No regrets my friend. My career as a Master Automobile Technician has afforded me home ownership, raising 4 kids, keeping the wife happy, and enjoying memorable vacations. The downside is the aches and pains from working on concrete, and getting into weird positions to facilitate repairs inside and under the hoods of vehicles. I do wish that I had learned to weld, and other fabrication skills, but now I am running a shop, and teaching the up and coming techs, and I get great satisfaction from when I see a future Technician's eyes light up when they understand what I have taught them and put that learning to use. Enjoy your channels my friend. Peace and " Stay Dirty" Eric!
Yo, you might not respond but your "aches and pains" can be fixed by doing yoga man. I thought yoga was a wierd cult thing but damn yoga actually works for your body and its incredible for your wellbeing.
@@khendrix1645 I’ll answer that as a technician myself. ABSOLUTELY! There are a ton of old techs ready to retire that have no interest in learning EV. They will need plenty of people to repair and replace components and parts.
I was a mechanic for 18 years. I worked on anything from small 2 and 4 cycle engines to excavators, loaders, mag cranes, bump trucks, school buses etc. I had enough of it and looked into other options and eventually became a high school teacher at the current age of 38. I don't regret turning wrenches but I get more satisfaction from seeing students excited to learn from me and be in my classroom. I enjoy working on cars now as a hobby. I make close to the same pay when I was wrenching as a teacher now and stay clean all day, go on field trips, I only work 185 days a yearcan't beat it. Ahmad
BS. When you work for a paycheck doing what you love gets tainted. Then people poison your waters and it takes a fools strength to clear those waters only for more poison. Good luck in not falling out of love
@@stvargas69 I really have to agree with this sentiment. I'm quite passionate about automotive mechanics and I'm always looking to help neighbors, family, and friends. But a big part of enjoying the work is the satisfaction of helping someone I care about and saving them money; I usually only charge for parts expenses. I feel that if I did this as a profession, then it becomes less about helping people and all about time and money which changes the whole dynamic to you VS. the customer.
Hey Eric. For years I used to think “wish I hadn’t left what I was doing” and “I wonder where I would have been if I stayed in something else blah blah”. I am 62 and am very thankful that everything turned out the way it did. I have the most wonderful wife and 2 fantastic children. If I had changed my life direction, would I have missed out on these. So I take the thought of “don’t miss what could have been” but “enjoy what you have” because one day it will be gone. Take each day with them as golden. Cheers mate.
I don't regret becoming a mechanic yet. But I fear I may one day. It's tough to get out of this profession. And the wear and tear on my body is definitely brutal especially with all the stuff I do outside of work. Great video though. You should go full-time fabrication! You'll be a pro within a year or two
You are where you are, and WHO you are for a reason! Just think of the lives you have helped or even SAVED for being where you were and where you are now!
No regrets man! You learn from your mistakes and life choices. I went to school for tool and die. Now I'm a plant operator of a large lime kiln. I also have a small sewing business on the side. But I don't regret anything I've done. I've got an ex-wife and dont even regret that!!! We learn from it all. You wouldn't be where you are today if you didn't do what you did yesterday. 👍😉
My parents basically forbid me from becoming a tech when I was leaving school and taking heed of them was my biggest regret. I have earned a part time business degree and I can tell you nothing is harsher than the corporate world and when I was studying, all I wanted to be doing was working on bikes. I'm currently out of work because I can't get a start in my chosen field (experience is essential and I can't get it) so I'm now looking at becoming a bus driver... so I can afford to eat. I say you can always re-train. The most important thing is to train in the first place if you have that interest.
Most college jobs - you'll work for someone else. Which means you'll never have security and be jerked around. The trades give you a clear path to self-employment
Assuming you're in the us there are a lot more cars than bikes. I'd do the bikes on the side and work on cars. My brother went to school to be a bike mechanic and finished the program, he couldn't get a solid job in the field only helper jobs and now he's making good money as a diesel tech.
This year is my 10th year of owning a garage and I regret it. I feel like I missed my calling , now with covid I cant really sell so im stuck. I wish I had went to seminary and served the Lord full-time instead.
I became a second generation tech almost twenty years ago, as a teenager, in an attempt to have some commonality with my dad. He was too busy with his repair business to spend any time with us (family), and so I started working on lawnmowers and ATVs, pretty much teaching myself right out of the repair manuals. I never had the desire to go to college, nor did my family have the money. My only other interest is with horses and that's extremely difficult to have a career in. You kinda have to come from money to make that dream a reality. But, that's a totally different discussion. I don't regret becoming a tech. I need my mind and my hands kept busy and the career does that. The only thing I don't like about it is all of the electronic gadgets and do-dads that vehicles have now that have made driver's little prima donnas (Wi-Fi in the car, back up cams, touch screens, etc) that I have no interest in repairing because it's not mechanical or driveability related. Don't get me wrong, I do it, I just don't like it. The only thing I wish I could change would be to have had the financial knowledge at 18 that I have now.
The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence cause it's usaly fertilized with bullshit! In any case, hind sight is 20/20, we always see the clearer path behind us after we've walked a mile. Continue to learn, continue to help others, continue to have fun and never regret your decisions as long as your decisions were based on the facts and goals you had at the time. Love your channel, always a fan!
Have been a car/truck/anything mechanical enthusiast since I was a child and have worked many different types of jobs. Ultimately settled for a while as an auto mechanic/tech because I had to put my wife through school and it was one thing that I had enough experience with I could easily find decent paying work and stick around somewhere for awhile. She just finished school and though my own cars definitely get worked on less than they should, I still am happy with my job and enjoy going to work. Most other jobs I had I could learn the skills and perform well but it just felt taxing and I hated it. So while being a Technician isn't my plan for the rest of my life it is something I am very happy I have done and it has taught me a lot!
I'm a retired CPA, but I always had an interest in and ability to fix and/or build things. I have always done virtually all of my own automobile, motorcycle, and house repairs / maintenance. I even considered building an airplane. I have no regrets about my career choice; but I do really enjoy my other pursuits. As an outsider, you appear to be just where you need to be. Thanks for the channels.
@@johnnyhotrod2608 If you want to be a mechanic because you love to modify your car in my opinion that is the wrong idea. Fixing someone else’s car and modifying your car is totally different
I have been mechanic for 17years I come from a long line of mechanics that all told me not to follow in there footsteps but I loved cars so I did it any way . 16 years later I realise they were right I don't enjoy as much anymore the job and cars have changed so much. I wish I got a better payed job and kept cars as a hobby .I got hurt a while back so I was not working but when I started to feel better I started to do a few of my own projects I fell in love with it again .. but as soon as I went back to work I was sick of it straightaway there's easier ways to make a living ... A mechanic unknowingly works 24/7. We never switch off were always thinking of that problem job that's waiting in the workshop for us Monday morning.
for many years I served the community in one way or another. the pay and benefits were not so good but I did ok financially. I don't regret it. I can't do my old job anymore so I'm finishing up my master's degree and planning ongoing forward and getting my Ph.D. you're never too old to learn something new and get what you want.
I am an automotive and metal shop teacher in a high school. Originally started my goals as being a car designer. Didn't have the skills or connections. Looking back I think that engineering would have been a more useful skill set even if I was trying to be a designer. More important than that I think as I enter my forties. I think is the ability to be helpful to the world. If you can figure out a way to make customers happy or students successful. Then this is a great thing and will have Rewards.
I am a mobile mechanic from the Uk I started my own company up 5 years ago this year I will be 34 and I really regret not starting the company up sooner or realising that I was good with cars sooner as I feel I could have been a lot better off than I am now money wise but hey I am glad every day that I am where I am now I have a roof over my head food in the cupboards and a son who is 6 months old after me and my wife were told we can’t have kids. I am always grateful for what I have and believe everything happens for a reason and at a time it was supposed to
That’s my issue. I want to start my own mobile mechanic business and I know a lot and done a lot but doubt if I know everything to do it. What do you suggest
I remember playing tennis with my brother for fun. Then we decided to take professional lessons on how to play tennis. That took all the fun out of it. It's hard to take a hobby and make it a meal ticket and not get tired of it.
It’s never to late. I’m also a 20 year GM tech. I changed careers still automotive related but completely different. And I love it. I have that passion for cars again.
I started my own mechanic shop 4 years ago, the pay asa. Technician working for someone else was crap, it's slightly better as a owner, but much more stressful. One of the cool things about being a mechanic is it was really easy to do side gigs, make extra cash. I was making just as much after hours at home then I was at the dealership, and then it was really easy to start my own business. I already owned everything I needed to start, all the basic tools is all you need. But it's one of the most physically and mentally exhausting jobs ever, I have been tired for like 4 years straight.
I've been an auto tech for almost 20 years. There have been good times and bad times. Sometimes I regret it. Sometimes I want to change careers but don't know what else to do. The thing for me is that I'm a fixer, not a bullshitter. There are younger guys I work with that will double the flat rate hours that I make because they just bullshit and won't do anything hard.
I started working on cars with my dad at 8yo. I built my first hot rod at 14yo. I got my first job at a repair shop at 18 as a parts runner. Then moved on to be a C level technician and moved up from there. I have never been to tech school. I stopped working on cars full time at around 35yo, because it’s what I love to do. I am now 42 I still love building hot rods. Sometimes make TH-cam videos. Just for fun mostly. I got out of the industry because its what I love to do it’s what I love to do. I was never in to it for the money. To answer your question about regret. Absolutely not. I no longer work as a technician because it was becoming to much like a job and not a passion. I now work as a contractor and build street trucks in my spare time. HAVE FUN WITH WHAT YOU LOVE, AND LOVE WHAT YOU DO.
Eric, very interesting discussion. I am an IT professional but to me it's never too late to do anything. The important thing is to have passion for what you do and enjoy. I recently switched career by choice and loving the move
I started doing this at age 37 on a more serious level. It took me from age 16 to now to realize that this is what I was meant to do. It's never too late.
Eric. I’ve got three years remaining on current Army contract. I’m also going to school full time for diesel technology to earn my AS. When I’m out i plan to work for a fleet for a few years then start my own unique automotive shop. I’ve been typing it out and I’ve done a name search is available. You and many others I follow on here have inspired me.
I grew up in my dad's garage & as a kid it seemed like it was the only thing I was "good at". So I got a job as a mechanic when I was 21. I worked my ass off to make ends meet until last September. I'm 38 years old now & I just walked away from automotive repair to go work for the department of public works in my city. And honestly, I couldn't be happier. I wish I had listened to my dad when he told me to avoid the automotive industry. But better late than never I guess. I regret wasting so many years going nowhere & being stagnant.
Your skill set helps a lot of people. Take pride in your efforts and stay golden pony boy. Honest, competent techs are a godsend to fearless DIY’s like myself.
I'm a former truckdriver and also a former business man. 20 years into adulthood = 40 years old. But now my business years are over, and I seriously consider reeducating myself to a mechanic for tractors, trucks and other heavy machines. Been thinking about this for the past 7 years, but because my business was thriving I didn't proceed with the plan. But now things have changed. I'm frustrated at a personal level over my lack of skills in the "mechanic" area, so that's why I want to become a mechanic - to feel better about myself and have good "hands on" skills at something. Every man should know some kind of trade or physical skill. Please consider this.
After I got out of high school, I bounced around different minimum wage jobs and community colleges without finding any traction. Eventually I decided I was sick of it and enlisted in the Navy, going in as a nuclear electronics technician. It was hell. It seemed every week I was in someone's office getting my ass chewed for some minor thing I did or neglected to do. Despite giving it my absolute best, I was still coming up short. As well, I made a whole host of bad life decisions along the way. It got to the point where I was given an early out at two and a half years. I jumped on a plane back home, moved back in with my dad and got re-hired at the pizza parlor I worked at in high school. At first, it was humiliating moving back home after being independent, but I got used to it. I saved every penny I could, and before I knew it, I had a reliable car and enough money to hire the right lawyers and undo all those bad decisions. I was also able to afford a psychologist and discover I'd had Asperger syndrome this entire time. After all this, and an apprenticeship as a construction equipment mechanic which didn't work out for various reasons, I'm back in college getting straight As and going for my degree in electrical engineering. Do I wish things went differently? It's hard to say. I would've liked to have known about my condition sooner, but the insight and experience that that whole series of events gave me has been absolutely indispensable.
I was a mechanic for 11 years and was over it after about 10. I went over to being a service writer instead. No more going home greasy and dirty every day. No more dealing with stupidly-engineered cars. Ever had to remove 20 different fasteners of 3 different types in order to remove a bottom splash shield just to change oil? It gets old very quickly.
Every career choice comes with consequences, just like every medication comes with side effects. Sometimes the side effects make you feel better. Also, you got a 40 minute ad out of me.
I started the union at 18 and I did the apprenticeship for hvac. I'm 36 now make over six figures a year with full health care and pension. Sure I think about what it I did something different where I'd be but I got money in the bank, a good career, retired and my family is comfortable so honestly I'm thankful for my job. I got lucky and I worked hard to get where I'm at and I've got no regrets
Been a Diesel mechanic for 20 years. I have always taken pride in my work and enjoy it all of the time. The last 2 years have been really rough. When I first started. I knew I wanted to eventually become a shop Foreman. Normally it takes 15 years of experience to achieve that position. The last 5 years. Shops have gotten rid of this job title. The Shop managers are power hungry and are Dictators. My last shop. I was in training for Shop foreman. I was even given a 30 day promotion notice. I was lied to and left the job over it. When I went looking for a new shop. Pretty much every shop has a Shop lead who is the Equivalent to a Shop foreman. It’s a bunch of bullshit. They get paid less to do almost the same amount of work. I had one job offer for the city. I had a manager give me a bad review after he told me I could use him as a reference. I was at that shop for 9 years. I was shocked by this. The hiring manger told me I needed another manager reference. I told the guy I was at my job 9 years. Do you think I was a bad employee if I was there that long? No luck. Found a really good shop I recently started at. I am a senior mechanic and am glad I am not in charge. I am done chasing that dream. I spent to many years giving 110 percent and getting nothing for it..
Well ,welcome to middle age ! Most guys just buy a fast car ! You actually built one! Your actually ahead of the game! Lol! This is normal and it will pass! Lol!
I'm an aircraft mechanic by trade I can say that it has not hindered my love of cars. It's not the same type of work that I do at work vs at at home. I've tried doing some minor automotive work on the side, weekends etc., and it made me start to hate it. I had the lift kit for my truck for about 2 months before i put it on, not due to lack of time but motivation. Giving up the side jobs and just sticking to my actual job and my cars as a hobby brought back the passion for cars.
I've been a collision repair technician for 14 years. I'm 31 and I do and I don't regret it. I know I have a long ways to go but I wish I had gotten into a "cleaner" side of the automotive industry such as may be management or writing estimates. On the other hand I truly love what I do and have a passion for it.
I have to agree with Eric. In the last 25 years I started out as a mechanical engineer in fitting abs turning. Then completed my new Zealand trade cert as a automotive technican. Over the years you rethink about the choices you make and take. Hidesight is 20/20. At this point I'm working as a mechanical engineer teaching a young apprentice right now. But if I had my time again I would have done a law degree. It pays way better then a traditional tradesmen
I am currently an IT engineer. It's brutal at times due to the sheer amount of time I spend working. I was a mechanic before this, and I would gladly go back haha. But I'm still young and I've got a family to provide for. There are days I question whether or not if I even have a choice in the matter, and/or if I'd ever be able to change my career because of how far I've gotten.
Me too in IT career. Really no life there, we need to work during weekends and public holidays. usually migration time only can do after working hours or during holidays. Its a regret getting into IT career
@@HyPex808-2 I'm glad to hear that! There are times I wonder if it's not the field, but the job that I'm in that causes me so much distress. I'm a workaholic so there's always another task for me to do next. When left unchecked, I can easily hit 60 hour weeks without noticing, a tad unhealthy at times. But there can be weeks where I feel pressured into putting in as many hours as possible, to try and get every "urgent" task done.
My passion is cars and so I thought of doing automotive engineering but in "high school" I didn't take maths and physics and other subjects required for me to get into engineering college therefore I'm not eligible, now I have few options go back to high school and do automotive engineering which will take me 6 years in total just to get a bachelor's and get the job I'm passionate about OR continue on and get a three year's bachelor degree in Computer science which I'm not passionate about but like the money 😭😭 I hate life
@@Zaidi_227 Everyone Loves the IT money, I didn't go to school for it though. I wish I had the money to go to school for Computer science and programming, that money is crazy. Now I'm a Senior Network and Infrastructure Engineer working my way into the programming space
I was an Air Force aircraft mechanic in the 90's. I gave up any desire to carry on with it as a civilian profession for many of the reasons you stated. I went back to trade school for HVAC/R which led to my career in facilities maintenance. That career has allowed me to buy cheap real estate and rehab it on my own so that I live mortgage free and also get some rental properties for additional income. I'm currently a state licensed steam boiler operator and I work in a utility plant at a large high rise office complex. Cars have always been more of a hobby to me. I never had any desire to be a professional automotive tech.
Eric, it I'd amazing how much your and my story mirror each other. I got out of full time wrenching about 4 years ago after 24 years. I am now a paramedic and do work.on the side at home on cars lawn mowers and power equipment. I enjoy the repair end more now than I have in years. As for regrets..... some. But like you, the knowledge I have has saved me thousands not only on cars but the carryover to other things like home repairs and other places.
I was 25 when I got into fixing cars and light trucks full-time it took 5 years to get my mechanics/ technician license. Work for General Motors and Honda for the next 20 years. At 45 years old I was pretty well burned out. I had a tractor trailer and a bus license so I went and drove transport truck for the next 8 years. Then I transferred in the company to the Reefer shop now I fixed Reefer‘s been doing that for about 8 years. I still fix our own cars and trucks in the family. Best thing about being a mechanic as you know how to problem solve and repair problems it’s very rare I get anybody over to fix anything at my house or shop. Over the years learned how to do a lot of different repairs sure have save a ton of money. You need to make a lot of money if you have to pay somebody to fix everything that you own. Thing is when you fix it yourself or repair it, there’s self satisfaction that you fix that or install or built that or redesign to make whatever your fixing work properly. It’s way easier for me to go out to the shop and design something and build it then it is for me to put it on paper and then build it and see if it works.
Im in the repair and service field. I repair lab equipments and research instruments for a living. Repairing things always makes me feel warm inside. Your videos encourages me to do some basic repair to my own vehicle at the same time avoid getting scammed by some mechanics.
I'm a fourth generation in the field, been turning wrenches since I was 14 or so. That said, I've been blessed to be able to work in the body trade, got into machinist for a while, even went to University and did the first year of my law degree. Also have taken a lot of side classes for interesting things...............astronomy, biology, art etc. My point is do NOT let yourself be limited, the ONLY limitation on you should be YOU!
I grew up in a automotive shop with my dad and uncle. Learned everything from them and that stemmed me wanting to be a technician myself. Now I’m 24, and I got into motorcycles and dirtbikes as my hobby and landed my job as a powersports tech. I absolutely love my job and the industry. I come home and work on my car and truck and ride on the weekends.
Find a place you’re interested in and inquire about a entry level tech position or even an apprenticeship. Chances are you’ll have to check with multiple places but regardless of where you end up it’s your foot in the door to an awesome career.
i started out of high school/tradeschool for electricity/electronics and went straight to the automation production field its rough and the pay is not great now ive worked into business/commerical maintenance and one day hope to work as a electric/hybrid automotive tech all in all life goes down some crazy paths
No regrets. You motivated me to become an automotive technician. After years of learning and working I’m finally a shop owner. The learning experience and hard work pays off.
Good morning, Eric. You have no reason for regrets. You have come a long way in life to achieve all the things you have. ETCG has been a great help for your followers. Now is the time to go after your dreams and doing builds. The Chevy your dad gave you would be an awesome RESTORATION to upgrade. Carry on . Looking forward to more interesting stories . Keep Staying DIRTY.
I've worked on & off in different facets of the auto biz for the last 20 years in conjunction with another full time job. In my early 40's now, and decided to earn a degree in a non automotive field. One semester left and dozens of leads. The future's wide open, life is good and continues to get better. I don't necessarily regret working in the automotive field, I've made many friends and learned a priceless amount of knowledge. Seasons change, and I felt It was just time to do something else.
I was a dealer tech for 30 years, do I regret it? Not really, I raised a family/3 kiddos owned a couple of houses and had a pretty good life...despite the long hours and hard work. A back injury forced me out of the business as I could no longer turn n burn...BUT it led me to teaching which I have done for the past 5 years, I wouldnt trade a second of the hardship in retrospect.
I'm thinking about leaving the automotive field as well. I wanted to get into fabrication and or the auto body but I'm at a stand still on what to do after cars .
Man that is a loaded question! With almost 22 years in and out of the biz, I'm grateful for being able to provide for myself and family. On the flip side it's been rough on my body. When talking with strangers, I dislike getting lumped into the social stigma of mechanic ripping people off. At the same time many of the diagnostic skills have transferred elsewhere. Having a good mechanical background has opened doors. As my grandfather tells me, "if you can fix other people's junk well, you will always have a job somewhere." It's been good, it's been hard and I've had many opportunities.
I did both, vehicle tech, imported cars, boats and landed in aircraft component overhaul / repair. Never touched an airplane, but all the components that need servicing is unreal. I have worn so many hats I couldn't say what I "was" as a carer tech. I ended up in various manufacturing jobs... retired from the embedded computer industry building and customer testing some fairly elaborate Windows and Linux computers for the medical industry. Oh I taught auto mechanics at our technical collage evenings for ten years... THAT I really enjoined
Lost By Design We don’t really do engineering in this country. We farm a lot of that stuff out to other countries like India. The only place where there is true engineering is military goods.
I started off as a mechanic, then got a degree in mechanical Engineering. I currently work as a design engineer for an automotive supplier. I’ll tell you what, I honestly think some of the good technicians I worked with in the past are smarter than the engineers I work with now. I loved my engineering classes and I love learning. However, I don’t really like my job. I’ve learned that im not a good fit for the corporate world. I miss working on cars and doing hands on stuff, it’s what I think of as “real work”. I don’t know man, I struggle because I go to a job I hate everyday for the past 3 years. I’m always thinking how things are going at the dealer I used to work at. I bet they’d hire me back... hmm... lol
I have mech engineering degrees and if u like hands on i would stay a technician. You can make just as much money as a good tech from what i have read. I work on my vehicles part time trying to turn wrenches and have fun working cars. Lots of true design work is farmed out over seas and many engineers in the US have turned into technical project leads/managers. Lots of meetings, process and time indoors. Good luck
I used to work as a welder fabricator and found that the best university qualified engineers were ones who had worked in the trade first. I suspect a lot of people just do an engineering degree because they think ohhh! Big money! Not all but most uni qualified engineers I came across were incompetent, even after several years experience. I also came across civil engineers when I was doing structural work. One memorable civil engineer that sticks out in my mind was an Indian guy who was the head civil engineer for the local town council. He had no idea idea what he was looking at, even though several of us patiently explained. Funny thing is he had a sidekick who was a young woman who had recently graduated. She was a lot more pragmatic and practically minded and instantly understood what we were trying to explain. Unfortunately she wasn't senior enough to sign our project off 🤣
Aviation mechanic here, I thought about going to school for auto repair but saw so many unlicensed auto mechanics working from home or out of a van. Can't do that with aviation so that's the route I took. Overall very happy with my decision, good pay and benefits.
I tell people all the time not to become a auto tech. Sure we always need someone to fix the stuff we buy but the toll it puts on your body snd the amt of tools you'll need isn't worth it. Eventually those tools will be worn out and not worth anything. And with flat rate you can and the word there is can make alot of money but it takes years to do that. Senior techs take the easy work and leave the new guys with difficult work. I'm currently at a john deere dealership even though its not cars it still machines people need. It's gotten harder to diagnose and repair the stuff and your not respected by the customers and the pay isn't where it should be. Just my 2 cents for what it's worth.
I had Applied for college to become a car mechanic, I wasn’t accepted but got my second choice of refrigeration mechanic. I love what I do and get to work on cars as a hobby, I get to still work with my hands at work and travel a lot in around the city I live in. Not sure I would change much other then having to live so close to a city is all really.
I've been doing residential HVAC 4 years and definitely regret it. The wear and tear on your body is very high and now I have breathing problems at 25.
Hello Eric, I graduated with a EE degree from MSU in montana in 1984. Did not like working for Boeing in Seattle so I quit there in1988. Went back to Montana and worked at my father's campground repairing things. I worked as an HVACR technician in my own business from 1994 to 2014. I am now retired and I wished I would have went into auto mechanics because I've been studying it since 2014 and I really enjoy the diagnostics . Plus it's in demand. Everyone and there mother is opening up their own shop here in Billings, Mt.
@@JcRsJsIb It's not complicated TH-cam is screwing him out of money. Him and Joe Ro are my faves and the rarely get pushed in the system while crap I haven't looked at in weeks get promoted in my feed.
I can relate...however, I am now "medically" retired and now work for myself at my own pace in my home garage. I have no regrets becoming a tech however in hindsight I should have fully pursued my trade as a millwright mechanic basically for financial reasons. On a side note...I really appreciate both your channels and always look forward to the next video. Keep on keepin' on brutha!
I started out in the defense aerospace machining industry as a programmer and CMM tech. After about 2-3 years of really low pay, long hours, and night shift, I got burnt out and sick of it and went back to school. I went back and got my diesel technology degree and never looked back. I now love going to work everyday and working on heavy machinery and OTR trucks. Wouldn't change anything.
I started out as being a mechanic turning wrenches, I learned how to be a top body man and painter, I learned how to repair and clean interiors and I made good money at all of those but then I got my dealers license and found that is the best position to be in with cars! None of the other "jobs" could come close to the money that can be made buying and selling cars! No body man, mechanic, detailer, can make thousands of dollars in one day using a pen and paper! As an added perk, you can enjoy driving the cars instead of working on them!
I find it ironic that you were thinking about going into aviation. Throughout high school I was pretty much set on going into automotive; however, i started to get bored in highschool by doing the same basic maintenance (oil changes, etc). So i started looking at other things and i looked into aviation. Particularly, avionics (Aviation Electrical) since i didnt really get to learn about electronics. As a result, i am currently a first year avionics student and it’s something new and exciting. However, with our current situation i think it will be really hard to get a job in aviation.
My answer is , maybe a little bit like 10yrs ago cause I wanted more money, but I'm doing fine now. Kinda helps when you sell a house you didn't even live in but paid the note on it to keep your credit. And to boot it's a pretty good gig, standby generator service.
I went into automotive tech school back in 90. My thoughts were the same as you. About half way through school. I had wish i went into welding school. As I got into building a race car with a friend and loved the fabricating. As I got more involved. I found that i had an extremely high understanding of suspention and brakes. So thats where I specialized. But the Automotive industry did not do well for me. Along with health issues. I got out of it after 10 years. As I became older and ended up spending the past 20 years in some type of retail managment. I still worked on hot rods and classic cars on the side. Mostly suspension and brakes. I get into fabricating my own chassis components. So a few years ago the realization I had is something I never thought of. If I could do it all over again. I would have gone to school for mechanical engineering. But at this point in my life. It is not fesable for me to give that a try. I cannot afford the schooling and in my mid 50s. I doubt that i can compete with a 24 year old mechanical engineering grad.
I wanted to be an auto tech but my dad who was paying for my college said NO so I ended up in IT. I love what I do but I would rather be wrenching. I keep reminding him of that every time he complains about how expensive his auto repair bill. On the other hand, 4 years ago I decided to go full in auto repairs, for family cars and trucks. Spent $1500 on tools at Harbor Freight, watched lot of TH-cams and having fun at 60 years old. It’s not easy but it is fun. Saved thousands on brake jobs, suspension, engine repair, and so on. Worth every penny. My policy with he family or friends is if you want me to fix your car you have to buy the parts and you have to also buy me a tool I have on my wish list. Sounds fair, right?
I understand where you're coming from I myself have just realized at 34 years of age that I should have went into the auto technician field the minute I got out of high school but do I have any regrets no because what i did in my life helped shape the man i am today and helps me remember where i want to be when I'm older and how to get there
I had similar choices to make 20 yrs ago, wanted to get into hod rod building, but chose aviation "helicopter" world instead. Its been great, but it is stressful with paperwork, liability and a lot of traveling. Overall its been a good choice, but still to this day I love playing around with muscle cars.
I was a Technician for some years. I'm now a Truck Driver and I'm 31 yrs old. If I could do it all over again, I would have went into the Navy or Air Force while I was in school the first time (in my early 20s). Didn't really have any guidance after my mom passed when I was 13, so I basically raised myself. I am thankful that I've acquired two trades though. I plan on owning my own authority/fleet in a few years, before my 40s (hopefully). I thought you were going to say engineer! I tried that, but I figured it took too long to pursue at this age, for me, of course.
Fabricators don't get flown halfway around the world to test snow tires in gorgeous Nordic climates. Wish I had learned to weld back in high school, but here I am 25 years later, anxious to enjoy it as a hobby, not loathe it as my daily employment.
Complete honesty here, yes I did regret getting into this trade initially Eric, but it's all about who you work for and with, money isn't everything and if you're not happy where you work, well, toolboxes have wheels forbade reason. Now I don't regret getting into this trade because I'm having a blast at my new job. Lesson learned, love what you do and you'll never work a day in you're life
The automotive industry sucks in general. I quit the auto industry 10+ years ago. You got to have 100k in tooling to make $20 an hour if you're lucky. I still work on cars and equipment for myself and people are always wanting me to fix stuff, but its hardly worth the time.
I’ve been wrenching for about 12 years. I still enjoy the work, it’s the flat rate pay system that I mostly hate. I sometimes wish I started wrenching professionally at a younger age but I wonder how my body would be. I’m fortunate that I’m still pretty healthy but I dread the day I get a pain that never goes away. I don’t know what else I would want to do. I’m not an office job kind of guy and I nothing else really interests me. Besides I’ve got so much money invested in tools, I just go into to work and fix cars as best I can thankful that I enjoy my job. I’m not rich, might never be but i won’t quit trying.
You are doing a great work. You teach people on so many different levels. Thank you, keep up the great work. Life is too short to have regrets but human beings always do have those regrets. So the only thing to do is to keep being your great self
It’s never too late to start Over as long as you have experience and a strong resume I left the automotive field after 10 years to enter an entirely new field industrial mechanical repair working for a factory. Turns out it was the best thing to ever happen to me the steady paycheck and overtime changed my perspective and allowed me the free time to work on my personal vehicles. My regret is not switching sooner lol
You are talented and as you keep doing fab you will get awesome. Kids are really expensive but worth it. I left the idea of auto repair when young for telecommunication and ended in computers and Project Management. I still like to play dirty but my back is messed up from my youth and can only handle a little fun. As long as you are on the green side of the sod you have a chance to do more and fulfill at least part of your dreams.
Thank you sir. I was one of the lucky ones. I started repairing cars when I was 10 year old. First motor rebuild I was 11 . When I started working for dealership and other places . I was happy and to get a paycheck for something I love to do. Can't turn a wrench anymore. But a still love old school build's.
I took auto repair classes in high school. I wanted to get into a career as a mechanic and doing hot rodding and whatnot. I was going to go to UTI and everything. I just listened to all the wrong people and it was partly my own motivation. If I’d gone I’d have nearly 20 years in the industry right now and I’d probably be looking at teaching or managing or something. I’d have probably made good money too. It’s hard to say that I regret not getting into it earlier because I’ve done some amazing things with my life. I’m now starting as a tech after graduating with honors. I’m also planning on doing restoration and hot rodding on the side. We’ll see how that works out.
Thanks for sharing, Eric. This reminded me of the “horror movie” analogy you shared years ago; how learning about making a horror movie, and know how things work could take away from the joy and entertainment of watching other horror movies. That analogy strongly resonated with me, because many relatives and friends were perplexed when I didn’t want to become a certified mechanic-especially since I maintain a 271K+ mile Volvo S60, and a 196K+ Accord, so I either used your “horror movie” analogy to explain why, or simply said it would take the joy away from working on my own cars. This was among a few other reasons like liability, and having other interests, as well.
I’m currently in a field that I really enjoy (railway signal technician apprentice) and part of me wishes that I could have got into this field a lot sooner than I did, but the other part of me says that I wouldn’t appreciate where I’ve got if it wasn’t for the journey I had to take to get me to this point. I’ve worked in a few different fields, and they all ended up leading me to where I am, and it has made me the person I am today.
I totally understand what you mean. I got into aircraft maintenance 16 years ago and, while I have not had a bad life, I do wish things could be different. Piont is, no matter where you are, you're always gonna look for greener pastures.
Dear Eric, Yeah, I regret not going into electricity or electro-mechanics. At the time (late 70's), trades weren't cool (I did three years of electricity in High School) and higher education was the path. Also, I worked in a machine shop immediately after Secondary school, operating a lathe. $5 an hour! Yikes! I quit after a year and took the uni route. The thing is, I love working with my hands! I work as a translator and teacher now, but I love scrounging for parts in the local scrap yard and working in my brother-in-law's garage!
Hi Eric. I turned 40 today. Thanks for the cake. I work in IT Security and also have mixed feelings. There will always be computers and networks, so I’ll always be needed. The money is good and I think I’m good at it. But yeah, totally killed any interests I had for computers outside of work hours. Kids are little and take a lot of my time. Some of the passion i had for gaming and upgrading and building is still there but my availability to do those things is nonexistent. I appreciate your video today. Def can relate.
I feel the same way. Unfortunately there is the wear and tear on my body. I would have looked for something else when I was in high school and kept cars as a hobby.
Great video as always. I got into trucking when I was 20. That's all I wanted to do at the time. Grew to hate it. I still love big trucks but the industry sucks. The regulations suck. My attitude also sucked I used to hop from company to company thinking the grass was greener over there but it never was... for me anyways. I got into operating heavy equipment and haven't looked back now I go to every job happy. And I'm 100% happier in my life.
No regrets my friend. My career as a Master Automobile Technician has afforded me home ownership, raising 4 kids, keeping the wife happy, and enjoying memorable vacations.
The downside is the aches and pains from working on concrete, and getting into weird positions to facilitate repairs inside and under the hoods of vehicles. I do wish that I had learned to weld, and other fabrication skills, but now I am running a shop, and teaching the up and coming techs, and I get great satisfaction from when I see a future Technician's eyes light up when they understand what I have taught them and put that learning to use. Enjoy your channels my friend. Peace and " Stay Dirty" Eric!
Thank you for what you do! We need more of you.
Yo, you might not respond but your "aches and pains" can be fixed by doing yoga man. I thought yoga was a wierd cult thing but damn yoga actually works for your body and its incredible for your wellbeing.
Scotty , Do you think it's still worth becoming a Mechanic even with Ev cars coming to the forefront ?
@@khendrix1645 I’ll answer that as a technician myself. ABSOLUTELY! There are a ton of old techs ready to retire that have no interest in learning EV. They will need plenty of people to repair and replace components and parts.
I'm a welder but I work in construction. Do you think I could make the transition to being a mechanic?
I was a mechanic for 18 years. I worked on anything from small 2 and 4 cycle engines to excavators, loaders, mag cranes, bump trucks, school buses etc.
I had enough of it and looked into other options and eventually became a high school teacher at the current age of 38. I don't regret turning wrenches but I get more satisfaction from seeing students excited to learn from me and be in my classroom.
I enjoy working on cars now as a hobby. I make close to the same pay when I was wrenching as a teacher now and stay clean all day, go on field trips, I only work 185 days a yearcan't beat it.
Ahmad
The joy that comes with doing what you really love to do is immeasurable.
Correct
Except if you let it make you hate what you once thought you loved.
True
BS.
When you work for a paycheck doing what you love gets tainted. Then people poison your waters and it takes a fools strength to clear those waters only for more poison. Good luck in not falling out of love
@@stvargas69 I really have to agree with this sentiment. I'm quite passionate about automotive mechanics and I'm always looking to help neighbors, family, and friends. But a big part of enjoying the work is the satisfaction of helping someone I care about and saving them money; I usually only charge for parts expenses. I feel that if I did this as a profession, then it becomes less about helping people and all about time and money which changes the whole dynamic to you VS. the customer.
Hey Eric. For years I used to think “wish I hadn’t left what I was doing” and “I wonder where I would have been if I stayed in something else blah blah”. I am 62 and am very thankful that everything turned out the way it did. I have the most wonderful wife and 2 fantastic children. If I had changed my life direction, would I have missed out on these. So I take the thought of “don’t miss what could have been” but “enjoy what you have” because one day it will be gone. Take each day with them as golden. Cheers mate.
I don't regret becoming a mechanic yet. But I fear I may one day. It's tough to get out of this profession. And the wear and tear on my body is definitely brutal especially with all the stuff I do outside of work. Great video though. You should go full-time fabrication! You'll be a pro within a year or two
You are where you are, and WHO you are for a reason! Just think of the lives you have helped or even SAVED for being where you were and where you are now!
Good point. Thanks for the comment.
No regrets man! You learn from your mistakes and life choices. I went to school for tool and die. Now I'm a plant operator of a large lime kiln. I also have a small sewing business on the side. But I don't regret anything I've done. I've got an ex-wife and dont even regret that!!! We learn from it all. You wouldn't be where you are today if you didn't do what you did yesterday. 👍😉
My parents basically forbid me from becoming a tech when I was leaving school and taking heed of them was my biggest regret. I have earned a part time business degree and I can tell you nothing is harsher than the corporate world and when I was studying, all I wanted to be doing was working on bikes. I'm currently out of work because I can't get a start in my chosen field (experience is essential and I can't get it) so I'm now looking at becoming a bus driver... so I can afford to eat. I say you can always re-train. The most important thing is to train in the first place if you have that interest.
Most college jobs - you'll work for someone else. Which means you'll never have security and be jerked around. The trades give you a clear path to self-employment
That's rough. I hope you're able to get back on track. Thanks for the comment and good luck.
Every bus needs a driver.
Dude that’s rough. I went business and never found success. I’m now an EMT and really enjoy it. Maybe consider it? Class is only 6 months max.
Assuming you're in the us there are a lot more cars than bikes. I'd do the bikes on the side and work on cars. My brother went to school to be a bike mechanic and finished the program, he couldn't get a solid job in the field only helper jobs and now he's making good money as a diesel tech.
This year is my 10th year of owning a garage and I regret it. I feel like I missed my calling , now with covid I cant really sell so im stuck. I wish I had went to seminary and served the Lord full-time instead.
I became a second generation tech almost twenty years ago, as a teenager, in an attempt to have some commonality with my dad. He was too busy with his repair business to spend any time with us (family), and so I started working on lawnmowers and ATVs, pretty much teaching myself right out of the repair manuals.
I never had the desire to go to college, nor did my family have the money. My only other interest is with horses and that's extremely difficult to have a career in. You kinda have to come from money to make that dream a reality. But, that's a totally different discussion.
I don't regret becoming a tech. I need my mind and my hands kept busy and the career does that. The only thing I don't like about it is all of the electronic gadgets and do-dads that vehicles have now that have made driver's little prima donnas (Wi-Fi in the car, back up cams, touch screens, etc) that I have no interest in repairing because it's not mechanical or driveability related. Don't get me wrong, I do it, I just don't like it.
The only thing I wish I could change would be to have had the financial knowledge at 18 that I have now.
The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence cause it's usaly fertilized with bullshit! In any case, hind sight is 20/20, we always see the clearer path behind us after we've walked a mile. Continue to learn, continue to help others, continue to have fun and never regret your decisions as long as your decisions were based on the facts and goals you had at the time. Love your channel, always a fan!
Thank you!
Have been a car/truck/anything mechanical enthusiast since I was a child and have worked many different types of jobs. Ultimately settled for a while as an auto mechanic/tech because I had to put my wife through school and it was one thing that I had enough experience with I could easily find decent paying work and stick around somewhere for awhile. She just finished school and though my own cars definitely get worked on less than they should, I still am happy with my job and enjoy going to work. Most other jobs I had I could learn the skills and perform well but it just felt taxing and I hated it. So while being a Technician isn't my plan for the rest of my life it is something I am very happy I have done and it has taught me a lot!
I'm a retired CPA, but I always had an interest in and ability to fix and/or build things. I have always done virtually all of my own automobile, motorcycle, and house repairs / maintenance. I even considered building an airplane. I have no regrets about my career choice; but I do really enjoy my other pursuits. As an outsider, you appear to be just where you need to be. Thanks for the channels.
Never make a hobby into your career. It ends up being work.
Turning a hobby into a business is the best way to make money! It does not feel like work and motivates you to be more successful!
I guess there’s 2 sides to this coin
@@cxx1953 If a hobby ever "feels" like work, it was never a hobby.
Eric Eric Eric never regret I’ve been on airplane technician I don’t automotive technician and I love both of them
@@johnnyhotrod2608 If you want to be a mechanic because you love to modify your car in my opinion that is the wrong idea.
Fixing someone else’s car and modifying your car is totally different
I have been mechanic for 17years I come from a long line of mechanics that all told me not to follow in there footsteps but I loved cars so I did it any way . 16 years later I realise they were right I don't enjoy as much anymore the job and cars have changed so much. I wish I got a better payed job and kept cars as a hobby .I got hurt a while back so I was not working but when I started to feel better I started to do a few of my own projects I fell in love with it again .. but as soon as I went back to work I was sick of it straightaway there's easier ways to make a living ... A mechanic unknowingly works 24/7. We never switch off were always thinking of that problem job that's waiting in the workshop for us Monday morning.
for many years I served the community in one way or another. the pay and benefits were not so good but I did ok financially. I don't regret it. I can't do my old job anymore so I'm finishing up my master's degree and planning ongoing forward and getting my Ph.D. you're never too old to learn something new and get what you want.
I am an automotive and metal shop teacher in a high school. Originally started my goals as being a car designer. Didn't have the skills or connections. Looking back I think that engineering would have been a more useful skill set even if I was trying to be a designer. More important than that I think as I enter my forties. I think is the ability to be helpful to the world. If you can figure out a way to make customers happy or students successful. Then this is a great thing and will have Rewards.
Great point. Thanks for the comment.
I am a mobile mechanic from the Uk I started my own company up 5 years ago this year I will be 34 and I really regret not starting the company up sooner or realising that I was good with cars sooner as I feel I could have been a lot better off than I am now money wise but hey I am glad every day that I am where I am now I have a roof over my head food in the cupboards and a son who is 6 months old after me and my wife were told we can’t have kids. I am always grateful for what I have and believe everything happens for a reason and at a time it was supposed to
God is good. Thank you Jesus for this mans good fortune. Amen.
@@drummerboy737 amen
That’s my issue. I want to start my own mobile mechanic business and I know a lot and done a lot but doubt if I know everything to do it. What do you suggest
I remember playing tennis with my brother for fun. Then we decided to take professional lessons on how to play tennis. That took all the fun out of it. It's hard to take a hobby and make it a meal ticket and not get tired of it.
It’s never to late. I’m also a 20 year GM tech. I changed careers still automotive related but completely different. And I love it. I have that passion for cars again.
I started my own mechanic shop 4 years ago, the pay asa. Technician working for someone else was crap, it's slightly better as a owner, but much more stressful. One of the cool things about being a mechanic is it was really easy to do side gigs, make extra cash. I was making just as much after hours at home then I was at the dealership, and then it was really easy to start my own business. I already owned everything I needed to start, all the basic tools is all you need. But it's one of the most physically and mentally exhausting jobs ever, I have been tired for like 4 years straight.
I've been an auto tech for almost 20 years. There have been good times and bad times. Sometimes I regret it. Sometimes I want to change careers but don't know what else to do. The thing for me is that I'm a fixer, not a bullshitter. There are younger guys I work with that will double the flat rate hours that I make because they just bullshit and won't do anything hard.
I started working on cars with my dad at 8yo. I built my first hot rod at 14yo. I got my first job at a repair shop at 18 as a parts runner. Then moved on to be a C level technician and moved up from there. I have never been to tech school. I stopped working on cars full time at around 35yo, because it’s what I love to do. I am now 42 I still love building hot rods.
Sometimes make TH-cam videos. Just for fun mostly. I got out of the industry because its what I love to do it’s what I love to do. I was never in to it for the money.
To answer your question about regret. Absolutely not. I no longer work as a technician because it was becoming to much like a job and not a passion. I now work as a contractor and build street trucks in my spare time. HAVE FUN WITH WHAT YOU LOVE, AND LOVE WHAT YOU DO.
Eric, very interesting discussion. I am an IT professional but to me it's never too late to do anything. The important thing is to have passion for what you do and enjoy. I recently switched career by choice and loving the move
I started doing this at age 37 on a more serious level. It took me from age 16 to now to realize that this is what I was meant to do. It's never too late.
Think of the thousands or more folks you have helped! Add that to your mental resume. You have a gift and you share it. Take satisfaction in that.
Eric. I’ve got three years remaining on current Army contract. I’m also going to school full time for diesel technology to earn my AS. When I’m out i plan to work for a fleet for a few years then start my own unique automotive shop. I’ve been typing it out and I’ve done a name search is available. You and many others I follow on here have inspired me.
Thank you for your service and good luck!
I grew up in my dad's garage & as a kid it seemed like it was the only thing I was "good at". So I got a job as a mechanic when I was 21. I worked my ass off to make ends meet until last September. I'm 38 years old now & I just walked away from automotive repair to go work for the department of public works in my city. And honestly, I couldn't be happier. I wish I had listened to my dad when he told me to avoid the automotive industry. But better late than never I guess. I regret wasting so many years going nowhere & being stagnant.
Im 27 same situation as you but I decided today the design. Of cars is complete bullshit
I’m glad you left. I’m going to leave too I’m 29 and I plan to leave ASAP
Your skill set helps a lot of people. Take pride in your efforts and stay golden pony boy. Honest, competent techs are a godsend to fearless DIY’s like myself.
I'm a former truckdriver and also a former business man. 20 years into adulthood = 40 years old. But now my business years are over, and I seriously consider reeducating myself to a mechanic for tractors, trucks and other heavy machines. Been thinking about this for the past 7 years, but because my business was thriving I didn't proceed with the plan. But now things have changed. I'm frustrated at a personal level over my lack of skills in the "mechanic" area, so that's why I want to become a mechanic - to feel better about myself and have good "hands on" skills at something. Every man should know some kind of trade or physical skill. Please consider this.
After I got out of high school, I bounced around different minimum wage jobs and community colleges without finding any traction. Eventually I decided I was sick of it and enlisted in the Navy, going in as a nuclear electronics technician. It was hell. It seemed every week I was in someone's office getting my ass chewed for some minor thing I did or neglected to do. Despite giving it my absolute best, I was still coming up short. As well, I made a whole host of bad life decisions along the way. It got to the point where I was given an early out at two and a half years.
I jumped on a plane back home, moved back in with my dad and got re-hired at the pizza parlor I worked at in high school. At first, it was humiliating moving back home after being independent, but I got used to it. I saved every penny I could, and before I knew it, I had a reliable car and enough money to hire the right lawyers and undo all those bad decisions. I was also able to afford a psychologist and discover I'd had Asperger syndrome this entire time. After all this, and an apprenticeship as a construction equipment mechanic which didn't work out for various reasons, I'm back in college getting straight As and going for my degree in electrical engineering.
Do I wish things went differently? It's hard to say. I would've liked to have known about my condition sooner, but the insight and experience that that whole series of events gave me has been absolutely indispensable.
What was your age when you went back to college
I was a mechanic for 11 years and was over it after about 10. I went over to being a service writer instead. No more going home greasy and dirty every day. No more dealing with stupidly-engineered cars. Ever had to remove 20 different fasteners of 3 different types in order to remove a bottom splash shield just to change oil? It gets old very quickly.
Every career choice comes with consequences, just like every medication comes with side effects. Sometimes the side effects make you feel better. Also, you got a 40 minute ad out of me.
I started the union at 18 and I did the apprenticeship for hvac. I'm 36 now make over six figures a year with full health care and pension. Sure I think about what it I did something different where I'd be but I got money in the bank, a good career, retired and my family is comfortable so honestly I'm thankful for my job. I got lucky and I worked hard to get where I'm at and I've got no regrets
Happy for you
Been a Diesel mechanic for 20 years. I have always taken pride in my work and enjoy it all of the time. The last 2 years have been really rough. When I first started. I knew I wanted to eventually become a shop Foreman. Normally it takes 15 years of experience to achieve that position. The last 5 years. Shops have gotten rid of this job title. The Shop managers are power hungry and are Dictators. My last shop. I was in training for Shop foreman. I was even given a 30 day promotion notice. I was lied to and left the job over it. When I went looking for a new shop. Pretty much every shop has a Shop lead who is the Equivalent to a Shop foreman. It’s a bunch of bullshit. They get paid less to do almost the same amount of work. I had one job offer for the city. I had a manager give me a bad review after he told me I could use him as a reference. I was at that shop for 9 years. I was shocked by this. The hiring manger told me I needed another manager reference. I told the guy I was at my job 9 years. Do you think I was a bad employee if I was there that long? No luck. Found a really good shop I recently started at. I am a senior mechanic and am glad I am not in charge. I am done chasing that dream. I spent to many years giving 110 percent and getting nothing for it..
Well ,welcome to middle age ! Most guys just buy a fast car ! You actually built one! Your actually ahead of the game! Lol! This is normal and it will pass! Lol!
I'm an aircraft mechanic by trade I can say that it has not hindered my love of cars. It's not the same type of work that I do at work vs at at home. I've tried doing some minor automotive work on the side, weekends etc., and it made me start to hate it. I had the lift kit for my truck for about 2 months before i put it on, not due to lack of time but motivation. Giving up the side jobs and just sticking to my actual job and my cars as a hobby brought back the passion for cars.
I've been a collision repair technician for 14 years. I'm 31 and I do and I don't regret it. I know I have a long ways to go but I wish I had gotten into a "cleaner" side of the automotive industry such as may be management or writing estimates. On the other hand I truly love what I do and have a passion for it.
I have to agree with Eric. In the last 25 years I started out as a mechanical engineer in fitting abs turning. Then completed my new Zealand trade cert as a automotive technican. Over the years you rethink about the choices you make and take. Hidesight is 20/20. At this point I'm working as a mechanical engineer teaching a young apprentice right now. But if I had my time again I would have done a law degree. It pays way better then a traditional tradesmen
I am currently an IT engineer. It's brutal at times due to the sheer amount of time I spend working. I was a mechanic before this, and I would gladly go back haha.
But I'm still young and I've got a family to provide for. There are days I question whether or not if I even have a choice in the matter, and/or if I'd ever be able to change my career because of how far I've gotten.
Me too in IT career. Really no life there, we need to work during weekends and public holidays. usually migration time only can do after working hours or during holidays. Its a regret getting into IT career
Blaiden Jam I have been in the IT field for over 20 years and I love it
@@HyPex808-2 I'm glad to hear that!
There are times I wonder if it's not the field, but the job that I'm in that causes me so much distress.
I'm a workaholic so there's always another task for me to do next. When left unchecked, I can easily hit 60 hour weeks without noticing, a tad unhealthy at times. But there can be weeks where I feel pressured into putting in as many hours as possible, to try and get every "urgent" task done.
My passion is cars and so I thought of doing automotive engineering but in "high school" I didn't take maths and physics and other subjects required for me to get into engineering college therefore I'm not eligible, now I have few options go back to high school and do automotive engineering which will take me 6 years in total just to get a bachelor's and get the job I'm passionate about OR continue on and get a three year's bachelor degree in Computer science which I'm not passionate about but like the money 😭😭 I hate life
@@Zaidi_227 Everyone Loves the IT money, I didn't go to school for it though. I wish I had the money to go to school for Computer science and programming, that money is crazy. Now I'm a Senior Network and Infrastructure Engineer working my way into the programming space
I was an Air Force aircraft mechanic in the 90's. I gave up any desire to carry on with it as a civilian profession for many of the reasons you stated. I went back to trade school for HVAC/R which led to my career in facilities maintenance. That career has allowed me to buy cheap real estate and rehab it on my own so that I live mortgage free and also get some rental properties for additional income. I'm currently a state licensed steam boiler operator and I work in a utility plant at a large high rise office complex. Cars have always been more of a hobby to me. I never had any desire to be a professional automotive tech.
Eric, it I'd amazing how much your and my story mirror each other. I got out of full time wrenching about 4 years ago after 24 years. I am now a paramedic and do work.on the side at home on cars lawn mowers and power equipment. I enjoy the repair end more now than I have in years. As for regrets..... some. But like you, the knowledge I have has saved me thousands not only on cars but the carryover to other things like home repairs and other places.
My Dad always told me you learn how to shape metal at the bench by actually doing it.
I was 25 when I got into fixing cars and light trucks full-time it took 5 years to get my mechanics/ technician license. Work for General Motors and Honda for the next 20 years. At 45 years old I was pretty well burned out. I had a tractor trailer and a bus license so I went and drove transport truck for the next 8 years. Then I transferred in the company to the Reefer shop now I fixed Reefer‘s been doing that for about 8 years. I still fix our own cars and trucks in the family. Best thing about being a mechanic as you know how to problem solve and repair problems it’s very rare I get anybody over to fix anything at my house or shop. Over the years learned how to do a lot of different repairs sure have save a ton of money. You need to make a lot of money if you have to pay somebody to fix everything that you own. Thing is when you fix it yourself or repair it, there’s self satisfaction that you fix that or install or built that or redesign to make whatever your fixing work properly. It’s way easier for me to go out to the shop and design something and build it then it is for me to put it on paper and then build it and see if it works.
Im in the repair and service field. I repair lab equipments and research instruments for a living. Repairing things always makes me feel warm inside. Your videos encourages me to do some basic repair to my own vehicle at the same time avoid getting scammed by some mechanics.
i regret becoming a welder and a fabricator. now, friends and family wanted me to do some thing for them for free.
ice yaj I’m a 2nd year student welder/fabricator and i love it. Why do you regret it?
@@miguelgalicia9180 as i stated above.
@@iceyaj3167 Sounds more like a family problem than chosen career problem...
@@GearHeadsGarageChannel yeah maybe. Friends are usually the problem. It wouldn't become a problem when I do it for free.
I'm a fourth generation in the field, been turning wrenches since I was 14 or so. That said, I've been blessed to be able to work in the body trade, got into machinist for a while, even went to University and did the first year of my law degree. Also have taken a lot of side classes for interesting things...............astronomy, biology, art etc. My point is do NOT let yourself be limited, the ONLY limitation on you should be YOU!
I don’t know, Eric the Fab Guy has a funny ring to it.
I grew up in a automotive shop with my dad and uncle. Learned everything from them and that stemmed me wanting to be a technician myself. Now I’m 24, and I got into motorcycles and dirtbikes as my hobby and landed my job as a powersports tech. I absolutely love my job and the industry. I come home and work on my car and truck and ride on the weekends.
Find a place you’re interested in and inquire about a entry level tech position or even an apprenticeship. Chances are you’ll have to check with multiple places but regardless of where you end up it’s your foot in the door to an awesome career.
i started out of high school/tradeschool for electricity/electronics and went straight to the automation production field its rough and the pay is not great now ive worked into business/commerical maintenance and one day hope to work as a electric/hybrid automotive tech all in all life goes down some crazy paths
No regrets. You motivated me to become an automotive technician. After years of learning and working I’m finally a shop owner. The learning experience and hard work pays off.
I'm honored to hear that. Thanks for the comment.
Good morning, Eric. You have no reason for regrets. You have come a long way in life to achieve all the things you have. ETCG has been a great help for your followers. Now is the time to go after your dreams and doing builds. The Chevy your dad gave you would be an awesome RESTORATION to upgrade. Carry on . Looking forward to more interesting stories . Keep Staying DIRTY.
I've worked on & off in different facets of the auto biz for the last 20 years in conjunction with another full time job. In my early 40's now, and decided to earn a degree in a non automotive field. One semester left and dozens of leads. The future's wide open, life is good and continues to get better. I don't necessarily regret working in the automotive field, I've made many friends and learned a priceless amount of knowledge. Seasons change, and I felt It was just time to do something else.
I was a dealer tech for 30 years, do I regret it? Not really, I raised a family/3 kiddos owned a couple of houses and had a pretty good life...despite the long hours and hard work. A back injury forced me out of the business as I could no longer turn n burn...BUT it led me to teaching which I have done for the past 5 years, I wouldnt trade a second of the hardship in retrospect.
I'm thinking about leaving the automotive field as well. I wanted to get into fabrication and or the auto body but I'm at a stand still on what to do after cars .
Man that is a loaded question! With almost 22 years in and out of the biz, I'm grateful for being able to provide for myself and family. On the flip side it's been rough on my body. When talking with strangers, I dislike getting lumped into the social stigma of mechanic ripping people off. At the same time many of the diagnostic skills have transferred elsewhere. Having a good mechanical background has opened doors. As my grandfather tells me, "if you can fix other people's junk well, you will always have a job somewhere." It's been good, it's been hard and I've had many opportunities.
I did both, vehicle tech, imported cars, boats and landed in aircraft component overhaul / repair. Never touched an airplane, but all the components that need servicing is unreal. I have worn so many hats I couldn't say what I "was" as a carer tech. I ended up in various manufacturing jobs... retired from the embedded computer industry building and customer testing some fairly elaborate Windows and Linux computers for the medical industry. Oh I taught auto mechanics at our technical collage evenings for ten years... THAT I really enjoined
As much as I love working as a mechanic I want to go further and get an engineering degree.
Lost By Design We don’t really do engineering in this country. We farm a lot of that stuff out to other countries like India. The only place where there is true engineering is military goods.
Is an engineer “further” than a mechanic.
Most engineers I know would struggle to change their own oil.
I started off as a mechanic, then got a degree in mechanical Engineering. I currently work as a design engineer for an automotive supplier. I’ll tell you what, I honestly think some of the good technicians I worked with in the past are smarter than the engineers I work with now. I loved my engineering classes and I love learning. However, I don’t really like my job. I’ve learned that im not a good fit for the corporate world. I miss working on cars and doing hands on stuff, it’s what I think of as “real work”. I don’t know man, I struggle because I go to a job I hate everyday for the past 3 years. I’m always thinking how things are going at the dealer I used to work at. I bet they’d hire me back... hmm... lol
I have mech engineering degrees and if u like hands on i would stay a technician. You can make just as much money as a good tech from what i have read. I work on my vehicles part time trying to turn wrenches and have fun working cars. Lots of true design work is farmed out over seas and many engineers in the US have turned into technical project leads/managers. Lots of meetings, process and time indoors. Good luck
I used to work as a welder fabricator and found that the best university qualified engineers were ones who had worked in the trade first. I suspect a lot of people just do an engineering degree because they think ohhh! Big money! Not all but most uni qualified engineers I came across were incompetent, even after several years experience. I also came across civil engineers when I was doing structural work. One memorable civil engineer that sticks out in my mind was an Indian guy who was the head civil engineer for the local town council. He had no idea idea what he was looking at, even though several of us patiently explained. Funny thing is he had a sidekick who was a young woman who had recently graduated. She was a lot more pragmatic and practically minded and instantly understood what we were trying to explain. Unfortunately she wasn't senior enough to sign our project off 🤣
Never too late to change. You get one life to live and there are no rules. Follow your heart. Your mind will keep you chained.
Aviation mechanic here, I thought about going to school for auto repair but saw so many unlicensed auto mechanics working from home or out of a van. Can't do that with aviation so that's the route I took. Overall very happy with my decision, good pay and benefits.
Is aviation much better ?
I tell people all the time not to become a auto tech. Sure we always need someone to fix the stuff we buy but the toll it puts on your body snd the amt of tools you'll need isn't worth it. Eventually those tools will be worn out and not worth anything. And with flat rate you can and the word there is can make alot of money but it takes years to do that. Senior techs take the easy work and leave the new guys with difficult work.
I'm currently at a john deere dealership even though its not cars it still machines people need. It's gotten harder to diagnose and repair the stuff and your not respected by the customers and the pay isn't where it should be.
Just my 2 cents for what it's worth.
I had Applied for college to become a car mechanic, I wasn’t accepted but got my second choice of refrigeration mechanic. I love what I do and get to work on cars as a hobby, I get to still work with my hands at work and travel a lot in around the city I live in. Not sure I would change much other then having to live so close to a city is all really.
I've been doing residential HVAC 4 years and definitely regret it. The wear and tear on your body is very high and now I have breathing problems at 25.
Hello Eric, I graduated with a EE degree from MSU in montana in 1984. Did not like working for Boeing in Seattle so I quit there in1988. Went back to Montana and worked at my father's campground repairing things. I worked as an HVACR technician in my own business from 1994 to 2014. I am now retired and I wished I would have went into auto mechanics because I've been studying it since 2014 and I really enjoy the diagnostics . Plus it's in demand. Everyone and there mother is opening up their own shop here in Billings, Mt.
Techs are in hot demand but the pay sucks.
Well, there are at least 175,000 people who are happy you did what you did and how you did it. Thanks for doing what you do, and how you do it.
Do you regret becoming a TH-camr?
HECK NO, LOL!!!!
No, but it's complicated.
What's not complicated?
@@JcRsJsIb It's not complicated TH-cam is screwing him out of money. Him and Joe Ro are my faves and the rarely get pushed in the system while crap I haven't looked at in weeks get promoted in my feed.
We love you very much. You’ve helped so many people (including me) over the years
I wouldn't be here without you, the love is mutual. Thanks for the comment.
I can relate...however, I am now "medically" retired and now work for myself at my own pace in my home garage. I have no regrets becoming a tech however in hindsight I should have fully pursued my trade as a millwright mechanic basically for financial reasons. On a side note...I really appreciate both your channels and always look forward to the next video. Keep on keepin' on brutha!
Hey man just look at where you are now. You have a great skill set. Love life and live life.
I started out in the defense aerospace machining industry as a programmer and CMM tech. After about 2-3 years of really low pay, long hours, and night shift, I got burnt out and sick of it and went back to school. I went back and got my diesel technology degree and never looked back. I now love going to work everyday and working on heavy machinery and OTR trucks. Wouldn't change anything.
I started out as being a mechanic turning wrenches, I learned how to be a top body man and painter, I learned how to repair and clean interiors and I made good money at all of those but then I got my dealers license and found that is the best position to be in with cars! None of the other "jobs" could come close to the money that can be made buying and selling cars! No body man, mechanic, detailer, can make thousands of dollars in one day using a pen and paper! As an added perk, you can enjoy driving the cars instead of working on them!
I find it ironic that you were thinking about going into aviation. Throughout high school I was pretty much set on going into automotive; however, i started to get bored in highschool by doing the same basic maintenance (oil changes, etc). So i started looking at other things and i looked into aviation. Particularly, avionics (Aviation Electrical) since i didnt really get to learn about electronics. As a result, i am currently a first year avionics student and it’s something new and exciting. However, with our current situation i think it will be really hard to get a job in aviation.
My answer is , maybe a little bit like 10yrs ago cause I wanted more money, but I'm doing fine now.
Kinda helps when you sell a house you didn't even live in but paid the note on it to keep your credit.
And to boot it's a pretty good gig, standby generator service.
I went into automotive tech school back in 90. My thoughts were the same as you. About half way through school. I had wish i went into welding school. As I got into building a race car with a friend and loved the fabricating. As I got more involved. I found that i had an extremely high understanding of suspention and brakes. So thats where I specialized. But the Automotive industry did not do well for me. Along with health issues. I got out of it after 10 years.
As I became older and ended up spending the past 20 years in some type of retail managment. I still worked on hot rods and classic cars on the side. Mostly suspension and brakes. I get into fabricating my own chassis components. So a few years ago the realization I had is something I never thought of. If I could do it all over again. I would have gone to school for mechanical engineering. But at this point in my life. It is not fesable for me to give that a try. I cannot afford the schooling and in my mid 50s. I doubt that i can compete with a 24 year old mechanical engineering grad.
I wanted to be an auto tech but my dad who was paying for my college said NO so I ended up in IT. I love what I do but I would rather be wrenching. I keep reminding him of that every time he complains about how expensive his auto repair bill. On the other hand, 4 years ago I decided to go full in auto repairs, for family cars and trucks. Spent $1500 on tools at Harbor Freight, watched lot of TH-cams and having fun at 60 years old. It’s not easy but it is fun. Saved thousands on brake jobs, suspension, engine repair, and so on. Worth every penny. My policy with he family or friends is if you want me to fix your car you have to buy the parts and you have to also buy me a tool I have on my wish list. Sounds fair, right?
I understand where you're coming from I myself have just realized at 34 years of age that I should have went into the auto technician field the minute I got out of high school but do I have any regrets no because what i did in my life helped shape the man i am today and helps me remember where i want to be when I'm older and how to get there
I had similar choices to make 20 yrs ago, wanted to get into hod rod building, but chose aviation "helicopter" world instead. Its been great, but it is stressful with paperwork, liability and a lot of traveling. Overall its been a good choice, but still to this day I love playing around with muscle cars.
After watching your videos I’m proud of where your at... sometimes you get burned out... but your still awesome
I was a Technician for some years. I'm now a Truck Driver and I'm 31 yrs old. If I could do it all over again, I would have went into the Navy or Air Force while I was in school the first time (in my early 20s). Didn't really have any guidance after my mom passed when I was 13, so I basically raised myself. I am thankful that I've acquired two trades though. I plan on owning my own authority/fleet in a few years, before my 40s (hopefully).
I thought you were going to say engineer! I tried that, but I figured it took too long to pursue at this age, for me, of course.
Fabricators don't get flown halfway around the world to test snow tires in gorgeous Nordic climates.
Wish I had learned to weld back in high school, but here I am 25 years later, anxious to enjoy it as a hobby, not loathe it as my daily employment.
Complete honesty here, yes I did regret getting into this trade initially Eric, but it's all about who you work for and with, money isn't everything and if you're not happy where you work, well, toolboxes have wheels forbade reason. Now I don't regret getting into this trade because I'm having a blast at my new job. Lesson learned, love what you do and you'll never work a day in you're life
The automotive industry sucks in general. I quit the auto industry 10+ years ago. You got to have 100k in tooling to make $20 an hour if you're lucky. I still work on cars and equipment for myself and people are always wanting me to fix stuff, but its hardly worth the time.
I’ve been wrenching for about 12 years. I still enjoy the work, it’s the flat rate pay system that I mostly hate. I sometimes wish I started wrenching professionally at a younger age but I wonder how my body would be. I’m fortunate that I’m still pretty healthy but I dread the day I get a pain that never goes away. I don’t know what else I would want to do. I’m not an office job kind of guy and I nothing else really interests me. Besides I’ve got so much money invested in tools, I just go into to work and fix cars as best I can thankful that I enjoy my job. I’m not rich, might never be but i won’t quit trying.
You are doing a great work. You teach people on so many different levels. Thank you, keep up the great work. Life is too short to have regrets but human beings always do have those regrets. So the only thing to do is to keep being your great self
I tell you what I would have/should have done kept my ass in the Army I would be retired about four year's ago now.
It’s never too late to start Over as long as you have experience and a strong resume I left the automotive field after 10 years to enter an entirely new field industrial mechanical repair working for a factory.
Turns out it was the best thing to ever happen to me the steady paycheck and overtime changed my perspective and allowed me the free time to work on my personal vehicles. My regret is not switching sooner lol
As in industrial maintenance technician/ Electromechanical technician?
@@dreamyworld4111industrial maintenance tech. I also work on automation and robotics from time to time.
You are talented and as you keep doing fab you will get awesome. Kids are really expensive but worth it. I left the idea of auto repair when young for telecommunication and ended in computers and Project Management. I still like to play dirty but my back is messed up from my youth and can only handle a little fun. As long as you are on the green side of the sod you have a chance to do more and fulfill at least part of your dreams.
I'm 30 years old, i'm a mechanic and i'm happy whit my job :-)
Gašper ajdnik
Where are you a mechanic?
I'm from Slovenia 🇸🇮
Thanks to you, I went full on building. Realized there was a difference in the first place! So thanks for that Eric.
Thank you sir.
I was one of the lucky ones. I started repairing cars when I was 10 year old. First motor rebuild I was 11 . When I started working for dealership and other places . I was happy and to get a paycheck for something I love to do. Can't turn a wrench anymore. But a still love old school build's.
I took auto repair classes in high school. I wanted to get into a career as a mechanic and doing hot rodding and whatnot. I was going to go to UTI and everything. I just listened to all the wrong people and it was partly my own motivation. If I’d gone I’d have nearly 20 years in the industry right now and I’d probably be looking at teaching or managing or something. I’d have probably made good money too. It’s hard to say that I regret not getting into it earlier because I’ve done some amazing things with my life. I’m now starting as a tech after graduating with honors. I’m also planning on doing restoration and hot rodding on the side. We’ll see how that works out.
Thanks for sharing, Eric. This reminded me of the “horror movie” analogy you shared years ago; how learning about making a horror movie, and know how things work could take away from the joy and entertainment of watching other horror movies.
That analogy strongly resonated with me, because many relatives and friends were perplexed when I didn’t want to become a certified mechanic-especially since I maintain a 271K+ mile Volvo S60, and a 196K+ Accord, so I either used your “horror movie” analogy to explain why, or simply said it would take the joy away from working on my own cars. This was among a few other reasons like liability, and having other interests, as well.
Great point. Thanks for reminding me of that video and for the comment.
I’m currently in a field that I really enjoy (railway signal technician apprentice) and part of me wishes that I could have got into this field a lot sooner than I did, but the other part of me says that I wouldn’t appreciate where I’ve got if it wasn’t for the journey I had to take to get me to this point. I’ve worked in a few different fields, and they all ended up leading me to where I am, and it has made me the person I am today.
Stephen, so many people forget yesterday's mistakes that make them wise today.
I totally understand what you mean. I got into aircraft maintenance 16 years ago and, while I have not had a bad life, I do wish things could be different. Piont is, no matter where you are, you're always gonna look for greener pastures.
So keen for next weeks video, been waiting years for an etcg1 video on my birthday
Dear Eric,
Yeah, I regret not going into electricity or electro-mechanics. At the time (late 70's), trades weren't cool (I did three years of electricity in High School) and higher education was the path. Also, I worked in a machine shop immediately after Secondary school, operating a lathe. $5 an hour! Yikes! I quit after a year and took the uni route. The thing is, I love working with my hands! I work as a translator and teacher now, but I love scrounging for parts in the local scrap yard and working in my brother-in-law's garage!
Hi Eric. I turned 40 today. Thanks for the cake. I work in IT Security and also have mixed feelings. There will always be computers and networks, so I’ll always be needed. The money is good and I think I’m good at it. But yeah, totally killed any interests I had for computers outside of work hours. Kids are little and take a lot of my time. Some of the passion i had for gaming and upgrading and building is still there but my availability to do those things is nonexistent.
I appreciate your video today. Def can relate.
Happy Birthday!
Been waiting for this day for a long time! It's my actual birthday, so thank you.
Happy Birthday!
No regrets if anything it has help me to become more aware in what I seek in business
I feel the same way. Unfortunately there is the wear and tear on my body. I would have looked for something else when I was in high school and kept cars as a hobby.
Great video as always. I got into trucking when I was 20. That's all I wanted to do at the time. Grew to hate it. I still love big trucks but the industry sucks. The regulations suck. My attitude also sucked I used to hop from company to company thinking the grass was greener over there but it never was... for me anyways. I got into operating heavy equipment and haven't looked back now I go to every job happy. And I'm 100% happier in my life.