You Want to Be a Technician? You need to hear this!

[@InertiaEFT]

My little brother, I try to get him into a little more of the hands-on stuff I do in the garage. Welding a table up, grinding, cleaning, etc. As you say, he's more interested in video games. My little sister's first couple TIG welds were better than mine, by a lot. She helped get my motorcycle ready for inspection. Installing headers, torquing things down, etc. She asked me if I think doing something like this as a career is a good idea, and I gave her the same advice you give. You have to really enjoy doing it, and try to live a comfortable life. I'm not sure what's happening with the industry (or the world) but when I started in restos, I was treated worse and made about half of what I'm making now. I'd do full restorations on my own, for half my current pay, and was comfortable. Concourse Corvette, Yenko Chevelle, International Harvester, whatever the customer wanted, at whatever level they paid for. Double the pay, increase the level of workmanship, yet it seems like everything is stepping backwards. The needle is pinned at "constant discomfort". I'm not sure if others are experiencing the same thing, but I hope anyone getting into this trade (or any trade for that matter) has an easier time of it. Years ago, I'd encourage and teach her everything I know, so that by the time she starts work, she won't be as clueless as I was back then. Now, I ask if she's sure.

[@junksautomotive]

Your preaching to the choir buddy! I don't know that I want to work for myself again but, financially I'm close to being able to, not have any overhead and work on what I want and enjoy. KZbin is a big part of that plan. I wouldn't suggest anybody get into this business unless they know they will make a steady living while working and learning. It use to be that way when I started. Yeah I was broke for years but I was hourly and knew what I was gonna make. Now, hourly wage isn't an option. They want you flat rate. And ask another older flat rate tech to teach him....... for free! Nope. Never works out. Kids are set up to fail these days

[@thomasmorrison9871]

I'm going to show my grand son your video. I can't get through to him so maybe you can. In 43 years I worked I had one apprentice that got it. He took my place when I retired. At least one, it could have been none. Thanks for the video!

[@junksautomotive]

Thanks Thomas! That means alot buddy. I'm not sure that it's a generation gap.... if it is, it's a big one! Let him know that absolutely NOTHING comes without work. See you Sunday buddy. Take care.

[@ceedell]

You're right on Mike, I started doing my own work as a kid because it was the only way I could afford to get it done. After working 25 years at a shop that did every aspect of the project/build I left there to run my own part time shop full time. That was 13 years ago and today that shop I worked at 25 years only does maintenance work because they have no personnel that can do the work we once did anymore. Good luck to the future of these hands on jobs.

[@junksautomotive]

Thanks for checking it out Wendell! Yeah, I'm not sure what's going to happen. I do know there is a push for the new vehicles to be plugged in, diag by the factory and a live person put the parts on. But, still need that live person! Take care buddy! Hope you guys are doing well.

[@Ed-sj2yu]

Preach uncle Mike that’s some real shit

[@junksautomotive]

Thanks Ed. Appreciate you buddy.

[@tony2good726]

My grampaw had an Auto Salvage & Recycling Yard, not a junkyard… don’t dare call it that. We had good times , always building something.

[@junksautomotive]

Very cool Tony! I would have loved that when I was a kid!

[@Hazzy238]

Some good advice there.

[@junksautomotive]

Thanks, Hazzy! I've been building up for years! Hope you're having a great week! I'm glad you checked it out.