7976]

One of my first Forman taught me early and told me "There are wheels on the bottom of our boxes for a good reason"..

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

In our industry you make better flat rate if your capable, but you get better work if you’re not.

[@1970chevelle396]

A lot of people that work jobs today don't try to work there way up. I've worked with people like that before.

[@papiK0NG]

Glad you made this video cause I used to work at a Ford dealer and I was making the other guy money cause I was a apprentice pulling some heads ECT which I didn’t mind and I was looking at the hours I was pulling off it was insane and I was ready to talk to big papa boss and tell him time to move me or I will pack my tool box before I even try to call him he called me and laid me off cause of COVID back in March. Seniority my friend will always be in the shop. Just waiting till this pandemic is over to start making money

[@doogeerugged89]

I find its my mental state towards the jobs. If i have a strong distaste for a job OR MY job at THAT shop.. I find my productivity goes down. I am no longer or not able to motivate myself to "go after it" I also find that in most shops regardless of your abilities some people get all the "gravy" work while it seems like you're stuck with the BS intermittent electric work, in witch no one will take "no problem found" for an answer. There's a reason why growing techs bounce shop to shop ..from 2020 till now I found myself in 4 different shops.

[@niallcosgrove5596]

Good video.. I myself do alot of big jobs as a truck diesel mechanic but it's taken year's to work my way up the ladder, hard work and to prove myself it will pay off and I've, I've seen the work shop hire new mechanics pay them good 💰 as the have all the certificates done this done that... But 9 times out of 10 the just rip and tear and make a right mess of the job every thing impact gun and missing bolts etc some elses has to come along and fix it.. then are foreman takes that guy makes him start from the bottom on services

[@raymondwharton4325]

I worked for Chrysler for over 13 years and was Chrysler Master and ASE Master Certified. I don’t care if you work in a dealership or independent shop, it not what you know it all in who you know and that me the honest truth

[@firstlast---]

Well put. Right now I only do alignments and light maintenance like oil changes batteries etc but I'm ready to move up. The money is okay but I don't want to turn tie rods forever it's too easy. Best case scenario I can have a car aligned and in the parking lot in less than 10 minutes so I know I have what it takes to move on, I just need someone to give me the opportunity. I've expressed this to the manager but they are in no hurry to move me anywhere all they care about is making sure they have bodies to do the jobs that need to get done. One day they're going to learn the hard way my tool box has wheels and I'm going to use them, as soon as I get a house my very next step is finding a new shop I don't want a new job to interfere with the process

[@MrToemass]

One person can’t teach you everything, but everyone can teach you something.

[@olubukolafamuyiwa6576]

I totally understand that the older guys (master techs) are not there to baby sit but I wish most of them were like the flat rate master ! Wanting to see you grow.

[@garrettarney2903]

I did this about 2 years ago went to school for motorcycles got in a Harley dealer worked there for 3 years and at about the 2 1/2 year mark I felt like it was time for a change And that it wasn’t going to be a lot of growth there. I made a change went to a gm dealer. And now 1 1/2 years later I’m a pretty good diagnostic guy that’s still learning of course but I’m doing work that people who been doing it 10 years longer still isn’t doing and I’ve doubled my income. Sometimes a change is needed

[@alexanderthegrape5370]

Fast forward to the point you realize "Big jobs" are a Big Waste.. it's all about the Gravy Baby 😎

[@shawnbauman5463]

Counter point big jobs are job security. I made out ok with this COVID-19 slow down. The gravey ran out. Now we are back to normal ish.....i got tons of work i don't have to get to.

[@DHazex]

I Only do big jobs when it's for myself i would never do it for a shop anymore. 100% profit compared to less than 5% at a auto garage

[@genawilcox9039]

Sometime it's not worth the stress

[@edgarsanabia6874]

If your slow then ya..

[@DHazex]

@@edgarsanabia6874 if you are fast as fuck at 50\hr flat rate it still isnt worth shit. And I dont know any1 that makes that much. Tech that pull 100k a year all do easy ass work n that's a fact

[@mt1885]

Mistakes are the most valuable learning - one will ever have. Not all the time, but the ones where you struggle will be the most valuable.

[@bombmanize]

I think a lot of guys need to be honest with themselves and their true capabilities, as a young guy myself I've busted my ass to get to where I'm at and I see too many others getting pissy when they're stuck with the smaller stuff. The shop has no space for ego, not saying there aren't shops that hold people back but a lot of times those guys get skipped over because they just don't have it yet 👍🏼nice vid

[@TheDudeMyDude]

Just asked my AM today about this as I'm trying to figure it out. I have one comeback in four months but the guy getting the work has had quite a few more. He's more skilled and experienced than I am, so I figured that's the reason though I think it's deeper. So it's become difficult to determine Management's goal setting trajectory for us. I am easy to work with, work hard, do consistent work, stay late, and often work my days off - even if it's just to come in and do monthly inventory for four hours or something. It's a good atmosphere mostly and I like my coworkers and my bosses but I do wonder what the path is here.

[@leealtmansr.3811]

Your words are very true. Not just in the Automotive field but in ALL trades AND life! Great videos.

[@smitty2jones]

Years ago, I was at a Goodyear franchise shop as a glorified lube tech. They let me do brakes and suspension and alignments, but I was hourly. For about 6 months they were telling me they were going to add a 3rd flat rate tech, and they were going to promote me. But then the time came, and they promoted another of our lube techs instead. I put in my 2 weeks before they even announced it because I knew there wasn't going be a place for me at that shop within a reasonable time frame.

[@davidwalle5025]

Good advise for most careers. I have had to hoof express out of places based on the information i have at the times other places shut down. Now the average person spends 5 years at anyone place.

[@DirtyDanRacimg]

I was held back by my first employer in the trade because they wanted a tire/oil guy when i was an apprentice. 3 years of tires and oil and i was done, i wrote them a letter explaining i wanted to advance my career and my pay, they refused my requests so i quit. Best move i ever made.

[@thepaddymechanic]

I got very lucky came to Canada 1.5 years ago been at 2 shops at one wasn't given any responsibility i wasn't registered though moved to a new shop and in 6 months I have done an engine change lot of other big jobs even few clutches I think it depends on if you also have a shop where there willing to help you improve. I got very lucky. I'm not trying to seem cocky but when your in a shop where they support you and you are smart and learn easily you can thrive

[@embreesmith7613]

I do not want bigger jobs the lesson leaned at my uncles gas station when I was 12 years old is -- gettem in-an-out turn over !!

[@alexanderthegrape5370]

Exactly!

[@cdwalker15]

💯. Give me 3 5hr jobs, 5 3hr jobs, 4 2hr jobs, etc. Quick easy turn around. U don’t get paid to work on cars, u get paid when u get them out.

[@mrmurdx8956]

Great video man but can you please do.a video on how to convince your boss to promote you from being a mechanic to one day managing the shop.

[@Jonathanbarros90]

Wish I saw this when I was working at my last job, *TAKE IT FROM ME, HES ABSOLUTELY CORRECT* when I asked my service manager to level up ,he told me to "master the oil change" when the service manager and shop foreman look past you when they see you, and dont bother to help you after you empty all the oil buckets in the shop,empty every techs garage, clean the whole shop, clean the bathrooms, clean off cars when it snows its time to look for a new place to work. It took me 6 years, I see how far other techs got, when you stay at shop that abuses you mentally, you allow them to have control of how much you learn hands on, good video flat rate master 👊🏽

[@Diamondback31]

Did you move on to another dealer or independent

[@Jonathanbarros90]

@@Diamondback31 currently imbfork8ng at a Toyota forklift dealership, they pay ridiculously more even with no experience, hourly not flat rate,im in a union and weekends off,

[@Trex6767]

There is a guy on my team where we trusted him and let him do his upsells but he kept messing up. So as a team we sat him down and had a heart to heart trying to help him. That heart to heart ended up with him going to management trying to get us in trouble saying we were picking on him. So now he does a lot of sitting since he’s not certified to do recalls. Moral of the story is be open to criticism and don’t bite the hands that feed you

[@meabob]

Hummmmm, most recalls are doable by lowest level techs. The manufacturer states what level is required to perform a particular recall.

[@randomwill7583]

You also have to be competent and mature enough to handle big job. But also if you can hammer out chassis harnesses in 18 hours(I'm a commercial truck technician) or 4-6 hours quicker than other techs, then guess what, you're gonna get all the chassis harnesses. So sometimes it's just what you're good at

[@kurtkennedy5370]

I interviewed an A tech for a spot in the shop, said he had not had a come back that was his fault or misdiagnoses in over 3 years. Right then and there I knew he was a fake and I wasn't going to be the sucker that hired him. point is to the new guys who are growing, have some humility when you make a mistake, you will greatly benefit.

[@LLBC626]

The video wasn't harsh at all, its the honest truth. From personal experience, some shops wouldn't move you up until you are about to leave them. That's when they all of sudden want to move you up. Never fall for that trap, toolboxes have wheels for a reason.

[@eddieds312]

Trade school (UTI) is expensive But its still cheeper then what a shop has to pay/invest in when training a new tech think about it when a tech Mess up a customer car the shop has to pay for the mistake and the customer Will probably never come back Something to think about when Promoting a new tech

[@shawnbauman5463]

Then there is the flip side. You do nothing but big jobs and hard diagnostic work, under warranty, only for the shop to give gravy work to other people so they can suck hours and make more than you. My tool box wheels are looking pretty greased.....

[@JD730]

This is really the only industry that basically the more you know, the more experience you have, you may end up getting paid less due to complicated diagnostic work or getting all the difficult jobs that pay 1/4 what a set of ball joints and alignment pay. There are days that I love the fact that I get a lot of electrical diag and engine lights and what not. Until the end of the day when I see that I made 6 hours while the tech beside me slammed out those ball joints and alignment in 2 hours and made 8 on one job alone!

[@MTMMotorServices]

I had this problem myself when I worked at a dealer. Came in with the promise of being trained up to Master Tech. My manager was slow to get me through the training as each course meant me being out of the shop for 2 days at a time. so 2 years in I was senior tech and they hired a guy who had worked at another dealer but same manufacturer and he was already a master tech. Took my spot. I persevered and learned as much as possible, 3 years later I left. Best thing I ever did. New shop, I was given everything under the sun and it made me better. Good, bad. Experience makes you better. Since then I've worked my way up, went into heavy vehicle electrical diagnosis. Put myself into a position to learn in an area where I needed to improve. And now I own my own shop. If your current place of work is holding you back. Leave

[@jasonsanchez2764]

Or you can work in a shop like mine and if you ask for a raise they tell you I can find anybody to do this I don't care if it's done right or not the sad thing is we are a very busy shop

[@Toyotas_n__Tools]

An outside view I have is that they like you where you're at and you're making the shop money. I would agree with moving on if they wont let you advance yourself, people need to focus on improving themselves if they wanna get ahead in life.

[@ranct1815]

I'm still an oil tech for about 10 months but when there isn't any R.O.s for oil change, tires and etc., I go help someone who is more advanced so I can gain more knowledge. I do side work in my neighborhood, brakes, rotors, and body work. Thanks for the advice 👨‍🔧👍

[@gregblau8082]

RANCT1 that’s the way to do it. A lot of guys sit there on their phones or smoking then complain they don’t get moved up. Some techs just want to be left alone and do their thing but most are glad to share their experience and appreciate the help. Usually when it’s time to advance someone the boss will talk to the established techs and try to get a feel for what they think about whoever might get the bump.

[@meabob]

I use to work with a oil tech that did the same thing. I would let him pitch in anytime he wanted even if it slowed down the job. He eventually left for another dealer as a trainee. I'm trying to get my new employer to bring him in as my trainee.

[@ahmadghosheh3104]

When you get criticism take it and be honest with YOURSELF. Don't get offneded and walk away mad. Look deep in yourself and figure out what you can do to improve. You can foola lot of people but you can't fool yourself.

[@midwestapprentice1904]

As an new technician this info was very helpful! I'm so thankful for KZbin becuase it teaches so much about the industry and how to succeed, something school does not!

[@darrollfryer628]

I just want to say that is the most awesomest video I've seen come from anyone it's the truth and it needs to be known to a lot of people thank you as the best thing ever. All I could say is thank you!!!.

[@AVBibleBelieverMan]

Hey man I ’am a new diesel tech. I get handed new things (campaigns/warranty and customer pay) all the time. I do great quality work with almost no comebacks but my repair times are too slow. How can I cut down on my repair times even if it is new work?

[@etchosts8162]

2 tips for big jobs. Take pictures as you take things apart and label screws with a small post it note to what its for.

[@altonbarbee8864]

I have been doing steering/suspension/ brake work as my primary job for 30 years. I have always enjoyed it and at 52 don't have any desire to level up. I do some a.c. work and occasional other light repairs. I just am terrible at diagnosing engine and electrical problems so i avoid all of it i can.

[@alexanderthegrape5370]

You're an intelligent man the money is in the gravy work

[@gregblau8082]

Very true I commend on frm’s last video that you have to become a “real mechanic” to realize the value of route maintenance jobs

[@ericfranco4870]

So much truth in this. I was at a shop for about 6 months and they had me training the new guys on oil changes and tires. After 9 months I asked for possibilities to move up, and all I got was a cackle and "no because once this lube tech is done training he'll probably replace you" I would be the type of person who would come in early if they needed me and stayed late, worked almost 7 days a week for maybe 6 of those 9 months while still going to a Auto/diesel tech school. I applied at a diesel shop, its been almost a year later and I got moved up to a tech position not just lube and tire tech. I hate quitting jobs but I knew I would probably still be a lube tech if I hadn't.

[@mrmurdx8956]

Thanks you for this video this topic really hit home for me since in the past I had little to no opportunity to move up in my past shops so I had to move on😭😭😭😭 it's a scary feeling but it pays off.

[@chrisnorwood8613]

As a shop owner, I make sure I give each tech something out side their comfort zone once or twice a month. Some are not happy about it. Others learn and grow. It also makes it easy for me to see who is in it for the long run and who is not.

[@beaumason3826]

I totally agree. Sometimes you got no choice but to grease them wheels n push the box out. Best decision I ever made. Now I am the go to guy for Reman motor and transmission installs

[@SLAWDOG5150]

Definitely helpful

[@henri6595]

Thanks for creating this video Flat Rate Master! I'm not in the automotive industry but I find what you say in this video applicable to me. What you said in this video can apply to any college grad. At your 1st job after college you will be feed false truths, straight up lies, pigeoned holed, or promoted. You will mostly get everything but promoted 😂. The reason is what you said, that the powers that be still view you in the same new guy light regardless of how long you been there. You can work your hardest but that will not change how management views you. They only see a new guy kid, that should do more time. If you see this behavior, jump ship to gain more experience and money. I wish I had someone to guide about these tricks when I was younger. Don't let management play you!

[@leoashrae4199]

A mechanic's fact of life: If the owner/service rider seems to have a personal problem with you... it won't get better. Move on. I personally know two good mechanics who were lube-techs for WAY too long. One has his own alignment shop now and the other was my partner for 17-years. In both cases the dealer (the same dealer in both cases) figured he had a gold mine he could tap...with crap tickets for crap wages, even though both guys did a super job with ZERO customer complaints. A good, smart, boss would help people like that... if for no other reason than to make that man's skills even more profitable to the business. An ass-hole just takes all he can get until he's used up a good man's ambitions... then he find's another one, fills his head with lies about his opportunities, and starts the whole thing over again. Seemed like the only folks who did well at that dealership were all the family members who worked there.

[@huntguy3831]

Went from a semi truck dealership where I was in training for a year and couldn’t get my own bay and took a leap of faith into a dealership that deals with agricultural and construction equipment and lawn mowers. I’d driven a tractor once in my life and barely knew anything about them and knew even less about construction equipment. Less than a year there now and I’m doing all of the big jobs. Now I wish I could go back to the gravy of oil changes lol. I’m only 21 and young enough to pick my stuff up and go anywhere and I’m glad I did. By no means am I tooting my horn, I still have a lot to work on. But it goes to show sometimes the best thing to do is to pick your stuff up and move on

[@mr.mckinnon5680]

Bwahaha...do the math. The richest guy in the shop, is the one with the paid off tool box, truck, house, and mortgage. The most productive techs, are the ones furthest in debt.

[@kevinmaclean4808]

You have to learn how to walk before you run. If you are having a hard time with what you are doing now. It’s going to be a lot harder with bigger jobs. Relax get good at what you are doing and you will go further. Repetitive jobs are good jobs you always figure out ways to make them easier and more profitable. Without cutting corners.

[@zach914v8]

This industry is hard for a tech trying to move up. I tell my guys the quickest and easiest way to move up and make more 💰 and get better and bigger jobs is to move on. It sucks, but that's the way this industry is.

[@dougrandolrandolenterprise9922]

Just got to say it. Thank you the flat rate master DAD this is why I watch your videos

[@reddfoxx2861]

After 31 years they'll never get better if they don't get a chance.

[@pandamanrodriguez9060]

Great advice, something else to consider is your own attitude and view on yourself I started out in detail and moved my way to lube tech was always showing interest learning from other techs (as long as you’re not annoying and know when to leave them alone) and 3 months later moved to flag and I love every part of it even the headaches which you need every now and then to keep learning I’ve only been a tech for 3 years and still got a lot to learn I’m a level 2 Chrysler tech and don’t say no to any work doing can and lifters cylinder heads engines transmission you name it also love diagnosing electrical problems if you’re starting out or are new like me keep your head up and if you found this channel you’re on the right track to become better everyday

[@bluefj-wc3vz]

True words. If you’re good at what you do and you can’t move to next level or gain the experience you are looking for where you’re at, it’s time to move on. I used that frame of mind 35 years ago when I started running heavy equipment. Worked for me.

[@PhillyDee215]

1st a shop has to be one that accepts jobs that allows u to level up, I've worked in shops that didn't do certain jobs. 2nd the shop needs a foreman/manager willing to give the tech the opportunity to level up like u did with your tech. Great video as always👍

[@misaellopez8875]

Been watching your videos lately so had to subscribe! This video is great coming from a pov of a master tech on tips for moving up in the auto industry. I currently work in a tire shop while we do brakes/suspension (and other undercar services), while studying for my ase a5 cert. My boss promised me room to grow in the company but he’s been trying to keep me down. Thought about leaving but no many shops around me will consider an intern/apprentice

[@honda_doc6826]

Thanks for being blunt and honest about this subject.

[@jakebraysr.821]

Truth

[@96cr]

Flat rate master i feel like this is an additonal problem for techs not being good diagnosis they get stuck as a lube tech or brake/ front end guy any idea on how the industry can improve this?

[@Itsdazeni]

What I believe and seen is the reason technicians get so many comeback is the lack of double/triple checking your work and amount of miles you put on test drive. Because going to fast to push shit out and flag hours.I get it flat rate and all but checking the you work you did is crucial as many times before you ship it.

[@gregblau8082]

Davion Martinez very true. At least once a week I put a car back up because I had been pulled off the job and wanted to double check that I tightened all the bolts of whatever. I feel like I turn more hours when I’m not rushing good test drive and inspection, check service history...

[@kevinjohnson9736]

I'm starting on a job tomorrow and I can already feel a mistake coming on...lol. Luckily it will be on my own old work truck.

[@216mechanic2]

I’ve been in this position before...spent 6 years a t a truck shop doing small and light repairs. I wanted to do dings and engine work. Manager was not on it. Talking about he didn’t wanna train nobody. I never even did a turbo or injector until I was in the field 8 years in. I’m 15 years in it now.He had specific guys do specific things if they were good at it. You will never grow into a full all around technician working in a environment like that. I packed up and bounce. Now I do inframes and everything. I always say if you don’t feel like your progressing as a technician then you should leave. Don’t let no one hold you back to reach your full potential

[@kingsporttoolreview8703]

I've seen this go on in Electrical contractors too. I've have also seen nepotism come into play with some of the Electrical contractors I have worked for. Sometimes who you are related to or who you go to Nascar races with can matters more than what you know or how hard you work. I've even seen young guys move up quicker just because they have a hot wife or hot girlfriend. . . I've also seen young guys who were hard workers get passed over because for no reason than the boss didn't like their long hair or they wore Rock N Roll T-shirts all the time. . . I've seen a lot of things in 28 years.

[@Cpt72krk]

great video

[@Mattluck89]

Imagine being someone who's 20+yrs experienced, been at current shop 10 to 15 how they see the new guy (1-3 yrs). Most tell new guys to get out before they get too invested. I refused to listen to that lol.

[@dela4994]

What you have said is 100% true.Dont let anyone hold u back from expanding your career.Great video once again

[@tomfaro6259]

You are 100 percent right. Alot of young technician want it all now. You have to prove yourself to the company and lead man. One step at a time. If dedicated on quality work you will move forward.

[@reedpatterson4999]

Love the videos never have to worry about how “harsh” something sounds if it’s all true 👍🏻👍🏻

[@smokejenson1151]

What if you have no desire to do cylinder heads, clutches or motors but you love doing everything else and do it very well

[@uoffendme983]

Good video. Reality is harsh. The automotive repair industry is not for the fainthearted. Yes if criticism of your work comes from your boss or the lead technician. Listen. Absorb. Figure out where the problem is. Is it lack of training, lack of experience, lack of confidence in yourself or the shop in your ability. Is it due to you personally. Going out afterwork coming in late party lifestyle affecting your work quality. The only thing I can add is always network. Make connections with parts vendors, tool retailers and other shops. If you have good reputation the connections you have may of heard of a shop that needs help or is looking for B level techs.( C level to B, B level to A tech.) The other thing is if you work for a shop that has multiple locations see if they have a spot for you to grow. Hope it helps. Good content as always.

[@stevemazzarella7212]

It’s a true statement!!

[@epicragegaming2016]

i got pigeon holed and told my boss straight up, i'm leaving because of that. not wasting my time.

[@jeffcuevas5918]

What's the average hourly rate for a beginner with a few ASE after school?

[@NoRegrets001]

I guess that's the life of an independent shop technician. I work at a Chevy dealer, I was given a piston job halfway through schooling. Management expect every technician that is on flatrate to do the exact same work unless it is diesel or transmission related and most of the time electrical concerns come my way. Now us as technicians can say hey I don't feel comfortable doing this and can pass it off and not be penalized but the foreman doesn't pick and choose what we get based on experience. Nobody will lose a job because they cant be trusted do it, but only because their too busy to do it or choose not to do it. I couldn't work somewhere where I diagnose a vehicle but I may not get the job, thats taking food off my table.

[@DHazex]

Knowing what I've learned now, when I just started out I also wanted to do a whole bunch of extra work as a GS and the managers let me do whatever jobs I recommend because I had the knowledge went to school and knew the principals of how most things work. BUT I've come to realize also very quickly DO NOT sell yourself cheap because that can make it very hard when u try to get paid more later on. More than likely u will have to leave the shop.

[@AGONY818]

Well said , we need more people lie you in this industry. Tell them how it is, seen to many techs fall into the pit falls of this business.

[@qualityautorepairtireautosales]

I leveled up best by going out on my own working from my backyard garage. I had no choice but to produce. If not I didn’t make money. I leaned more in 9 years I spent in backyard than previous 11 spent in shops

[@JohnBrinkPhoto]

To a young person I would say, think like you have two mentors in your head. One is a Zen master instructing you to be mindful while you cut wood and carry water and the other is a Marine DI telling you to keep everything ship shape and squared away. You may be payed by others to do work but the value of the work is to your personal satisfaction knowing that you completed a job to the absolute best of your abilities even if it is mundane and repetitive. That DI in your head is telling you to never give up, keep going, no slacking. Professional skills come with time and experience and there really are few shortcuts.

[@frugalprepper]

My day job is IT and not cars, but everyone calls me, because they know Tom will just, take ownership, work on it, come back if he has important questions, but will just take it by the horns and get it done. It's gets annoying though because sometimes I do feel overloaded and think, like why isn't someone else doing this, its not really even in my job description at all. My gift is taking something I don't know about, figuring it out and fixing whatever it is. When people figure out I can do that, sometimes I have to leave and get a whole new job where I can go back to being the new guy again, so I can have some peace for a while. Also, if people try to put me in charge of people and make me a Manager or Director of something, I usually leave. I hate fixing people, I would much rather fix things. All the good people fixing tools are at least misdemeanors and usually a felony.

[@zach914v8]

Tom, I have watched your repair knowledge grow over the years. Your a smart tech, that's why people go to you. I'd say its getting to be time for you to raise the roof on your garage, get a lift and get busy.

[@juliovaltierra4148]

I started as a lube tech , made my way up to helper at a Chrysler dealership with a transmission tech and heavyline tech for long time. So once I went on my own , thats all the work they gave me is big jobs. I mean I'm pretty young still (27) but I do jobs even the veteran older tech wont even touch, not to brag but I'm think thats pretty cool to me, I came long way and grown as a tech, with minimal comebacks.

[@stevenfarley6909]

My shop has the opposite problem. We hire a guy to do oil and brakes and other easy work. Then a month later, drop the engine. It is always overwhelming for the guy. But then a few months of giving him bigger jobs they usually turn out more independent.

[@stevenfarley6909]

Good thing I specialize in being cool

[@ironrangeautotech8292]

Most definitely you have to asses your situation, and make the best move. Either it's time to level up or improve yourself so they can see your value. All else fails then chow.

[@juansimon5802]

i wish u were my boss. if u think u r being mean then u must be the nicest guy in the world

[@barrymccaulkiner7092]

No apology needed. If you're not learning from your mistakes and keep making those same mistakes then management won't have much confidence in your work or skills. Leave a drain plug loose, the old oil filter oring stuck to the engine block, strip out the the studs and lugs during a wheel rotation, etc... they are sure as hell not going to give you that timing chain repair. Build up the confidence of shop and then they might give you something more challenging than oil changes and rotates.

[@davidheinzmann4403]

This is typical in most industries and professions. Be glad to get a mentor to tell you the truth!

[@samueldeter9735]

The people that get butt hurt over this are the people that probably won't advance much, and the exact reason why people that do want a real answer can't get anyone to actually be honest with them about stuff they need to improve. Keep just saying it like it is, those people appreciate it immensely!

[@timgallagher3879]

Oil changes and brakes sounds like a pretty sweet gig 🤣. Stay on the gravy train.

[@JMKady76]

I did a ton of "moving on" early in my career. I was good for a year/year and a half almost everywhere early on before I'd either max out what they were willing to pay or they wouldn't let me do more difficult work.

[@Yonny316]

That was my life in heavy trucks, my first few weeks at the dealership they told me to do head jobs and main bearings like it was nothing. Never looked back. (Worked in truck fleets before this)

[@carlm2590]

Why do I get the feeling this is directed at someone?

[@meabob]

Sounds that way, huh?

[@ricardorodriguez-se7tp]

You are correct and you have to tell them the true facts of buisness. Great Video.

[@daquanbrown7886]

The pay needs to level up too

[@chrischiampo7647]

Harsh But Necessary Truths About The Industry 👨🏼‍🔧🧰🙁 Great Advice FLM 😎

[@joshuacasey460]

Ive given guys shots that were hard workers but just didnt have the right skillset to succeed and they have moved on where they can fit in as a c tech as I didnt have the room for one at the time and ive also promoted guys who swore they were going to rock on flat rate only for them to realize its not as easy as the other techs made it look =) . Usually you know the ones that are going to succeed before you even make the move. I try to see the best in most people but some folks are just disillusioned.

[@AP-bo3qq]

It’s a lot of politics that come with this industry. I just moved up to line tech 1 month outta tech school it’s a lot of old guys that will tell you run away from this , but to all the lube guys out there keep your head up and your eyes open your time will come . But you have to also look at yourself ! Self evaluation is key to move up 👍🏽

[@R3YNZ]

Thanks for the video. Can you make a video of how to more organized and efficient. I'm 2 years into my apprenticeship and I feel like this is my biggest issue. I lose precious time for not being efficient.

[@vincescalise4821]

Sometimes the truth can be hard to hear, great common sense video