Discouraged Beginner Mechanic

[Zreberlcoe]

Hey R3v I am a 19 year old first year automotive student that just got let go of my first repair job. 2 1/2 months ago I walked in and asked for a job at a small, two lift, single owner/employee, local German repair shop and worked out a Monday, Wednesday, Friday schedule learning what I can doing oil changes and small jobs. I was doing very well and learning more than I imagined day in and day out, making novice mistakes but still working hard. Recently I started making mistakes that costed my boss time and money, which he knew I would make honest mistakes, so he was lenient but I made one too many and he had to let me go.

My reason for posting is to share my experience with the community since I'm a little bummed about it, but also to get some stories and similar experiences from fellow R3vers. Without a doubt I'm disappointed in myself as well as unsure what to do for work, but I am passionate about BMW's and I seem to catch on faster with BMW's rather than VW, Mercedes, and Audi's. Should I keep with independent shops working on the array of makes Germany provides or focus on BMW or even work for the dealer? I still have much schooling to get through before I get my AAS, would it be smart to work a dead end job until I graduate and move back down to Denver where the job opportunity is much higher? I'm full of questions, but again I'd like to hear a little bit of R3vers experiences getting into the German car business.

I didn't proof read my post, so here are some pictures of my E30

[F34R]

Joking aside, I grew up with the golden ticket of having an uncle that owns his own repair shop. I have made my handful of mistakes, but that is how you learn. You're only 19, so I'm going to tell you something that is very important for your future: Working on other people's cars SUCKS it is just a shit storm of shit everyday, each and every new car. I am building three cars and all are not my own, it sucks and when I need to work on mine I have zero desire.

You're crazy young, do not look at this as a failure, learn from it and progress. Also spending 10s of thousands on college is not the right path unless you have a plan.

[Zreberlcoe]

Always a help F34R :)


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[F34R]

Always a help F34R :)


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Look above, I was adding inspiring wisdom and such after I hit post ;)

[2mAn]

stay in school and get a real job. wrench for the love of it, not for the $$$ ...

[Zreberlcoe]

[IMG]Also spending 10s of thousands on college is not the right path unless you have a plan.

THIS. I need a plan, I'm uncertain in where I want to go. I just know, German.


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[Zreberlcoe]

stay in school and get a real job. wrench for the love of it, not for the $$$ ...

Tried that, failed.


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[2mAn]

Tried that, failed.

you're only 19, how much have you really tried... stay in community college, try a few different avenues, until something peaks your interests. Its easier when you're 19 then when you are 29

edit: We no longer live in a world where a good skill can build you a solid career, education will always give you an advantage and sure it may end up being something on your resume that doesnt really help in the career you end up in, but it shows you can stick it out and finish something and also gives you a leg up on the guy who doesnt.

There are a few dying industries who arent getting new blood, if you are dead set on not going back to school do some research there and find a technical school that will teach you that skill.

I kinda wish I had continued with Industrial Engineering (which I was enjoying the classes I was taking) VS mechanical engineering (which was kicking my ass at 21) and ultimately I relocated to Seattle, dead set on finishing ME, but then got sidetracked and never finished school. Im now trying to get back in and finish a finance degree, not because I need it for my career, but because it makes me that much better at the job Im currently doing.

Take it with a grain of salt, but try to figure out a way to balance what you like and what will pay the bills. It tough to find that

[Zreberlcoe]

you're only 19, how much have you really tried... stay in community college, try a few different avenues, until something peaks your interests. Its easier when you're 19 then when you are 29

Nothing sparks my interests, I love German cars and I have always wanted to just wrench on cars. I'm passionate about it and I know I can succeed somewhere with it.


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[F34R]

I have spent the last 17 years doing construction, it took me till I was 27 to find my calling in life, many never find that so I am lucky. I stitch dead animals together ;D

Get some job and work for a year or so! I cannot tell you how many people I know that went to college and are now working slightly above min wage, I am still doing construction making double to triple they are, so don't think college is all there is out there! Blue collar trades make serious money and the calling for people is massive due to people rushing into college and wasting money just to be in debt for their 30s-40s.

[AndrewBird]

What is your AAS in? Wouldn't be a bad idea getting a job in the same or similar field.

[Zreberlcoe]

What is your AAS in? Wouldn't be a bad idea getting a job in the same or similar field.

"Transportation Services" Automotive basically.

F34R, it's also my parents that are pushing me to get an education, I want to have the AAS to get my foot in the door, but I know experience is the most important.


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[Wergen7]

Persist

[Codym42]

I'm not sure if you saw the thread I made a while back but, if not, here it is.

I'm kind of like you. I was in school for a few years and now I'm burned out and taking a break. Currently trying to get into the automotive world to see what it has to offer.

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=345572

[2mAn]

apply for this job, and move to CA. you're welcome

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=357657