If you have been a mechanic for almost 7 years and have been pretty much mechanicaly inclined your whole life but needed a new career path with minimal schooling what would you do?

Military or law enforcement.

Get paid while being schooled and into your new career path...which also can lead to many other career paths down the road.

Or, do coke, write a book and run for govt office.

Military.


Thanks but that`s not going to happen. If I was younger and single I`d be all over it but I`m almost 34, over weight, married with 2 young kids. I don`t think I could even pass the physical.

That's actually valid, Beaux.

How about sign fabricator in a sign shop. They have apprentice programs and after about five years in a union shop, you should be able to knock out close to $30 an hour. The winter time is a bad time of year to change jobs though. It usually gets slow right about now. After the new year it picks up through January, then slows back down until March. You need to be able to read a print, weld, measure, have some wiring experience, and a little common sense. After that, they can teach you the rest.

....just a thought.

Military or law enforcement.

Get paid while being schooled and into your new career path...which also can lead to many other career paths down the road.

Or, do coke, write a book and run for govt office.

You must have edited your post but I`ve thought about law enforcement but problaby not going to happen because of physical reasons although I could just get my butt into shape. I actually did apply for the sherrifs dept btu haven`t heard anything yet. I wanted to get on with the DOC but they are`nt hiring till after the new year according to their site. Law enforcement is a strong possibility if i can get into shape before the physical testing starts.

That's actually valid, Beaux.

How about sign fabricator in a sign shop. They have apprentice programs and after about five years in a union shop, you should be able to knock out close to $30 an hour. The winter time is a bad time of year to change jobs though. It usually gets slow right about now. After the new year it picks up through January, then slows back down until March. You need to be able to read a print, weld, measure, have some wiring experience, and a little common sense. After that, they can teach you the rest.

....just a thought.


There is actually a sheet metal training program here that I`ve checked into. They have testing twince a month, I need to study the material for the test.

"nother thought but I dont know how helpful it is in your area with budget cuts and economic woes - city jobs / county always needs people with skills and you can test, re-test, get in on thier list and they will call you up when there are openings. Good pay, great bennies and on the job training, etc.

Maybe working for the city / county is something to look into. I have a few buddies that got on part time, moved to full time and are happy as can be with their jobs. One does road work and the other runs one of those huge trucks that clear out storm drains, canals, etc.

"nother thought but I dont know how helpful it is in your area with budget cuts and economic woes - city jobs / county always needs people with skills and you can test, re-test, get in on thier list and they will call you up when there are openings. Good pay, great bennies and on the job training, etc.

Maybe working for the city / county is something to look into. I have a few buddies that got on part time, moved to full time and are happy as can be with their jobs. One does road work and the other runs one of those huge trucks that clear out storm drains, canals, etc.


Yeah I`ve been checking the sites but not many jobs I qualify for. I actually had a city job for about a month before i broke my hand at home. When I got released to go back to work i was told my job wasn`t available anymore so I went back to wrenching.

Commercial A/C & heating is here to stay. That, In my opinion would be a good field to go into. With the potential of someday having your own business.
Also electricial and plumbing is a field that always is in demand for good men.

If you have been a mechanic for almost 7 years and have been pretty much mechanicaly inclined your whole life but needed a new career path with minimal schooling what would you do?

When you find out Anthony let me know. I have been looking into something like what your asking for years now. Im am literally in the exact same boat as you. Mechanic for 15 years. My problem is I just cant afford to start over pay wise in a new career but I suppose its better then what I have going on now.

Heard on the news that a few local colleges are offering tuition at half off or a much cheaper rate if your unemployed. Which I have been since Nov. I am strongly considering this. But if your working, that may not apply to you.

I haven`t worked in a month and I`m not getting any unemployment. I`ll look into the tuition thing.

well I am an engineer. it has been a rewarding career - but contrary to public opinion - it is not the best paying career path. with the recession in full swing, it is also not a secure position (again contrary to public opinion). my wife works for a doctor. she told me what he made last year....really hurt my feelings.....if I had it to do over (and may eventually) - would lean toward something in medical/healthcare....it is certainly a field that is recession proof and quite lucrative it seems...best wishes...

First you should explain why you are seeking a career change. Is it you can't physically do the work anymore? Bored with that type of work? Looking for better pay? There are many reasons people want career change. I would think you would have several options. Such as

1. Look into what careers your mechanic skills would transfer into. I'm sure that any industry that has machinery or equipment needs someone to maintain that equipment. An example would be a mechanic or maintenance guy in a manufacturing enviroment. An orange juice factory needs maintenance people to keep their packaging machinery running.

2. Look into a mechanic position with the city or county. Someone has to maintain all the police vechicles and all the county maintenca trucks and equipment. These type jobs usually have good benifits.

3. Suck it up and go back to school at night. I know you have a family,kids, etc. But if you think it would be too hard to do now, how hard do you think it will be in ten years?

Three areas that will always make money and will always be around, recession or not -

Cofee
Porn
Medical

im not being sarcastic here. always. I have looked into a coffee shop that plays porn and has a doctors office in it but I cant find any financial backers....perhaps because they spent too much on coffee, porn and medical issues.


I think the HVAC stuff is a good one - solid industry it seems and cant be outsourced. People will always need heat and AC and with the industry changing and improving all the time they will always need boots on the ground and tools in the air. Plumbing as well.

I guess I should have explained but I didn`t think it was needed. I`m a Halrey Davidson mechanic. I`ve been doing this for a lifing for almost 7 years. I`m plenty capable of the work and enjoy it. What I don`t like is showing up to a job and standing around for 4 hours just to do 1 service if one comes throught he door. The motorcycle industry has gotten slower and slower over the years and with the economy the way it is it`s gotten worse. The dealerships are laying people off left and right and the aftermarket shops aren`t much better. I`m tired of not working and that is why I want a career change.

When your experince is on Harleys, the other industrys don`t automaticaly accept you with open arms. you need to have some experience in the field. I have good mechanical ablitly and i can learn how to fix something pretty wuick if I don`t know the equipment but you got to get that chance first and I haven`t gotten one and it`s not from the lack of trying.


As I said before, already been looking at city/county/state jobs but if you don`t have the experience they want you don`t get the job. They also have to have a opening before you can apply for it.

There is no need for me to "suck it up" as I already stated I`d go back to school. Not really sure why that statement was made. I`m unemployed and not bring in anything for my family so I need something with quick results and not 5 years of school before I break minimum wage. Try going from $600 a week to nothing at all and nobody responding to your resume and still trying to keep the bill collectors happy and being able to provide for your family. I`m not some lazy pos that is waiting for money to be handed to me. I`m also not afraid to start at the bottom and work my way up. I`ve done that twince in the last 10 years. I just want a 40 hr a week job that pays eought to provide for my family. i don`t need to be rich.

School districts are also looking for mechanics and general repair guys with clean records. Try all of your local school districts as they should post job openings.

School districts are also looking for mechanics and general repair guys with clean records. Try all of your local school districts as they should post job openings.

Already been checking. I`ve been looking everywhere guys. I nkow there are plenty of jobs but they require skills or certificates that I don`t have.

School districts are also looking for mechanics and general repair guys with clean records. Try all of your local school districts as they should post job openings.

This or go to the business side, there are tons of business that need general mechanics to keep everything in good working order. Get some HVAC training to top off your knowledge.

Anthony, your opening statement is very vague. You stated you wanted a new career path with minimal training. I realize that you knew what you were asking but I sure didn't. Does that mean you have minimal training? Does that mean you are only willing to get minimal training? It said nothing about being unemployed. That is what was meant by suck it up. I assumed you were working during the day and would have to suck it up to attend classes at night.
If you want a recession proof career go into the medical field. Become a Nurse or a Respitory Therapist. Is the training to become these hard? You bet it is. Will you have to go to school for a couple years? You bet you will. Do these careers pay well.? You bet they do. In this day and age one must have a marketable skill in order to make a decent living. I emphasize the word marketable. One could be the best buggy whip maker in the country but if nobody is driving buggies his skills are not needed.
Your training to this point seems to be mechanical. Mechanical ability is mechanical ability. So these skills will transfer to another field if that is what you desire. I am an A&P Mechanic with an airline. A fellow A&P mechanic that I worked with was driving 60 miles each way to work. He decided to look elsewhere for employment. He applied to a plastic manufacturing plant as an plant equipment maintenance mechanic. Based on his experience as an A&P Mechanic he got the job. What do airplanes and plastic manufacturing equipment have in common? Not that much that I know of but I'm sure there are similarities, just as there are between airplanes and Harley Davidsons.

don't know you from a hole in the wall.
so take this for what it is, and nothing more..
do you "look" like a h/d guy..
long hair/big beard, tat's all over..
some or all can hold you from other jobs when there are tons of others looking for work..
apply for jobs in dress pants and nice shirt and shoes, not boots or sneakers..
in todays job market.. even if the job is a dirty one.. show up looking like you're going to a board meeting.
it's ALL about the effort, looking like you could be a boss,, will show you want the job more than the next guy/gal..
trust me It works

I went to school and became a mechinc. Worked in dealerships for aroundnd 9 years. Finally got tired of it and wanted to make more money colser to home so I enrolled in the local community college at night while working in the dealership. After 3 years I had an associates degree in informaiton systems management. Got a job as a clerk typist then worked up to a Gov't job makeing real good money. that was 18 years ago and the best decision I ever made. Take some classes and find soemthing you like that is in some kind of demand.

Good luck

It can be the pits when you are a skilled worker. Especially if you have a lot of years in.
They tend to assume you will grow tired of the job and go back to "your preferred trade".
I had that when I was trying to get off the road. Everyone was nice, said I had an excellent work history but feel that I will at some time in the future want to return to my former trade. "They all do" they told me. Makes it tough!:sad:

Don't know where Carmichael CA is or what industry is in the area, so it makes it hard to give anything other than generalizations, just like everyone else. If I had asked the same question, most responses would be similar, with probably a lot of suggestions directed towards tourism, hotel, casino, etc... One thing, if you have a conformist nature (sucking up to higher ups, but not quite like the military), you can never go wrong with a municipality or public utilty. These are lifer jobs in the sense of benifits and pensions. There is usually a ceiling of advancement because there are only a limited number of upper echelon positions in any particular department and once somebody achieves it, they're there til they retire. If you are OK with that, you can at least count on the occasional inflation related pay increases.

That said, few people I know actually work in the resort corridor. In the last 10 years, or so, several guys in my motorcycle club have similarly changed from their mechanically oriented, over the road trucking and heavy equipment carreers. All went to work in various positions (mostly maintenance) for a gypsum mining company. Admittedly, they all had a bit of an in with another member that has been a shift supervisor there for years, but, for the most part, none work directly under him or on the same shift. The plain and simple truth is there are crews around the clock, each shift with a substantial workforce and as a business in general, would be considered as operating under the radar, in the since that it is just outside of town, hardly glamorous and definitely not for everybody. Perfect for a good ole boy with a lifetime of mechanical experience that doesn't mind going in or getting off in the wee hours of the morning and possibly getting dirty. The pay and benefits are above what many of these guys were used to, as well. Not sure of union affiliation, however, I know that there is no where near the politics that similar jobs in town endure, like Ready Mix, sanitation, etc...

All I know is, they got picked up right away and have been happy there ever since. Maybe this has to do with the fact that they no longer have to deal with the public or suits that their previous jobs required.

Is there something like this in your area. Think of a business that requires a large plant, usually not located downtown that would operate 24 hours a day. Linen companies (uniform supplier), power plant, mine, manufacturer, etc... Resorts, especially those with golf courses, usually have sizeable engineering departments, ranging from guys that basically change lightbulbs to mechanics for the greenskeeper.

I have a friend whose dad owned an electric motor company. He and another friend did nothing but rewind small motors. They got the contract to restore the generators for Hoover Dam and spent two years winding those gigantic armatures. Neither one has the electrical ability to wire a car stereo, but the Dam job looked great on a resume'. When the Mirage opened, they were hired as electrical engineers. One went to work at Steve Wynn's golf course, where he made $60K+ for basically doing nothing at all, just had to be there. The other was in charge of maintaining the temperature in the dolphin tanks. When the Bellagio opened they both transferred. Now the one (dolphin tank) was assigned to handle HVAC, something he knows nothing about. His job requirement is; When there is a problem, call somebody that can fix it. He doesn't have to do anything other than to make sure the right company is called. The golf course guy was assigned to the front fountain display. He was in house well before the hotel opened and took a very on hands approach learning the entire operation thoroughly, soon becoming second in command for the entire engineering department. He has since moved next door to the new City Center project (same owners, MGM/Mirage) as head of the engineering department. This is still under construction and is the second largest such endeavor in the world right now, behind that going on in Dubai.

Think outside the box.

If you have been a mechanic for almost 7 years and have been pretty much mechanicaly inclined your whole life but needed a new career path with minimal schooling what would you do?


Changing careers is so hard and comes at a HUGH cost...I wanted to be an airline pilot 2 years ago..I quit a job making what most people only could dream about..I really thought I had enough put up to take care of 4 years of no to low pay plus schooling or traing..WRONG...anything you do starts at the bottom...You have to think of FAMILY first..Insurance, bills, and the unexspected..Loss of time with family while training and such...The unexpected for me was my newly adopted son...Little Wayne needed a new home instead of my wanting!! a new career...I've got to say he is worth more than any money I owe or will ever earn..but changing careers is real hard...I have an interview with a power company this wednesday and I really need this job..It's not anything in pay as I had before and I'm mechanically inclined enough to do the work and educated and experienced enough I'll have more education and experience than my superiors and 1/3 the pay....my advice is choose a career that is licensed that way you can do side work..Electrician, hvac, ect. While you train learn how to run your own buisness in these fields...or a similiar field...I have a commercial rating pilots license and due too the economy..I have no job...choose wisely my friend...and work while in school or be willing to do a second part time to make up difference in low pay...God Bless on your andverture!!! AND GO FOR IT!!! You will never be happy until you find what you want to do!!..

American Airlines is looking for automotive mechanics to work on ground equipment in Dallas. Southwest is looking for people out in Oakland CA. Southwest is the more stable of the two companies, and it's not a high pressure job, unless you have a jetway that's broken with a live flight sitting on it waiting to depart.

Another sugggestion fwiw...If you're cleancut, can look a man in the eye, shake his hand, and make him want to buy your product, sales is hard to beat...you can be taught to sell most anything with training.. maybe in your case motorcycle parts or perhaps accessories. The wholesale marke t is alway there..that way you can avoid the general public and call on shops who already know what they want..SeveraL people mentioned HVAC, , i call on HVAC shops so i deal directly with business owners..they are knowledgable and pretty much know what they want..You usually can set your hours, build up a loyal customer base, and listen and learn while on the job..Usually has a base plus commision so you only limit yourself on money....Also check your paper..more sales jobs than you might think are out there...by the way, cover up tatoos,clean shaven, shirt and tie types want you to represent their company professionaly. Last, make eye contact, good firm handshake, if you promise , do it..follow thru......Customers will start to call you...Good luck:thumbsup:

don't know you from a hole in the wall.
so take this for what it is, and nothing more..
do you "look" like a h/d guy..
long hair/big beard, tat's all over..
some or all can hold you from other jobs when there are tons of others looking for work..
apply for jobs in dress pants and nice shirt and shoes, not boots or sneakers..
in todays job market.. even if the job is a dirty one.. show up looking like you're going to a board meeting.
it's ALL about the effort, looking like you could be a boss,, will show you want the job more than the next guy/gal..
trust me It works

No I don`t look like a "HD guy". I have short hair, usually have a go-tee(Spelling?) or clean shaven and didn`t have any tattoos till recently btu the one I have is motorcycle realtaed and easily covered up with clothing. I always dress professional when I go on interviews but thats not the problem. THe problem is I`m not GETTING the interviews.

Changing careers is so hard and comes at a HUGH cost...I wanted to be an airline pilot 2 years ago..I quit a job making what most people only could dream about..I really thought I had enough put up to take care of 4 years of no to low pay plus schooling or traing..WRONG...anything you do starts at the bottom...You have to think of FAMILY first..Insurance, bills, and the unexspected..Loss of time with family while training and such...The unexpected for me was my newly adopted son...Little Wayne needed a new home instead of my wanting!! a new career...I've got to say he is worth more than any money I owe or will ever earn..but changing careers is real hard...I have an interview with a power company this wednesday and I really need this job..It's not anything in pay as I had before and I'm mechanically inclined enough to do the work and educated and experienced enough I'll have more education and experience than my superiors and 1/3 the pay....my advice is choose a career that is licensed that way you can do side work..Electrician, hvac, ect. While you train learn how to run your own buisness in these fields...or a similiar field...I have a commercial rating pilots license and due too the economy..I have no job...choose wisely my friend...and work while in school or be willing to do a second part time to make up difference in low pay...God Bless on your andverture!!! AND GO FOR IT!!! You will never be happy until you find what you want to do!!..

Well I`m not bringing in any money so even minimum wage would be a step up for me right now. The only reason i want out of bikes is because the industry is too unstable. I thought about opening my own shop but I don`t know if it would make it. I have the expereince to work on the bikes and fix them correctly but the market isn`t there lie it was 10 years ago.

American Airlines is looking for automotive mechanics to work on ground equipment in Dallas. Southwest is looking for people out in Oakland CA. Southwest is the more stable of the two companies, and it's not a high pressure job, unless you have a jetway that's broken with a live flight sitting on it waiting to depart.


A airport job would be great. Oakland is about 2 hours away from me so thats not going to work. I`ve tried looking for airline jobs before and can never find a listing. Do you have a website you look at?

I kinda figured that when they are looking at my resume as I`m applying for a tire changing job they are probably thinking I`m over qualified and either figure I want a lot of money or that I`ll get bored and look for something else. Well, I can`t promise I won`t be looking for something else because even when I was working at a dealership making good money I was looking for something else.

I don`t mind going to school for say 18 months to 2 years but I just don`t want to get into a 4year deal. I`m a blue collar guy and always will be and there isn`t a blue collar job that I know of that requires a degree that take more than about 18 months to get. Sales is out for sure, you have to have the give of gab and I don`t have it and honestly don`t want it.

I was just asking a general question because I really didn`t want to get into a debate of my employment or anything like that. I didn`t think it needded any explaination but maybe I`m wrong. I mean, what would you suggest to a guy who`s been a mechanic for almost 7 years and wants a change? My employment staus really shouldn`t be part of the equaision. I do apprecieate the responces though. I have tried applying for trade jobs and I think I`ll just continue wit hthat route, maybe try getting on in a apprenticeship program with the sheetmetal industry or electrical. Thanks guys.

Anthony I don't look at airline jobs right now..I need a few more flying hours or a CFI rating...pilots usually start out at around 22k a year..well I lost alot of money in my investments and the adopting of my new buddy Wayne I just decided to go back to work and when things settle down with economy I'll buy a plane to enjoy with family to take trips with...I do notice jobs posted for airlines from time to time in the YAHOO HOT JOBS...this time of year they hire de-icers and washers...pays about $10 and hour for a part time job..

You may want to investigate your area for electric controls manufacturers. Many of these manufacturers supply niche industries that are pretty much recession-proof. Good control panel-assembly people have no trouble finding jobs in my area. A short stint at community college to learn the basics and get some knowledge of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC's) can land you in a good-paying job with a real future.

i know im just a young dumb kid, but when deciding what i wanted to do after high school, i had really no idea, i just KNEW i didnt wanna sit at a desk or go to college for 4 years. I found out about this Caterpillar program at a near by college/tech school. What it is is I start out by doing an interview with a Cat dealer, after getting accepted i start out going to school in the fall for 8 weeks (1/2 of a semester). After the 1st 8 weeks I go and work at the dealer full time and fix equipment for 8 weeks and get paid for that. It is on and off like that for 2 years. I am on my last year and graduate in may. Basically I figured if I dont like it after im done im not $50,000+ in the hole. And what I learn will help me with a lot of things mechanical wise in the future. Im not saying you should look into this particular program, but maybe there is programs like that in your area? its a pretty good deal and im not going to be out much (if any) after i am done with school.

i know im just a young dumb kid, but when deciding what i wanted to do after high school, i had really no idea, i just KNEW i didnt wanna sit at a desk or go to college for 4 years. I found out about this Caterpillar program at a near by college/tech school. What it is is I start out by doing an interview with a Cat dealer, after getting accepted i start out going to school in the fall for 8 weeks (1/2 of a semester). After the 1st 8 weeks I go and work at the dealer full time and fix equipment for 8 weeks and get paid for that. It is on and off like that for 2 years. I am on my last year and graduate in may. Basically I figured if I dont like it after im done im not $50,000+ in the hole. And what I learn will help me with a lot of things mechanical wise in the future. Im not saying you should look into this particular program, but maybe there is programs like that in your area? its a pretty good deal and im not going to be out much (if any) after i am done with school.

Ford has something like that out here but there seems to be alot of talk about the dealers closing or treating their guys like crap and threatening their jobs if they don`t roduce 125%. I just don`t need that right now on top of everything else.

Ok, wait until I get my shop jumping again after I move up to Missouri. I'll hire you. :thumbsup:

One rule, though. You mess it up, you fix it! (I'll show you how)

Ok, wait until I get my shop jumping again after I move up to Missouri. I'll hire you. :thumbsup:

One rule, though. You mess it up, you fix it! (I'll show you how)

Missori is kinda a long commute. What kind of shop is it again?

Missori is kinda a long commute. What kind of shop is it again?

Anthony,
Maybe that is a thought too... Changing location? I remember when you had your resume post going when you were between jobs and maybe you are not getting offers because of your location. California is all over the news with high job losses, high foreclosure rates and a triple deficit increase. Have you considered relocating?

Well here are few job thoughts for you:
Truck driver
Post Office (seasonal hiring)
Fed Ex
Ups
Home business
Repo Companies (When I retired from the AF I was looking at this field)

I'm not trying to pick on California but it is one of the highest states for unemployment...
Just my $0.02

Anthony,
Maybe that is a thought too... Changing location? I remember when you had your resume post going when you were between jobs and maybe you are not getting offers because of your location. California is all over the news with high job losses, high foreclosure rates and a triple deficit increase. Have you considered relocating?

Well here are few job thoughts for you:
Truck driver
Post Office (seasonal hiring)
Fed Ex
Ups
Home business
Repo Companies (When I retired from the AF I was looking at this field)

I'm not trying to pick on California but it is one of the highest states for unemployment...
Just my $0.02


I would consider relocation for the right job but there are plenty here. I`m applying for jobs that actualy have new ads up. It`s not like I`m going to places that don`t have openings. I`ve already tried Fed Ex, UPS Post office and no responce. I don`t have a commercial license so truck driving would be a little hard to find a place that would train but I won`t do long haul so that might make it harder. I`ll do anything for my family but I won`t take myself away from them either. I don`t know what kind of home business I could do but I`m doing side jobs in the garage does that count? I just had my truck repoed last week so I`m not in a big hurry to get into that business.

It sound like you are doing all you can... Side jobs at your house is a "yes". Many companies get started out of home garage. You ought to know that being a Harley technician. Look at where they started.

It might just be the economy and you may start getting calls after the first of the year. Keep your head and something will come along...

Do you do work on the side on Harleys. A lot of Police Dept's have motorcycles, do you work on other brands? Look into Govt Fleets too. Take some ASE tests to get certs.

Do you do work on the side on Harleys. A lot of Police Dept's have motorcycles, do you work on other brands? Look into Govt Fleets too. Take some ASE tests to get certs.


Yes I work on the side. Most police dept. have got to BMW or other metric brands. I don`t know anything about metric bikes and quite honestly don`t have the desire to either. Yeah I know it would be a job but all motorcycle shops are expereincing the slow business. The only way to get on with the PD to fix their stuff is through city job listings and there isn`t just a "motorcycle mechanic" listing. You need to be able to work on everything. Most PD`s take their stuff to dealershps anyway. At least the ones around here do. Bikes don`t have ASE certs so that won`t help me. I`m done with wrenching for a living. I`m moving on to something else, just don`t know what which is why I made this thread.

Compounding on what has already been said regarding on City/State/Federal jobs, my opinion (which is only worth so much) a job that will take care of you in the future is a comforting asset.

After the first few posts, admittedly I began to skim, and dont know if you mentioned your age, but Im guessing you are somewhere between 25-35 years old. Having a job with a pension and any other supplemental retirement plan is a great thing, not to mention job security. Typically many of these jobs will grow boring over time, but hey, thats what hobbies are for. Another thing to keep in mind is that age often plays a role when it comes to law enforcement/firefighting jobs.

Others mentioned relocation...a federal job will give you that flexibility to transfer to other parts of the country.

For now, keep doing what your doing to pay the bills, check out any civil service periodicals that are available, and start taking exams. It might be a year or two before you land that job, but in the long run, when you know that you can retire in a prescribed amount of time, and comfortably, you will be satisfied. Good luck!

As a retired service manager from several types of car dealers and truck shops...My suggestion is if your a decent wrench, you can get a job anywhere, the college kids want to be behind a computor, my suggestion is toyota-honda or nissan, and loose 40 pounds, service managers dont like fat guys in the shop, they get too tired in the hot summers,,, truth..been there 30 years bob

You might try looking here

http://www.usajobs.gov/

All federal agency jobs are posted here.

As a retired service manager from several types of car dealers and truck shops...My suggestion is if your a decent wrench, you can get a job anywhere, the college kids want to be behind a computor, my suggestion is toyota-honda or nissan, and loose 40 pounds, service managers dont like fat guys in the shop, they get too tired in the hot summers,,, truth..been there 30 years bob


I`ve been trying to get on at car dealers but when they don`t see any expereince wit their brand they move on. I`m a good harley mechanic but as I`ve said before the motorcycle industry isn`t as big as the automotive side of it and there are less than a handfull of dealers in my area. I`m definatly ready for a different path.

with your background as a mechanic, specifically with HD/pushrod engines...a good move for you would be to investigate trying to catch on as a mechanic with either a plant (as has been suggested), or possibly with a company in the field of reciprocating compressors.

to name some names, dresser-rand, ingersoll-rand, cooper-bessemer are all manufacturers of large scale compression equipment and systems. think about all of the industry that remains in the USA, and you will find these machines working every day 24/7. these types of companies use a lot of field service representatives...typically non-degreed union millwrights to work on these machines when they are down (think refining, chemical, natural gas, PIPELINE..)...industrial compressors and gas engines are like harley engines, many principles in common. The guys that work on these machines (the good ones) are highly sought after and are VERY well paid. Yes, they have to travel, but once you get good enough you call your own shots.

The advantage you already have is that it is hard to find good mechanics anymore. Nobody wants to do that type of work, its hard...they'd rather sit behind a computer. That plays right into your hand if you ask me.

Along the same line are the other smaller companies that make products that go onto these types of machines, Hoerbinger (sp), France Compressor Products to name a couple..make large industrial valves for compressors.

Centrifugal machines are the way to go, but large reciprocating machines will never go away, and the people with expertise are slowly retiring...it is harder and harder to find good ones. Not sure what specifically exists in your part of Cali, but its out there right under your nose, I'm sure of it.

with your background as a mechanic, specifically with HD/pushrod engines...a good move for you would be to investigate trying to catch on as a mechanic with either a plant (as has been suggested), or possibly with a company in the field of reciprocating compressors.

to name some names, dresser-rand, ingersoll-rand, cooper-bessemer are all manufacturers of large scale compression equipment and systems. think about all of the industry that remains in the USA, and you will find these machines working every day 24/7. these types of companies use a lot of field service representatives...typically non-degreed union millwrights to work on these machines when they are down (think refining, chemical, natural gas, PIPELINE..)...industrial compressors and gas engines are like harley engines, many principles in common. The guys that work on these machines (the good ones) are highly sought after and are VERY well paid. Yes, they have to travel, but once you get good enough you call your own shots.

The advantage you already have is that it is hard to find good mechanics anymore. Nobody wants to do that type of work, its hard...they'd rather sit behind a computer. That plays right into your hand if you ask me.

Along the same line are the other smaller companies that make products that go onto these types of machines, Hoerbinger (sp), France Compressor Products to name a couple..make large industrial valves for compressors.

Centrifugal machines are the way to go, but large reciprocating machines will never go away, and the people with expertise are slowly retiring...it is harder and harder to find good ones. Not sure what specifically exists in your part of Cali, but its out there right under your nose, I'm sure of it.

Like I said before, being that my background is Harleys that has become a handicap when applying for other mechanical type jobs. I had a really good shot at a job with Pepsi bottling but the manaer was concerned about my lack of experience with high speed bottling and PLC`s. I ran machines on a bottling line years ago but nothing at this speed. It doesn`t stop me for applying though. I don`t hear from them but it only takes one time. On a brighter note, I just recieved a test date for a job that I`ve been waiting to hear from. I don`t want to talk about it and jinx it but it is with a major company out here and the startig pay is good and the benefits and retirment make it even better.

Like I said before, being that my background is Harleys that has become a handicap when applying for other mechanical type jobs. I had a really good shot at a job with Pepsi bottling but the manaer was concerned about my lack of experience with high speed bottling and PLC`s. I ran machines on a bottling line years ago but nothing at this speed. It doesn`t stop me for applying though. I don`t hear from them but it only takes one time. On a brighter note, I just recieved a test date for a job that I`ve been waiting to hear from. I don`t want to talk about it and jinx it but it is with a major company out here and the startig pay is good and the benefits and retirment make it even better.

the industries/companies that I cited previously certainly do look for people that have the background you do..someone with some kind of background that is trainable on larger, more complicated machinery-especially the manufacturers (they tend to pay less and are willing to train). if you were in houston, you'd have been hired already! well, all i can say is good luck to you. you have gotten alot of advice on here, but in the end its up to you to make a better situation for yourself however you see fit.

As a retired service manager from several types of car dealers and truck shops...My suggestion is if your a decent wrench, you can get a job anywhere, the college kids want to be behind a computor, my suggestion is toyota-honda or nissan, and loose 40 pounds, service managers dont like fat guys in the shop, they get too tired in the hot summers,,, truth..been there 30 years bob

The problem lately has been that dealers arent jumping up and down looking for people right now. They barely have enough work for the guys they have working there. I was just laid off of a new job at a dealership after trying to get into one after many years in the field. I think he knew I was going into union status days before and nabbed me before I was in before the lock.

Around here, dealers only want guys from other dealers, or brand new out of school guys that they can brain wash as thier own from the start. The only reason I got lucky was because that perticular service manager came from the independent shop side of the field.

I second the idea of trying to get into a city type of job. Problem there is if you dont have a CDL, forget it. Around here, these jobs are so extremly competive that there is at least 100 more applicants after the same one position as you are.

Its kind of like that saying. If you think your the fastest, there is always someone faster.

Commercial A/C & heating is here to stay. That, In my opinion would be a good field to go into. With the potential of someday having your own business.
Also electricial and plumbing is a field that always is in demand for good men.

HVAC , for sure. Mechanical contracting is right up your alley!

No I don`t look like a "HD guy". I have short hair, usually have a go-tee(Spelling?) or clean shaven and didn`t have any tattoos till recently btu the one I have is motorcycle realtaed and easily covered up with clothing. I always dress professional when I go on interviews but thats not the problem. THe problem is I`m not GETTING the interviews.



Well I`m not bringing in any money so even minimum wage would be a step up for me right now. The only reason i want out of bikes is because the industry is too unstable. I thought about opening my own shop but I don`t know if it would make it. I have the expereince to work on the bikes and fix them correctly but the market isn`t there lie it was 10 years ago.




A airport job would be great. Oakland is about 2 hours away from me so thats not going to work. I`ve tried looking for airline jobs before and can never find a listing. Do you have a website you look at?

I kinda figured that when they are looking at my resume as I`m applying for a tire changing job they are probably thinking I`m over qualified and either figure I want a lot of money or that I`ll get bored and look for something else. Well, I can`t promise I won`t be looking for something else because even when I was working at a dealership making good money I was looking for something else.

I don`t mind going to school for say 18 months to 2 years but I just don`t want to get into a 4year deal. I`m a blue collar guy and always will be and there isn`t a blue collar job that I know of that requires a degree that take more than about 18 months to get. Sales is out for sure, you have to have the give of gab and I don`t have it and honestly don`t want it.

I was just asking a general question because I really didn`t want to get into a debate of my employment or anything like that. I didn`t think it needded any explaination but maybe I`m wrong. I mean, what would you suggest to a guy who`s been a mechanic for almost 7 years and wants a change? My employment staus really shouldn`t be part of the equaision. I do apprecieate the responces though. I have tried applying for trade jobs and I think I`ll just continue wit hthat route, maybe try getting on in a apprenticeship program with the sheetmetal industry or electrical. Thanks guys.

Let me find the openings and post the links. I'll get back to you.

If you were to be offered a position with Southwest, in Oakland or elsewhere, jump all over it like a duck on a junebug! Relocate if you have to.

Let me find the openings and post the links. I'll get back to you.

If you were to be offered a position with Southwest, in Oakland or elsewhere, jump all over it like a duck on a junebug! Relocate if you have to.

That would be great. Thanks. There is Sacramento international out here but Oakland is just too far and relocation isn`t a option just yet. Especialy since getting on with a airline isn`t my dream job. Don`t get me wrong, I`d jump at the chance if they got something local but we just aren`t in a position to relocate.

Here's the link to the job in Dallas. You can check the site periodically to see if anything opens up in your locale.
http://www.aacareers.com/us/frame_index.htm?http&&&www.aacareers.com/us/index.shtml

Southwest took their posting off of their website. But here's their jobs website.

https://www.swajobs.com/ci20/index.jsp?applicationName=swaExtCI

These are jobs that top out in the range of $30 an hour. That's straight time, no commission to deal with, and very good benefits.

i was in a training class all week with dresser-rand employees...they currently have 450 field service people on their payroll, and they are looking to increase that figure to 900 per the people I spoke with.

if you are serious about wanting to change your position, I think you can find the appropriate links without my help. likely pay is 28-30 dollars per hour, plus OT and travel expenses.

www.usajobs.opm.gov Good luck with your search.