Why Becoming an Auto Mechanic Is Worth Your Time

My journey into the world of auto mechanics didn't start with grand aspirations. As a kid, I was fascinated by machinery and the way things worked. No toys were safe around me; I would take them apart and put them back together. Growing up, car models were my passion, and I couldn't resist the lure of working with real cars.

My father owned a body shop, and I became a 'garage rat.' I spent a lot of time hanging out with my mother's boyfriend, Denny, who raced laid-down grinding bikes. At the tender age of twelve, he entered me in a class and sent me down the Oswego dragstrip on his pit bike, a Honda 50. Later, I found myself in Ed Peters' garage, where he owned the 'River Rat,' a classic muscle car.

I grew up surrounded by 'gear heads,' and by the time I graduated from 8th grade, I had already earned 300 dollars in cards and letters. I took out an ad in the newspaper for a hundred-dollar car that had to run, and I managed to buy and sell six cars before I obtained my driver's license. Along the way, I rebuilt a car with the help of one of my mother's boyfriends, Rudy, who handled the bodywork. I focused on the mechanical aspects, creating a system of carbs that got the car running. We sold the car, and in return, he gifted me a 200-piece Craftsman tool set, a significant milestone in my journey.

My first job was at a small shop where I handled timing chain and gears in a Ford truck. From there, I learned from various shop owners and picked up valuable skills. However, it wasn't until I attended GM that I received formal training and certifications. To me, becoming an auto mechanic was a natural progression, as there was no competing choice for what I was destined to do.

From Aspirations to Reality

Initially, my goal was to join the military due to a burning desire for adventure and service. Tragically, health issues prevented me from achieving this dream. With my grades being subpar, the idea of college became a distant one. As a result, I turned to the trades, which offered more immediate opportunities. However, many trades in the field require extensive outdoor work, something I was not fond of. This left me with a narrow range of options that all pointed towards the automotive industry.

Specifically, I saw a unique opportunity in the field when computers began to integrate into vehicles. Many of the older mechanics were hesitant to adapt to these new systems, rendering them obsolete. This made the field ripe for someone like me who was eager to learn and tackle the challenges presented by modern vehicles.

Challenges and Rewards

Now that I am nearing retirement age, I have advice to share with those considering the field of auto mechanics. Coming into the trade, the initial pay rate was not reflective of the actual work done; it took me over 20 years to realize the true value of gaining experience over book time. While working at dealerships or independent garages can be rewarding, you might find that the pay is not commensurate with the effort and expertise you bring to the table. Instead, consider finding a government fleet or a similar job where you can secure a pension, health insurance, holidays, overtime, and potentially a shift-free option.

Becoming an auto mechanic is not just about fixing cars; it's about building a fulfilling and lucrative career. It's about turning a childhood hobby into a lifelong passion. Whether you're 12 years old or approaching retirement, becoming an auto mechanic can offer a path filled with opportunity and satisfaction. If you have even a passing interest in cars, it's worth considering the auto repair and maintenance field as your profession.