I had an old timer (40 years turning wrenches) that I was a lead for years ago teach me one of the most valuable lessons I've learned working on cars. Gave him a work order and told him they wanted it by the end of the day, he tells me "The only car that has to be done at 5 is mine, and it runs just fine"... And he was right. I never worked late again, I didn't harm myself to finish cars anymore... because my truck runs and it's ready at 5 to go home.
That's me yo. I work 6-3, and that's a firm quitting time. I am out the door at 3. I eat lunch in the break room, but I won't even answer any questions while I'm on lunch. "Yeah, you're gonna have to wait about 43 more minutes man"
Literally just put a weeks notice in because of this. Got hours thrown at me non stop, was insulted with my pay. Now I’m going back to a shop where I’m mainly gonna be doing oil changes and brakes. It’s a step backwards in my career path but at least I won’t constantly have 4 cars that I’m halfway done with because the management wants me to start another car before I finish the one I’m on.
Wow. This JUST happened to me. I have had to take some time off, and im seriously questioning if this is what i want to keep doing. 12 years at a Ford dealer, and i am a Senior Master. I was absolutely worked like a dog, and of course had to deal with dealer politics. I had kept trying to do everything to get on their good side and get better work, but that never worked. I had had ZERO comebacks in years, i did the trans work that nobody wamted to do, i did the heavy line engine work nobody wanted to do, stayed late, and 2 months ago i had to leave because my health is much more important. I am only 29, and its not the first time i burn out.
Former Ford Tech here. Got so sick of it that I joined the Navy. Never looked back and don’t miss it. Now I’m out and drive a desk. I don’t ache anymore and my knuckles aren’t busted.
My dad works for a Caterpillar dealer as a marine technician. He has been burned out for years. Work 12 hrs a day, sometimes overnight call outs, working 12 hrs a day on the weekend, etc. Money is great but he hates it.
Just use the same trick I used with the laundry. I messed it up "accidentally" a few times. Now my wife doesn't trust me to even touch the washing machine. Problem solved!
We have a guy that on our team. Got to the point we gave him almost nothing. Then he started bitching when he’d sit around cuz there was no cp work and only recalls. We let him do a fuel pump recall and of course it left spilling gas everywhere. Back to sitting around and he’s livid
Corporate greed Pretty much ruined the American worker more often than not you can make a decent living, if you’re willing to sell your heart and soul to do it
@@vincescalise4821 true. But that also mean you have to be smart with your money too have plans and goals.. I’m working like a dog now but that’s because I plan on opening my own business in a few years so I need to make money I don’t mind workin hard cause it’s for a short time
My last job ruined my life, no weekends, no breaks. It caused a lot of anger and disloyalty to management and people dropped like flies. It was this burnout that made me decide to go back to school to get ASE certified. To do something I want to do and hopefully enjoy it. Eventually I plan on opening a shop and upon hiring I will show people this video so that they understand our shop is only as good as the people in it. I could relate so well and I've never been in the automotive industry. Just another thing to put in my notebook for my shop. Thanks for this.
When they rush me, I just go slower. Lmao they dont rush me no more and i just work at my own pace. Cant enjoy the money you make if you too tired at the end of the day.
Exactly what happened at my last job. Push push push, suddenly I hit a point where I started making some mistakes (don’t know about you, sometimes I’m wrong - yes I know crazy but it’s true).... Then they reminded me of it constantly, then proceeded to treat me like crap And make me question my own abilities. Guess what? I realized my worth, moved along, I am in a better environment where I’m valued. Real kicker is they weren’t even able to replace me (hard to find employees trained up in a small town) Oh well, play dumb games win dumb prizes.
Mike, you are spot on. The younger-aged people need to heed the advice of us 'older' professionals. Taking a full lunch to step away from the office/garage/factory gives that mid-day reset. When my dad was being killed by cancer (smoking) I used to visit a nice lake near my workplace. I'd sit on a bench and feed the ducks with the loaf of bread is bring with me. I needed that brain shift, even if just for an hour. I miss that lake.
I have told many bosses 'come down here and show me how it's done then.' They all just walk away grumbling under their breath and nothing comes of it. Im a welder btw.
Or only buy tools you need it you need a tool to use it only 1-3 times a year and only saves you 10-15 minutes. Why would you buy it? Cause you don’t think it adds up till you pay for 2k-3k for tools you only use 1-3 times a year. At the end of the year you’ve spent 2k-3k to save you 15-45 min is that smart? Now you may need a tool everyday that I will only use 1 time a year.
*Management* makes or breaks any business - as they Micro-Manage (running off employees) - then hire a bunch of kiss ups who will be their enforcers (KGB) to report back (good ole boy system).
Excellent video. I have a saying I developed from years in this business. "Those that DO are ALWAYS asked to do more, those that DON'T are NEVER asked to do their fair share. I worked at a shop with 12-16 techs and management told me many times that 3 of us do 80% of the work/hours. The 3 of us were always asked to do more. The others were never held to our standards.
This. This video right here. The last dealership (forestry) I was at, the service manager and branch manager were horrid about promising work to customers, and then, when more issues were found (nature of the beast with older heavy equip), we'd get the whip cracked to get all of it done within the same time window that was promised for the original repairs. Needless to say, I've changed job fields, and now that epiq box is sitting in MY shop.
Sometimes it’s better to limit your hours, keep putting money away as best you can and remain debt free. As a guy who used to work 70ish hours a week (minimum) plus commute 10+ hours and almost lost my family, I’m here to tell you being debt free and having money put away relieves some of the stress you feel and it gives you choices. Best thing I’ve done in years was take a job with slightly lower pay, no fancy title but I get time off and time to spend with my family, and within a couple of years I was right back at my old pay (and well beyond that now). Plus my commute is 5 minutes each way. I’m in a diffent industry but the concepts of work/life balance are universal. I believe God meant for us to work and strive for excellence but that doesn’t mean you’re available to your employer beyond what is reasonable. Fair employers who reward you for high quality work are out there, sometimes you have to hunt diligently for them. You have to be worth it for them to take a chance on you too.
Amen bro! The only thing I would mention is to be aware of too much “comfort “ for us techs. Of course we have to do some hard work and hustle when needed, it’s a balancing act between give snd take for both sides of the desk. Give an inch ... communication before the boiling point is reached is the answer. Anyhoo, great talk/ rant. Thank you
I agree, the hardest worker always gets screwed. This is the most ungrateful trade out there. Would not recommend it unless you start your own business or you know your going to a good shop. Keep up the good work, love your videos.
Here's a little secret. Management has no problem with comebacks, unless it's costing them money. The way they see it, do 50 cars and have 2-3 come back, vs do 30 cars and have 0 comebacks. In the short term the money is better for them with the first option. Never mind that those 2-3 customers are going to look for other places to do business, and could potentially get hurt when something fails. They don't care. This is really prevalent at chain shops where the upper management has several levels of separation between themselves and the day to day. And when the shop starts losing money in the long term because of lost customers and tech burnout, they blame either the foreman or the techs themselves. It's never their fault.
You could not have said it any better Mike. I worked many years in the Automotive Manufacturing is just as bad with Micro Managing, it has gotten so bad that you become a number and not a name.And when times get slow and there is layoff they want the same level of production with fewer people.Its simple can't be done,it burns people out.Great video Mike keep them coming.
This was well put! I tell my boss the credo and other techs all the time when they ask why I don't like it want to work weekends after i have already put in 55+ hours mon-fri
Mike your videos have had impeccable timing lately. Maybe because everyone’s having the same frustrations in “these uncertain times” I discovered taking my lunch every day to get away from things a long time ago when I worked construction.
Wow just the video I needed. I’m a 4th year apprentice and the pressure put on me is unreasonable. I questioned last week if I really wanted to keep working on cars? The answer? Of course I do! The problem is, you can only push someone else far before they break.
Thank you this conversation is well needed across this industry my deal they keep pushing my next step is to leave then retire from turning wrenches burnout had enough I am tired thank you once again for bring light to this subject.
It's nuts to ask for so many hours from techs. As as customer I wouldn't any work on my car to be rushed or a tech to be tired and pissed off while working on my car. It's possible that short cuts would become too common place.
I left the dealership almost 15 years ago because of this. I was a GM Master certified, ASE Master tech working flat rate on diesel, medium duty trucks rebuilding Eaton and Allison transmissions. It was heavy work and the warranty pay sucked. No dealer in my area would pay a truck tech an hourly rate, and I didn’t want to work for an independent. I now work in development of aerospace fuel systems for military aircraft and helicopters. A MUCH slower pace for much more pay.
I was a motor sports technician and I experienced this. The owner was a hyper competitive former racer and would set unrealistic standards. When the shop guys sacrificed and made it happen, that level of work became the new standard level of performance and the bar would be further raised. What I learned was to speak up because, while unreasonable as his workload was, a simple conversation or two (or 5) would have gone a long way to slowing his roll. Live and learn. I now do something completely not motor sports related and I now work to live.
Wow 😳 some one gets it ! My name is Doug, and I’m a ironworker talk about go, go , go , physical, physical , physical!!! Over 30 years rod buster, wrist surgery , nee surgery , stomach surgery, hip surgery , broken leg , now back surgery, 23 of December , 2020 can’t wait to go back to work next year !!! GoGoGo! Keep going. Thanks for your videos!
“I can’t maintain that level of productivity and maintain my level of quality. I just can’t” love it I don’t do what you guys do (I build handicap vans) but I’ve said this exact thing to owner/management... they don’t like it but they know they need us
I work in the Corporate world. My job title is some sort of management. We operate fleets in the oil and gas industry and I always try to fill in where needed and currently we have been needing help in the shop so that's where I have been positioning myself, but I get up at 0200 every morning to get to the shop to get everything ready so at 0700 when the phone starts ringing I'm behind the desk dealing with all that also trying to be as hands on in the shop when the phone stops. 0230 to 1800 everyday is really getting old. Many days I feel like just moving my stuff home and just going back truck driving
That is the best advice I have heard you're absolutely 110% correct I've been through it they're trying to milk the most out of the technicians and pay them the least people don't not realize it as far as I am concerned if I was in that situation I would place the management into my position and expect them to do the same and I want to see what their end results are and I can guarantee that they would not last long
Hey Mike, I would like you to make 9 videos a week and you normally only do 3 videos. I know most (including myself) only post 2-3 time a month but I want you to do MORE.🤣🤣jk. Thanks for the video Mike and the problem is real even at shop do half that production.
I never related so much to a video, more in this spot in my life I lost friends, family and many opportunities that I had so I can keep satisfying my managers at my shop. I think I can apply this tips on my life. Thank you Mr
Well said F.R.M. awesome advice and wasn't preachy. All techs or anyone in this industry definitely need to have a balanced home life and work life. And know how much u can put out vs wht "they want or expect " from u as a technician. Your right ...come 5:00 pm for me. I punch out and don't look back or think about work once i leave the building. Leave work stuff at work.
current boss yells all morning to work fast and he has lots of work. from 2-5 i scratch my ass cuz there is nothing to do except wonder why i was getting yelled at for doing my job properly. hoping to hear back this week from another job i interviewed for.
Best decision I made was to stop being auto tech. Yeah can make good money but will bust your butt. It gets old after 15 years. Now work factory job make same, but don't deal with flat rate and all the drama. Stress level is down 100%. I don't know what the answer is but auto repair industry needs to change.
Good video. I can tell you, I work on cars just for fun, but I am in child welfare for 25 years. I can relate. I am given a caseload of 75 families scattered over Illinois and I am expected to visit those families, handle emergencies, be on call 24 hours, go to court, have people swear at me, etc. I have a golden rule, don't tell me what to do if you cannot do it yourself. I am an old timer and I am unsure how much longer I can go, but at the end of the day, life is short. Life is not just about making money, I see people working 10 hours a day, coming in on Saturdays, but what is the point if you don't have time to enjoy the things you like. I also agree with the lunch breaks, my boss always tells me hey you can eat at your desk or they will want meetings/lunch at the same time. I too leave the hell out and come back at 1. Life is short and when your in your death bed, no one is going to say, dang I should had did more brake jobs or I should can handles more cases. Health, family, friends and the things you enjoy is what life is all about. Its funny how any job changes once you get paid. I remember Eric the Car Guy said, working on cars with some beer/buddies on weekends is a whole different things than showing up to the shop Monday morning and the customers are already sitting outside and you have a money hungry boss breathing down your neck. Same applies to truck drivers, and a gazillion other jobs.
I was a mechanic working 50+ hours a week 6 days a week no time or energy to do anything else. I got an office job I hate it but I have a life outside of work.
I'm taking next week off because of burnout, has nothing to do with my management. I just need a reset. So damn excited as it's been since last January that I've had more than a long weekend. Always put yourself first at work.
Nicely said F.R.M. Work to live not live to work I never thought 🤔💭 of it that way, really makes me think and reevaluate a couple of my life choices 😎👍
I had one of those fridays. I had a job I wasn’t looking forward to from Thursday get approved then we had a bunch of appointments that weren’t on the schedule so it got pushed to today and I was dreading it all weekend.
Very true facts stated in this video. I work with people that have never laid a finger on a wrench and tell other techs "your doing it wrong". Taking time off is good in general but it's more important to do it for your family's sake.
Same here. I was lead tech/supervisor at a major truck dealership and got burn out because of the workload and they refused to give raises. Put my notice in and they fired me on the spot!! Now I’m at a mom and pop diesel shop making more money and less headache!
Wow i thought i was the only one who needs that mental recovery at lunch. I live close enough to head back to my house for lunches too. I find myself as a new heavy line tech pushing myself too hard when i get in the groove and do overtime, if i was more efficient i can make that money without working OT. Great video FRM.
Excellent video, I am a gearhead, love cars, always reading about cars and trucks, doing basic things to them, I am not a professional mechanic, but I treat the my local mechanic very well and the mechanics at the one dealership I go to, very well. Mechanics are so important to life and the economy, they keep us on the roads. Sometimes I drop off two trays of pizza for them, sometimes if around holidays get everyone a gift card. Flat rate master, I am what you call a "Tier one" customer. I work in the natural gas utilities and this video really hits home hard. I like money as well, but over the past three years working very late hours, not having a life, this June, I took a different shift and have cut out a lot of overtime. I don't regret it, I feel like after three hard years in a row of 14 to 16 hour days it was time for a break. Boss didn't like it, because I am really good, but for now it is working out. You have to get a balance or else you find yourself saying I have no life, why am I here on the planet. Great videos, I also like that Matco toolbox that is behind you in each video. very nice.
I worked for a company that had us doing inspections and we where told to find on average $1500 worth if work on every car. Like even on oil changes. Stupid inspection took 30 minutes. No matter how fast you where. You gotta pace yourself. Otherwise you'll get burnt out.
Rogue Wrenching I know exactly how you felt. Same shit gave us a laundry list to go through in the inspection needed pictures but of course wanted the change done in 10 mins.
@@zues2013 did you work for the same shop I did? Haha but for real I get a courtesy inspection but the free inspection is a visual 5 minute look. Anything beyond that and you gotta charge for it
@@bobbyu8991 it's a disease the shop owners are getting. Come to my channel for a different side of the Industry. Also I'm giving away free money. But seriously. To many shop owners are to focused on the numbers and not taking care of customers. If you do right by the customer the money takes care of itself.
I once told a manager “I have a fucking name dude. I’m a human being.” They were having us do 3-4 days straight of 13 hour days to compensate for the pandemic. We’d work 7am to 7pm. We basically had two teams that were not supposed to be in the shop at the same time (that didn’t happen.) I was working with two other guys and management just kept bringing in cars at a high volume. We almost all quit after we never got lunch or any form of break. I still work there but it’s a constant source of trauma and is a reminder that they don’t care about me as a human being. If they ever ask me to do that again I may quit on the spot regardless of if they change their mind.
Thanks for the video. You have it figured out. Not to mention working crazy hours then starting a family and your kids don't give you the time of day because when you come home your dad and that's it. Hardest thing is to come home and not be able to hold your kids. All because you had to work late again. I've had vacation time forgotten about and scheduled the day I was taking off to spend time with my boys and it's all ok in the office but I just swallowed my anger and worked. One mistake that I won't forget. Your personal time is worth more than one may think. Before you know it your kids will be out of the house and you will be one hard working S.O.B. and lonely.
I learned that quality of life is definitely more important than making more money. Least dealerships after or 25 years experience, scored a job with my township in the fleet garage working on everything from cop cars to heavy equipment. Major pay cut, but what you say about life satisfaction carries sooooo much weight. Great video. Hard for techs to believe it until they have seen it tho.
I work at a dealership and the common mind set is you pay your dues on the oil rack and tire machine till they decide to let you off the oil rack or tire machine. I understand this but at same time I am not wanting to be a lifer on oil rack....
Been there done that.Just advice for all young techs out there;slow down and do your job right first time and do it safely.Do not pay attention to the clock.Skills and speed will come over the time.If you feel abused or disrespect walk away.
We are lucky in Australia we are paid a wage not flat rate but we burn out to as management want 14 hours per person in a 7.6 hour day us older techs have learnt and push the younger ones to learn we don’t earn any more if we kill ourselfs so we don’t we do the best job we can but once knockoff comes if work isn’t finished we just go home, management soon learn don’t over book
This happened to me. It got so bad my health got worse and almost caused my epilepsy to get worst. I had to take a month off work requested from my doctor. Came back and was be worked to the ground again. Put my two weeks in, took a week off. Started at another shop and I’m as happy as can be, the work is great, and I feel no stress
Troy Built When I was a tech I’d almost always take my full hour lunch even though the production manager and other guys would get resentful because they only took a half. Sorry but if I’m told I’m allowed an hour I’m taking an hour. Lunch is my time to decompress and take my mind off work... IMO it’s worth the extra half hour to come back refreshed. I could actually tell I’d be more focused and jobs would just go a lot smoother after a midday break.
I’m a HDEM that works underground. Work less then 5 months a year , and make over 110 k with zero overtime. Have a paid pension when I retire, also tools are supplied by the company.
Cap team 2 walamart is burn out central 2 hours to unload a 3,000 piece truck. I done that for 15 mouths and more than burned-out. Thanks for the advice Mike, that's gives me hope hustle,hustle hustle, brakes, brakes, brakes work to live, not live to work
I once carried a window blind company on my back for just over 7 years. I worked every weekend, and every holiday (that customers let me into their home). Between me and a couple other guys we brought the half dozen employee company from the basement of a home to being reconized as the top rated window blind retailer in the country. The company sold and the new owners were handed a very burned out me. I was fired shortly after the company transferred hands for a pay disagreement. I learned alot but it cost me the best job I have had the pleasure of working yet. I still think the separation would could been avoided if I had not overworked myself.
This is a huge issue. Thats why we are open 45 hours a week. By the time the guys take their hour lunch, they are here 40hours. we know to bust our butt for that 40 hour, we work to live, we dont live to work. Also, Words of affirmation...We are constantly telling our guys good job, thank you, etc. etc. etc. It goes a long way with people to hear that from the boss/owner. I know multiple techs that run in the circle you and I do that feel this way that message me weekly. I feel bad for them.
I'm hourly but my boss is so money hungry. I work 8-6 everyday but am still expected to work on more cars past my supposed "clock out" time. I have no life outside of work. Gave everything to that shop. Now co-workers are giving me shit even though I keep my head down, treat everyone with respect and go out of my way to help them. I'm resigning tomorrow. Such a toxic culture in this industry, and I believe it's fueled by the older techs and shop owners. Y'all make young techs like me feel like numbers to make you more money, never tell us simple things like "good job" or "thanks for the hardwork". We're doing hard shit with little to no recognition, and millennials like myself are avoiding this industry like the plague as a result. Let alone Gen Z, they'll avoid this industry too. To any young person thinking about this industry, and you're not doing this for the money but to give genuine good service to customers and make them feel confident about the integrity of their vehicle, then I must warn you, you are in the minority. It will be hard for you. Sorry to be honest.
Wise advise. Seen so many guys burnout and fall into bad places, depression, Drugs, alcohol. I got close myself once, was just coming generally apathetic and it cost me. Ultimately for the better but it did cost me at the time. When I'm training a kid I relay it to them this way: It's like going to a casino to gamble, Have a number that you cash out on and be happy with that amount. Chase the highs and you'll get burned. If you can't make an acceptable paycheck in 8-10 hour days, somethings wrong. Hate to say it but even working at decent shops over 15 years, I can count on one hand how many times I've gotten a genuine thank you for going above and beyond. Give it your 100 for the time you're suppose to be there and clock out. If you're efficiency is close to 100% and they need you to stay longer or you're not making enough hours, the problem rests somewhere up front, scheduling, games, management,etc. Had one manager who, I swear liked to see how far he could push a guy just because, tell me he was like Santa and we were all just his little helpers. I left very shortly after lol.
Yup.... well said, I'm 59 years old, and have hard wrenched for 45 of them !! My body is Trashed !! So many things I want to do, but my body sais "Nope, not today buddy!"
Philly Dee Midas, everyonepurposely works slow because their old and smoke cigs all day. I constantly get called for oil changes. I’ve already did 2 this morning racking them in the air while the other mechanic get air induction cleaning and brake jobs and just bullshit all morning/day
Yup Same thing here. Owner has a set goal for used cars turn around that is not obtainable with the amount of cars we have to service. Several long time techs here are about to leave because of it. I'm shop lead here and every idea I've come up with to improve things has been shot down. So now I'm at the point where I just don't care about anything except making my hours and going home.
well said, I'm going to be meeting with an owner from another dealership that i've worked for in the past (they haven't been able to replacement since i left a few years back) I'm goint to tell them straight up i was getting burnt out. The jobs i was doing was all the jobs the other techs didn't want so i was killing myself to get them done and working extra to make the hours i did. like going in at 3 am on a saturday to rebuild engines. I would be much happier being salary, or along that aspect. Warrnty times play into that. And the fact I can't do 6 days a week at 10+ days. I love what I do but hate the aniexty i get at turning hours. usually at the end of the week i make them but all week long i feel like i can't breathe. Also with the managment i've had several weeks where i got dumped on with crap jobs, thursday comes along and i have 20 hours, then friday they hammer me with 30 hours to get done. Not fair. IF you need someon to do the crap jobs then they need to be salary. or for every crap job there better be a good one be hind it. Especially if there is another guy capable of doing the work but refuses it because he can make 100 hours a week doing gravy jobs. I've been do several jobs with the same result. Every one tells me the independant life is better but at this point i really question how long i want to do this career because it slowly not enjoyable from being burnt out and the stress at making the hours while i fix all the crap no one else can.
No truer words were ever spoken, I was a ceiling drywaller in the mobile home industry for 30 years, the homes kept getting more and more difficult to build, Yet we were expected to Build so many in an eight hour day, one or two guys would always be pulled out of our group to help other groups, Then we would be stuck there working overtime, the last for five years there ,my whole attitude on life was just awful ,and I was no fun to live with either, that really took a toll on my body, best thing I ever did was get the hell out of there
I'm burnt today alot of electrical work mixed with suspension I'm tired I am thankful for the work but today is Monday and it was car after car plus I worked thru lunch
![อยู่ได้แล้ว - LIPTA feat. Mirrr [OFFICIAL MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/-9-hpntNym4/mqdefault.jpg)
I had an old timer (40 years turning wrenches) that I was a lead for years ago teach me one of the most valuable lessons I've learned working on cars. Gave him a work order and told him they wanted it by the end of the day, he tells me "The only car that has to be done at 5 is mine, and it runs just fine"... And he was right. I never worked late again, I didn't harm myself to finish cars anymore... because my truck runs and it's ready at 5 to go home.
Best thing I've read.
Service writers with no automotive experience is also a problem they have no idea what they are asking you to do
I’m in that situation I have a dispatcher with no car experience who think everything is easy
Mechanic’s Lives Matter!!..
That's me yo. I work 6-3, and that's a firm quitting time. I am out the door at 3. I eat lunch in the break room, but I won't even answer any questions while I'm on lunch. "Yeah, you're gonna have to wait about 43 more minutes man"
Literally just put a weeks notice in because of this. Got hours thrown at me non stop, was insulted with my pay. Now I’m going back to a shop where I’m mainly gonna be doing oil changes and brakes. It’s a step backwards in my career path but at least I won’t constantly have 4 cars that I’m halfway done with because the management wants me to start another car before I finish the one I’m on.
Bro same history here , from balise hyundai i start next week in enterprise.
This is my life 🤣
C c Cu c
Dealing with the same shit last month got a hernia and on Friday had surgery to get it fixed now laid up till middle of October
Tony Belisle how you get a hernia?
Wow. This JUST happened to me. I have had to take some time off, and im seriously questioning if this is what i want to keep doing. 12 years at a Ford dealer, and i am a Senior Master. I was absolutely worked like a dog, and of course had to deal with dealer politics. I had kept trying to do everything to get on their good side and get better work, but that never worked. I had had ZERO comebacks in years, i did the trans work that nobody wamted to do, i did the heavy line engine work nobody wanted to do, stayed late, and 2 months ago i had to leave because my health is much more important. I am only 29, and its not the first time i burn out.
Find a family owned independent shop to work at, trust me, you WILL be much happier and treated better ;)
@@wmcwmc8623 i will definitely consider it! Thanks!
Makes you an old man quick. I got out of mech. Work permanently bc of this. Now I work on things only when I want to. Much happier.
Also fleet shops are slower paced
Former Ford Tech here. Got so sick of it that I joined the Navy. Never looked back and don’t miss it. Now I’m out and drive a desk. I don’t ache anymore and my knuckles aren’t busted.
Same for marine mechanics. Go 100 mph during the week, wiped out over the weekend and cannot enjoy hobbies. Thank you FRM for this video.
My dad works for a Caterpillar dealer as a marine technician. He has been burned out for years. Work 12 hrs a day, sometimes overnight call outs, working 12 hrs a day on the weekend, etc. Money is great but he hates it.
Just use the same trick I used with the laundry. I messed it up "accidentally" a few times. Now my wife doesn't trust me to even touch the washing machine. Problem solved!
Doesn’t mrs w also do that with her vehicle maintenance.
That's solid strategy. 😜
I’ve worked with guys that did that and it definitely works.
We have a guy that on our team. Got to the point we gave him almost nothing. Then he started bitching when he’d sit around cuz there was no cp work and only recalls. We let him do a fuel pump recall and of course it left spilling gas everywhere. Back to sitting around and he’s livid
Wes I also live by the code. Lol.
They think of technicians as expendable assets.
Short sighted management / shareholders look at employees as liabilities. Expendable asset is a polite way to say liability.
Corporate greed Pretty much ruined the American worker more often than not you can make a decent living, if you’re willing to sell your heart and soul to do it
@@vincescalise4821 true. But that also mean you have to be smart with your money too have plans and goals.. I’m working like a dog now but that’s because I plan on opening my own business in a few years so I need to make money I don’t mind workin hard cause it’s for a short time
My last job ruined my life, no weekends, no breaks. It caused a lot of anger and disloyalty to management and people dropped like flies. It was this burnout that made me decide to go back to school to get ASE certified. To do something I want to do and hopefully enjoy it. Eventually I plan on opening a shop and upon hiring I will show people this video so that they understand our shop is only as good as the people in it. I could relate so well and I've never been in the automotive industry. Just another thing to put in my notebook for my shop. Thanks for this.
you dropped this 👑
You have your own shop yet?
When they rush me, I just go slower. Lmao they dont rush me no more and i just work at my own pace. Cant enjoy the money you make if you too tired at the end of the day.
21 and never had a problem saying yes to whatever was needed until recently I’m glad I saw this thanks mike
After working 40 plus hours its amazing how your days or day off dont feel like your off and goes by faster than your work day.
Exactly what happened at my last job. Push push push, suddenly I hit a point where I started making some mistakes (don’t know about you, sometimes I’m wrong - yes I know crazy but it’s true).... Then they reminded me of it constantly, then proceeded to treat me like crap And make me question my own abilities. Guess what? I realized my worth, moved along, I am in a better environment where I’m valued. Real kicker is they weren’t even able to replace me (hard to find employees trained up in a small town) Oh well, play dumb games win dumb prizes.
We spell management goals "G-R-E-E-D".
Mike, you are spot on. The younger-aged people need to heed the advice of us 'older' professionals. Taking a full lunch to step away from the office/garage/factory gives that mid-day reset. When my dad was being killed by cancer (smoking) I used to visit a nice lake near my workplace. I'd sit on a bench and feed the ducks with the loaf of bread is bring with me. I needed that brain shift, even if just for an hour. I miss that lake.
Advice taken
Great advice! As long as the guys don't go to sleep and forget to come back...........
Watching this on my lunch I wasn't even hungry I just had to get out of the shop . Very well put .
I have told many bosses 'come down here and show me how it's done then.' They all just walk away grumbling under their breath and nothing comes of it. Im a welder btw.
I did the same, with the same result as you LOL I was a ceiling drywaller
Give them 6011 overhead always funny with new guys
You have to work hard to make money to buy more tools so you can work hard.
Story of my life 🙃
Or only buy tools you need it you need a tool to use it only 1-3 times a year and only saves you 10-15 minutes. Why would you buy it? Cause you don’t think it adds up till you pay for 2k-3k for tools you only use 1-3 times a year. At the end of the year you’ve spent 2k-3k to save you 15-45 min is that smart? Now you may need a tool everyday that I will only use 1 time a year.
*Management* makes or breaks any business - as they Micro-Manage (running off employees) - then hire a bunch of kiss ups who will be their enforcers (KGB) to report back (good ole boy system).
Excellent video. I have a saying I developed from years in this business.
"Those that DO are ALWAYS asked to do more, those that DON'T are NEVER asked to do their fair share.
I worked at a shop with 12-16 techs and management told me many times that 3 of us do 80% of the work/hours. The 3 of us were always asked to do more. The others were never held to our standards.
Bro this is my life lol
I feel you man. The more I do, the more I’m expected to pick up the slack of the slower guys. Fuckin BS
Was the same way in the Navy when I was an Aviation Electrician working on C-130s. We called them 💩 bags. 😂
Yup living it right now.
Ruined my weekend
Having a hard time with this in the shop right now myself. Really needed to hear this. Keep up the good work!
This.
This video right here.
The last dealership (forestry) I was at, the service manager and branch manager were horrid about promising work to customers, and then, when more issues were found (nature of the beast with older heavy equip), we'd get the whip cracked to get all of it done within the same time window that was promised for the original repairs. Needless to say, I've changed job fields, and now that epiq box is sitting in MY shop.
Sometimes it’s better to limit your hours, keep putting money away as best you can and remain debt free. As a guy who used to work 70ish hours a week (minimum) plus commute 10+ hours and almost lost my family, I’m here to tell you being debt free and having money put away relieves some of the stress you feel and it gives you choices. Best thing I’ve done in years was take a job with slightly lower pay, no fancy title but I get time off and time to spend with my family, and within a couple of years I was right back at my old pay (and well beyond that now). Plus my commute is 5 minutes each way. I’m in a diffent industry but the concepts of work/life balance are universal. I believe God meant for us to work and strive for excellence but that doesn’t mean you’re available to your employer beyond what is reasonable. Fair employers who reward you for high quality work are out there, sometimes you have to hunt diligently for them. You have to be worth it for them to take a chance on you too.
Well Said man
Had to get out of the business for being mostly mentally exhausted. The mental stress was way too overwhelming
One of the best videos you’ve made in a while and they are all really good. Every tech in the industry needs to see this
ONE OF YOUR BEST VIDEOS YET!
Amen bro! The only thing I would mention is to be aware of too much “comfort “ for us techs. Of course we have to do some hard work and hustle when needed, it’s a balancing act between give snd take for both sides of the desk. Give an inch ... communication before the boiling point is reached is the answer.
Anyhoo, great talk/ rant. Thank you
I agree, the hardest worker always gets screwed. This is the most ungrateful trade out there. Would not recommend it unless you start your own business or you know your going to a good shop. Keep up the good work, love your videos.
Its because of all these "consulting firms" (former kwik kar managers) tell shop owners how to increase profits. Ruining the industry
Here's a little secret. Management has no problem with comebacks, unless it's costing them money. The way they see it, do 50 cars and have 2-3 come back, vs do 30 cars and have 0 comebacks. In the short term the money is better for them with the first option. Never mind that those 2-3 customers are going to look for other places to do business, and could potentially get hurt when something fails. They don't care. This is really prevalent at chain shops where the upper management has several levels of separation between themselves and the day to day. And when the shop starts losing money in the long term because of lost customers and tech burnout, they blame either the foreman or the techs themselves. It's never their fault.
@@1337penguinman unless the comeback keeps you from getting to the incoming work
Thank you so much for the video, I really needed this talk. I appreciate you and what you do!
You could not have said it any better Mike. I worked many years in the Automotive Manufacturing is just as bad with Micro Managing, it has gotten so bad that you become a number and not a name.And when times get slow and there is layoff they want the same level of production with fewer people.Its simple can't be done,it burns people out.Great video Mike keep them coming.
This was well put! I tell my boss the credo and other techs all the time when they ask why I don't like it want to work weekends after i have already put in 55+ hours mon-fri
Mike your videos have had impeccable timing lately. Maybe because everyone’s having the same frustrations in “these uncertain times”
I discovered taking my lunch every day to get away from things a long time ago when I worked construction.
Wow just the video I needed. I’m a 4th year apprentice and the pressure put on me is unreasonable. I questioned last week if I really wanted to keep working on cars? The answer? Of course I do! The problem is, you can only push someone else far before they break.
Thank you this conversation is well needed across this industry my deal they keep pushing my next step is to leave then retire from turning wrenches burnout had enough I am tired thank you once again for bring light to this subject.
It's nuts to ask for so many hours from techs. As as customer I wouldn't any work on my car to be rushed or a tech to be tired and pissed off while working on my car. It's possible that short cuts would become too common place.
Been a tech for 35yrs I got 6 techs with me only 1-3yrs experience. there burn out now, I try to tell them to slow down
I left the dealership almost 15 years ago because of this. I was a GM Master certified, ASE Master tech working flat rate on diesel, medium duty trucks rebuilding Eaton and Allison transmissions. It was heavy work and the warranty pay sucked. No dealer in my area would pay a truck tech an hourly rate, and I didn’t want to work for an independent. I now work in development of aerospace fuel systems for military aircraft and helicopters. A MUCH slower pace for much more pay.
I was a motor sports technician and I experienced this. The owner was a hyper competitive former racer and would set unrealistic standards. When the shop guys sacrificed and made it happen, that level of work became the new standard level of performance and the bar would be further raised. What I learned was to speak up because, while unreasonable as his workload was, a simple conversation or two (or 5) would have gone a long way to slowing his roll. Live and learn. I now do something completely not motor sports related and I now work to live.
Wow 😳 some one gets it ! My name is Doug, and I’m a ironworker talk about go, go , go , physical, physical , physical!!! Over 30 years rod buster, wrist surgery , nee surgery , stomach surgery, hip surgery , broken leg , now back surgery, 23 of December , 2020 can’t wait to go back to work next year !!! GoGoGo! Keep going. Thanks for your videos!
Thank you for making this video, it’s reminded me of all those times I’ve gotten burned out at the dealership 👏👏
I work in collision repair and it’s like that on our side too, auto techs need to be unionized and tell big business to pay more or suck it !
“I can’t maintain that level of productivity and maintain my level of quality. I just can’t” love it I don’t do what you guys do (I build handicap vans) but I’ve said this exact thing to owner/management... they don’t like it but they know they need us
I work in the Corporate world. My job title is some sort of management. We operate fleets in the oil and gas industry and I always try to fill in where needed and currently we have been needing help in the shop so that's where I have been positioning myself, but I get up at 0200 every morning to get to the shop to get everything ready so at 0700 when the phone starts ringing I'm behind the desk dealing with all that also trying to be as hands on in the shop when the phone stops. 0230 to 1800 everyday is really getting old. Many days I feel like just moving my stuff home and just going back truck driving
That is the best advice I have heard you're absolutely 110% correct I've been through it they're trying to milk the most out of the technicians and pay them the least people don't not realize it as far as I am concerned if I was in that situation I would place the management into my position and expect them to do the same and I want to see what their end results are and I can guarantee that they would not last long
Hey Mike, I would like you to make 9 videos a week and you normally only do 3 videos. I know most (including myself) only post 2-3 time a month but I want you to do MORE.🤣🤣jk. Thanks for the video Mike and the problem is real even at shop do half that production.
Management needs to see this video hahaha they love working us to death while they watch and get paid prolly 5x more than the techs.
I never related so much to a video, more in this spot in my life I lost friends, family and many opportunities that I had so I can keep satisfying my managers at my shop. I think I can apply this tips on my life. Thank you Mr
Well said F.R.M. awesome advice and wasn't preachy. All techs or anyone in this industry definitely need to have a balanced home life and work life. And know how much u can put out vs wht "they want or expect " from u as a technician. Your right ...come 5:00 pm for me. I punch out and don't look back or think about work once i leave the building. Leave work stuff at work.
current boss yells all morning to work fast and he has lots of work. from 2-5 i scratch my ass cuz there is nothing to do except wonder why i was getting yelled at for doing my job properly. hoping to hear back this week from another job i interviewed for.
Best decision I made was to stop being auto tech. Yeah can make good money but will bust your butt. It gets old after 15 years. Now work factory job make same, but don't deal with flat rate and all the drama. Stress level is down 100%. I don't know what the answer is but auto repair industry needs to change.
das11270110 What’s your new job specifically? Same pay and less stress is a win-win!
Watch your videos before going to work, It's good to hear another tech talking about real life stuff that affects therest of us in the trade.
Exactly the reason why I left the dealership, worked me till I couldn't take it anymore
Wauuu great video !! I work in a flat rate bodyshop and that’s exactly what happens
Good video. I can tell you, I work on cars just for fun, but I am in child welfare for 25 years. I can relate. I am given a caseload of 75 families scattered over Illinois and I am expected to visit those families, handle emergencies, be on call 24 hours, go to court, have people swear at me, etc. I have a golden rule, don't tell me what to do if you cannot do it yourself. I am an old timer and I am unsure how much longer I can go, but at the end of the day, life is short. Life is not just about making money, I see people working 10 hours a day, coming in on Saturdays, but what is the point if you don't have time to enjoy the things you like. I also agree with the lunch breaks, my boss always tells me hey you can eat at your desk or they will want meetings/lunch at the same time. I too leave the hell out and come back at 1. Life is short and when your in your death bed, no one is going to say, dang I should had did more brake jobs or I should can handles more cases. Health, family, friends and the things you enjoy is what life is all about. Its funny how any job changes once you get paid. I remember Eric the Car Guy said, working on cars with some beer/buddies on weekends is a whole different things than showing up to the shop Monday morning and the customers are already sitting outside and you have a money hungry boss breathing down your neck. Same applies to truck drivers, and a gazillion other jobs.
I was a mechanic working 50+ hours a week 6 days a week no time or energy to do anything else. I got an office job I hate it but I have a life outside of work.
That’s how it is in any industry! Good video topic and great advice!
I'm taking next week off because of burnout, has nothing to do with my management. I just need a reset. So damn excited as it's been since last January that I've had more than a long weekend. Always put yourself first at work.
I used to work at Airport Ford in Atlanta the it came to be Nally off Stewart Ave,
Needed this. Left my last shop because of this. Work at a state facility now and love it.
Nicely said F.R.M. Work to live not live to work I never thought 🤔💭 of it that way, really makes me think and reevaluate a couple of my life choices 😎👍
Well said frm. Thank you for the insight and motivation.
I had one of those fridays. I had a job I wasn’t looking forward to from Thursday get approved then we had a bunch of appointments that weren’t on the schedule so it got pushed to today and I was dreading it all weekend.
It's time to switch to four work days every seven days. Four good 10 hour days make those 3 days off more enjoyable.
The only problem with this is that productivity drps off in the last couple of hours, more so the older one gets.
I work 5 10hr days sometimes 6 .
Landscape and im the company mechanic
Very true facts stated in this video. I work with people that have never laid a finger on a wrench and tell other techs "your doing it wrong". Taking time off is good in general but it's more important to do it for your family's sake.
Same here. I was lead tech/supervisor at a major truck dealership and got burn out because of the workload and they refused to give raises. Put my notice in and they fired me on the spot!! Now I’m at a mom and pop diesel shop making more money and less headache!
It wasn't preachy at all, FRM. It was spot on. We're not numbers or machine's, we're human beings and have a life outside of work.
Wow i thought i was the only one who needs that mental recovery at lunch. I live close enough to head back to my house for lunches too. I find myself as a new heavy line tech pushing myself too hard when i get in the groove and do overtime, if i was more efficient i can make that money without working OT. Great video FRM.
Excellent video, I am a gearhead, love cars, always reading about cars and trucks, doing basic things to them, I am not a professional mechanic, but I treat the my local mechanic very well and the mechanics at the one dealership I go to, very well. Mechanics are so important to life and the economy, they keep us on the roads. Sometimes I drop off two trays of pizza for them, sometimes if around holidays get everyone a gift card. Flat rate master, I am what you call a "Tier one" customer. I work in the natural gas utilities and this video really hits home hard. I like money as well, but over the past three years working very late hours, not having a life, this June, I took a different shift and have cut out a lot of overtime. I don't regret it, I feel like after three hard years in a row of 14 to 16 hour days it was time for a break. Boss didn't like it, because I am really good, but for now it is working out. You have to get a balance or else you find yourself saying I have no life, why am I here on the planet. Great videos, I also like that Matco toolbox that is behind you in each video. very nice.
I worked for a company that had us doing inspections and we where told to find on average $1500 worth if work on every car. Like even on oil changes. Stupid inspection took 30 minutes. No matter how fast you where.
You gotta pace yourself. Otherwise you'll get burnt out.
Rogue Wrenching I know exactly how you felt. Same shit gave us a laundry list to go through in the inspection needed pictures but of course wanted the change done in 10 mins.
@@zues2013 did you work for the same shop I did? Haha but for real I get a courtesy inspection but the free inspection is a visual 5 minute look. Anything beyond that and you gotta charge for it
Think I know the company I work for it
@@bobbyu8991 it's a disease the shop owners are getting.
Come to my channel for a different side of the Industry. Also I'm giving away free money.
But seriously. To many shop owners are to focused on the numbers and not taking care of customers. If you do right by the customer the money takes care of itself.
As a 30 Year Tech - I totally understand what you are saying as I am at that point.
I once told a manager “I have a fucking name dude. I’m a human being.”
They were having us do 3-4 days straight of 13 hour days to compensate for the pandemic. We’d work 7am to 7pm. We basically had two teams that were not supposed to be in the shop at the same time (that didn’t happen.) I was working with two other guys and management just kept bringing in cars at a high volume. We almost all quit after we never got lunch or any form of break. I still work there but it’s a constant source of trauma and is a reminder that they don’t care about me as a human being.
If they ever ask me to do that again I may quit on the spot regardless of if they change their mind.
Been there thru that in other industries. Good video.
Well said FRM. Going through this currently and I am thinking of moving on to next job.
Is it possible for you to start saying "No" on this one? Might be worth a try...
Thanks Mike this hit home for me .
Thanks for the video. You have it figured out. Not to mention working crazy hours then starting a family and your kids don't give you the time of day because when you come home your dad and that's it. Hardest thing is to come home and not be able to hold your kids. All because you had to work late again. I've had vacation time forgotten about and scheduled the day I was taking off to spend time with my boys and it's all ok in the office but I just swallowed my anger and worked. One mistake that I won't forget. Your personal time is worth more than one may think. Before you know it your kids will be out of the house and you will be one hard working S.O.B. and lonely.
I learned that quality of life is definitely more important than making more money. Least dealerships after or 25 years experience, scored a job with my township in the fleet garage working on everything from cop cars to heavy equipment. Major pay cut, but what you say about life satisfaction carries sooooo much weight. Great video. Hard for techs to believe it until they have seen it tho.
I work at a dealership and the common mind set is you pay your dues on the oil rack and tire machine till they decide to let you off the oil rack or tire machine. I understand this but at same time I am not wanting to be a lifer on oil rack....
Thank you for the advice.
Very well said and done.
Been there done that.Just advice for all young techs out there;slow down and do your job right first time and do it safely.Do not pay attention to the clock.Skills and speed will come over the time.If you feel abused or disrespect walk away.
I feel like your talking to me. Time to hit the brakes. Working 7 days.
I used to work 6 days a week hustling all day, money was nice but it was terrible. Shop I work at now is 8-5 M-F. 100 times better than my old job.
We are lucky in Australia we are paid a wage not flat rate but we burn out to as management want 14 hours per person in a 7.6 hour day us older techs have learnt and push the younger ones to learn we don’t earn any more if we kill ourselfs so we don’t we do the best job we can but once knockoff comes if work isn’t finished we just go home, management soon learn don’t over book
This happened to me. It got so bad my health got worse and almost caused my epilepsy to get worst. I had to take a month off work requested from my doctor. Came back and was be worked to the ground again. Put my two weeks in, took a week off. Started at another shop and I’m as happy as can be, the work is great, and I feel no stress
I always try to make sure I actually leave for lunch. The time to unwind is something I really miss when I can't.
Troy Built When I was a tech I’d almost always take my full hour lunch even though the production manager and other guys would get resentful because they only took a half. Sorry but if I’m told I’m allowed an hour I’m taking an hour. Lunch is my time to decompress and take my mind off work... IMO it’s worth the extra half hour to come back refreshed. I could actually tell I’d be more focused and jobs would just go a lot smoother after a midday break.
Good video, it happens in lots of industries you’re right.
I’m a HDEM that works underground. Work less then 5 months a year , and make over 110 k with zero overtime. Have a paid pension when I retire, also tools are supplied by the company.
Cap team 2 walamart is burn out central 2 hours to unload a 3,000 piece truck. I done that for 15 mouths and more than burned-out. Thanks for the advice Mike, that's gives me hope hustle,hustle hustle, brakes, brakes, brakes work to live, not live to work
I once carried a window blind company on my back for just over 7 years. I worked every weekend, and every holiday (that customers let me into their home). Between me and a couple other guys we brought the half dozen employee company from the basement of a home to being reconized as the top rated window blind retailer in the country. The company sold and the new owners were handed a very burned out me. I was fired shortly after the company transferred hands for a pay disagreement. I learned alot but it cost me the best job I have had the pleasure of working yet.
I still think the separation would could been avoided if I had not overworked myself.
This is a huge issue. Thats why we are open 45 hours a week. By the time the guys take their hour lunch, they are here 40hours. we know to bust our butt for that 40 hour, we work to live, we dont live to work. Also, Words of affirmation...We are constantly telling our guys good job, thank you, etc. etc. etc. It goes a long way with people to hear that from the boss/owner. I know multiple techs that run in the circle you and I do that feel this way that message me weekly. I feel bad for them.
I'm hourly but my boss is so money hungry. I work 8-6 everyday but am still expected to work on more cars past my supposed "clock out" time. I have no life outside of work. Gave everything to that shop. Now co-workers are giving me shit even though I keep my head down, treat everyone with respect and go out of my way to help them. I'm resigning tomorrow. Such a toxic culture in this industry, and I believe it's fueled by the older techs and shop owners. Y'all make young techs like me feel like numbers to make you more money, never tell us simple things like "good job" or "thanks for the hardwork". We're doing hard shit with little to no recognition, and millennials like myself are avoiding this industry like the plague as a result. Let alone Gen Z, they'll avoid this industry too. To any young person thinking about this industry, and you're not doing this for the money but to give genuine good service to customers and make them feel confident about the integrity of their vehicle, then I must warn you, you are in the minority. It will be hard for you. Sorry to be honest.
Wise advise. Seen so many guys burnout and fall into bad places, depression, Drugs, alcohol. I got close myself once, was just coming generally apathetic and it cost me. Ultimately for the better but it did cost me at the time.
When I'm training a kid I relay it to them this way:
It's like going to a casino to gamble, Have a number that you cash out on and be happy with that amount. Chase the highs and you'll get burned. If you can't make an acceptable paycheck in 8-10 hour days, somethings wrong.
Hate to say it but even working at decent shops over 15 years, I can count on one hand how many times I've gotten a genuine thank you for going above and beyond. Give it your 100 for the time you're suppose to be there and clock out. If you're efficiency is close to 100% and they need you to stay longer or you're not making enough hours, the problem rests somewhere up front, scheduling, games, management,etc.
Had one manager who, I swear liked to see how far he could push a guy just because, tell me he was like Santa and we were all just his little helpers. I left very shortly after lol.
Yup.... well said,
I'm 59 years old, and have hard wrenched for 45 of them !! My body is Trashed !!
So many things I want to do, but my body sais "Nope, not today buddy!"
Your body talks to you, too? I now know I'm not that crazy!!
Man your soooooo right, I definitely need to manage my time a lot better. These service writers will definitely take advantage if u allow them to🙄
I’m bout to leave my job cause he won’t even let me eat lunch
@@ADDMEONPSN wowwwwwww😱
Where u work?
Philly Dee Midas, everyonepurposely works slow because their old and smoke cigs all day. I constantly get called for oil changes. I’ve already did 2 this morning racking them in the air while the other mechanic get air induction cleaning and brake jobs and just bullshit all morning/day
Yup Same thing here. Owner has a set goal for used cars turn around that is not obtainable with the amount of cars we have to service. Several long time techs here are about to leave because of it.
I'm shop lead here and every idea I've come up with to improve things has been shot down. So now I'm at the point where I just don't care about anything except making my hours and going home.
well said, I'm going to be meeting with an owner from another dealership that i've worked for in the past (they haven't been able to replacement since i left a few years back) I'm goint to tell them straight up i was getting burnt out. The jobs i was doing was all the jobs the other techs didn't want so i was killing myself to get them done and working extra to make the hours i did. like going in at 3 am on a saturday to rebuild engines. I would be much happier being salary, or along that aspect. Warrnty times play into that. And the fact I can't do 6 days a week at 10+ days. I love what I do but hate the aniexty i get at turning hours. usually at the end of the week i make them but all week long i feel like i can't breathe. Also with the managment i've had several weeks where i got dumped on with crap jobs, thursday comes along and i have 20 hours, then friday they hammer me with 30 hours to get done. Not fair. IF you need someon to do the crap jobs then they need to be salary. or for every crap job there better be a good one be hind it. Especially if there is another guy capable of doing the work but refuses it because he can make 100 hours a week doing gravy jobs. I've been do several jobs with the same result. Every one tells me the independant life is better but at this point i really question how long i want to do this career because it slowly not enjoyable from being burnt out and the stress at making the hours while i fix all the crap no one else can.
No truer words were ever spoken, I was a ceiling drywaller in the mobile home industry for 30 years, the homes kept getting more and more difficult to build, Yet we were expected to Build so many in an eight hour day, one or two guys would always be pulled out of our group to help other groups, Then we would be stuck there working overtime, the last for five years there ,my whole attitude on life was just awful ,and I was no fun to live with either, that really took a toll on my body, best thing I ever did was get the hell out of there
I'm burnt today alot of electrical work mixed with suspension I'm tired I am thankful for the work but today is Monday and it was car after car plus I worked thru lunch