Posted on Aug 20, 2020
What are some good career options for a former mechanic?
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I was infantry (11B) on active duty, switched to technical engineer (12T) in the reserves, and started work as an auto mechanic in the civilian sector. I really enjoyed the drafting part of 12T (0802 on USAJOBS), but the sum total of my actual experience is school, so it doesn't seem that's going to pan out.
I'm burned out on Flat Rate and struggling to make 60 hours every two weeks, even though I'm on the job 96 hours. Sometimes the blessings fall down like rain (had a couple really nice jobs yesterday and today, but it doesn't last) while most of the time it's warranty work where the job takes twice as long to do as I get paid for, and I'm just burned out.
If you're a mechanic and are successful, where are you working at, and how are you doing it? I'm not looking for hacks, just good honest successful work. How do you get paid for drawn out diagnosis? How do you keep from getting buried in warranty? If you've changed careers, what did you go into, how much of your skills transferred, and how did you sell yourself?
I'm burned out on Flat Rate and struggling to make 60 hours every two weeks, even though I'm on the job 96 hours. Sometimes the blessings fall down like rain (had a couple really nice jobs yesterday and today, but it doesn't last) while most of the time it's warranty work where the job takes twice as long to do as I get paid for, and I'm just burned out.
If you're a mechanic and are successful, where are you working at, and how are you doing it? I'm not looking for hacks, just good honest successful work. How do you get paid for drawn out diagnosis? How do you keep from getting buried in warranty? If you've changed careers, what did you go into, how much of your skills transferred, and how did you sell yourself?
Mechanics
Automotive
Civilian Career
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 3
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I've been in the commercial tire business (specifically retreading) for quite some time. Most commercial locations are looking for light mechanical work for trucks. Likewise, the sales force is generally has some mechanical background due to tire construction, etc. Just a thought anyway. Good luck to you!
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I had a friend who was 11B and eventually became a tracked vehicle mechanic and then Motor Pool Sergeant for an ADA unit. When he retired after Desert Storm, he worked as a diesel mechanic for United Airlines at San Francisco. He did well with that until health issues forced him to leave that work to become an Animal Control Officer. So, the work is out there, keep trying!
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Dear Russell, I pray that you are successful at finding the answer to your question. SGT Russell Wickham
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