Career Change question?

Rango88 · #1 01-10-2013, 08:37 PM

Let’s discuss career changes and potential jobs:

As some of you know I am currently in the market for a complete career change. I have been looking around for months and haven’t found anything that inspires me. My fiancé suggested that I look at being a mechanic. Being the son of a reputable mechanic, I have a general idea of what the job consists of, but being the son that was never interested in being hands on, I learned a lot about cars and how they work, but my garage skills are lacking since I was never in the garage. Since I have owned cars of my own and especially my Ranger, I have found a passion for learning about the inner workings about cars and working on them, but again my practical experience is null.

Do you think this is an ideal career choice based on what little you know about me. I am aware about the education required, the tools needed and a garage willing to take on an apprentice, but I like a little wisdom on the trade. I found a job posting for a Ford dealership looking for Automotive Techs and they are willing to hire those with no training and train them in the trade.

I know this is a weird question to ask on a Ranger forum, but I am at a loss in terms of my future and I need some guidance. Any constructive opinion is welcome as I respect a lot of you and those who know me respect me.

Thanks for any insight, cause I am stumped.

RangerSport4x2 · #2 01-10-2013, 08:47 PM

Hey, everyone's got to start somewhere. Your dad was inexperienced at some point in his career. It'll be easier for you to pick up because you have the knowledge. The experience will come over time. The ford deal sounds like an awesome opportunity. And even if it doesn't work out, that's training and experience you wouldn't of had before. Then again I'm only 18 so what would I know

just my opinion

Rango88 · #3 01-10-2013, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RangerSport4x2

Hey, everyone's got to start somewhere. Your dad was inexperienced at some point in his career. It'll be easier for you to pick up because you have the knowledge. The experience will come over time. The ford deal sounds like an awesome opportunity. And even if it doesn't work out, that's training and experience you wouldn't of had before. Then again I'm only 18 so what would I know

just my opinion

my dad was rebuilding Renault engines at 12 yrs old so he learned at lot at half the age I have currently have. it's a little intimidating going from an office job to a dirt/grime use your hands type of job lol

Being 18 doesnt change the fact that you could be wiser then what your Driver's licence says. Don't let that stop you

TB-9862 · #4 01-10-2013, 08:53 PM

I don't know you and you don't know me but based upon what you have said, I would say to go for it. You have an interest in the mechanics and inner workings of cars, and thats something they are looking for. You will want to learn on the job, so you will put forth more effort than someone who is just looking for a job to get paid. Don't let your lack of experience deter you. Nobody goes into a job knowing everything, and if they are asking for people with 'no experience' and offering to train, then they aren't expecting you to know anything. The knowledge you do possess puts you ahead of the game, it sounds like you just need to get your hands dirty!

When I finished high school I didn't know what I wanted to do, I just knew I liked making things. I went to community college for mechanical engineering thinking it would help, although I wanted to physically MAKE things, not design them. Then one of the prereq's my first semester was machine shop practices.
My dad is a machinist and has been for over 20 years. I've been in and around his workplace plenty of times but I never knew what was going on behind the safety doors on the machines. That unknowingness bothered me and made me hesitant about pursuing the career path.
But I knew I had to start somewhere, and after taking that class I fell in love with the job. I'm now working as a CNC Machinist, CADD draftsperson, and assembly techinician.

take that step man! And good luck!

RangerSport4x2 · #5 01-10-2013, 08:54 PM

Ok so 12 years old was a much better start. But that ford posting does seem like a good place to start. And exactly what he said. It's not gonna do any harm to try it out.

Rango88 · #6 01-10-2013, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TB-9862

I don't know you and you don't know me but based upon what you have said, I would say to go for it. You have an interest in the mechanics and inner workings of cars, and thats something they are looking for. You will want to learn on the job, so you will put forth more effort than someone who is just looking for a job to get paid. Don't let your lack of experience deter you. Nobody goes into a job knowing everything, and if they are asking for people with 'no experience' and offering to train, then they aren't expecting you to know anything. The knowledge you do possess puts you ahead of the game, it sounds like you just need to get your hands dirty!

When I finished high school I didn't know what I wanted to do, I just knew I liked making things. I went to community college for mechanical engineering thinking it would help, although I wanted to physically MAKE things, not design them. Then one of the prereq's my first semester was machine shop practices.
My dad is a machinist and has been for over 20 years. I've been in and around his workplace plenty of times but I never knew what was going on behind the safety doors on the machines. That unknowingness bothered me and made me hesitant about pursuing the career path.
But I knew I had to start somewhere, and after taking that class I fell in love with the job. I'm now working as a CNC Machinist, CADD draftsperson, and assembly techinician.

take that step man! And good luck!

Thanks for sharing a similar experience

Tom · #7 01-10-2013, 09:01 PM

What do you currently do? What's your education background like?

There's tons of mechanics outside the automotive industry... just think of everything that gets built... planes, guns, missiles, forklifts, machines to make machines... etc.

IMHO, if it interests you at all, consider looking in a similar industry that you are already in (since you have the experience in it)... but for more of a hands on position.

When looking at a career change I would definitely make sure to consider the future outlook (EG: income, growth opportunities, job security/stability, etc.).

Spidey2011 · #8 01-10-2013, 09:09 PM

Shit. If I could get a Ford dealer to hire me as an apprentice mechanic, I'd take that in a heart beat.

Rango88 · #9 01-10-2013, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom

What do you currently do? What's your education background like?

There's tons of mechanics outside the automotive industry... just think of everything that gets built... planes, guns, missiles, forklifts, machines to make machines... etc.

IMHO, if it interests you at all, consider looking in a similar industry that you are already in (since you have the experience in it)... but for more of a hands on position.

When looking at a career change I would definitely make sure to consider the future outlook (EG: income, growth opportunities, job security/stability, etc.).

I can't divulge what I do in such in a public place, I did 1 year of law and completed 2 years of Police Foundations. My current employment is based on my 2 years of Police Foundations.

I have looked at opportunities in regard to auto tech and there are lots out ther, but most are looking for prior education or experience. This Ford posting is the only I have found willing to take in someone green.

----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spidey2011

Shit. If I could get a Ford dealer to hire me as an apprentice mechanic, I'd take that in a heart beat.

Glad to see you are sure of yourself

. Just wish I was about this change. In this current economy and Emilie still being in school I have to be careful with my next move. I can't afford being unemployed or working for minimum wage (like most of you could not). I just want to make sure this is the right move and that all my "I"s are dotted and that i make this a smart move.

OhioMike · #10 01-10-2013, 09:42 PM

The most important thing to consider when choosing or changing a career is that it is something that you are interested in and you are changing for the right reason(s). Most people have to work for 30 - 40 years, so as mentioned it has to be something that is rewarding financially, however, it would be detrimental to pursue if you didn't have at least some interest. At first, skill(s) may or may not be important because some things can be taught. Lawyers, for instance, have to be taught how to pursue a case and make accusations legally, while doctors learn how to give shots and determine injury. Also, there are no guarantees for anyone that the career will be the best move for him/her. I quit a part-time job at Fed Ex as a handler in April so that I could pursue full-time satellite dish installation, but I'm not a hands-on person. Also, the job proved to be more than I could handle. Either way, noone successful has made it w/o taking risks at one point or another. Also, it would be a shame to lose out on an opportunity because of lack of confidence. That being said, I wish you luck and you are not alone. Others have gone before you, and not everyone was/is as confident as it may have appeared. One of the things that I learned the hard way is that I wasn't as confident as some of my peers, and I, too, didn't/don't have the desire(s) that motive them. However, it is never too late to learn a new skill(s) or trade(s), and by not attempting to seize the opportunity, anyone can miss out on possibly more future success or opportunities.

Rango88 · #11 01-10-2013, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fifthranger

The most important thing to consider when choosing or changing a career is that it is something that you are interested in and you are changing for the right reason(s). Most people have to work for 30 - 40 years, so as mentioned it has to be something that is rewarding financially, however, it would be detrimental to pursue if you didn't have at least some interest. At first, skill(s) may or may not be important because some things can be taught. Lawyers, for instance, have to be taught how to pursue a case and make accusations legally, while doctors learn how to give shots and determine injury. Also, there are no guarantees for anyone that the career will be the best move for him/her. I quit a part-time job at Fed Ex as a handler in April so that I could pursue full-time satellite dish installation, but I'm not a hands-on person. Also, the job proved to be more than I could handle. Either way, noone successful has made it w/o taking risks at one point or another. Also, it would be a shame to lose out on an opportunity because of lack of confidence. That being said, I wish you luck and you are not alone. Others have gone before you, and not everyone was/is as confident as it may have appeared. One of the things that I learned the hard way is that I wasn't as confident as some of my peers, and I, too, didn't/don't have the desire(s) that motive them. However, it is never too late to learn a new skill(s) or trade(s), and by not attempting to seize the opportunity, anyone can miss out on possibly more future success or opportunities.

Thanks for taking the time for replying, my fiance is indeed worried I might miss out this Ford opportunity and nothing is guaranteed, I'm just looking for a little more insight since i am flying blind in regards to this.

When i did my 1st year of college I knew that I wasnt ready, but pressure pushed into Law and It was my worse decision. I knew I had to get out and decided that I wanted to be a cop. I loved the program but once I got a taste of the lifestyle I knew It wasnt for me so now I am back at square one. Like most high school kids, I am facing so many opportunities and different options with no ideal on what is right for me.

TB-9862 · #12 01-10-2013, 10:36 PM

If its any consolation, there is NEVER going to be a shortage of broken cars, especially with the increasing number of electrical systems they put in these days.

Also never going to be a shortage of people too lazy/dumb/busy to change their own oil, rotate their own tires, etc.

Doesn't necessarily secure YOUR job at the Ford place, but its not a job to be outsurced or downsized haha
Besides, the skills learned can be applied at any number of repair places. Might as well be professionally trained!

SageXi2 · #13 01-10-2013, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TB-9862

If its any consolation, there is NEVER going to be a shortage of broken cars, especially with the increasing number of electrical systems they put in these days.

Also never going to be a shortage of people too lazy/dumb/busy to change their own oil, rotate their own tires, etc.

Doesn't necessarily secure YOUR job at the Ford place, but its not a job to be outsurced or downsized haha
Besides, the skills learned can be applied at any number of repair places. Might as well be professionally trained!

Very good points...

day004 · #14 01-11-2013, 01:48 AM

A fewmonths ago I tested to become a BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)vehicle mechanic.
600 folks applied and were invited to take the writen test ,300 showed up to do so. I fell in with a bunch of current Auto mechanics who were all desparate to get out of the field. The workplace politics are awefull and the pay structue is changing, from hourly to job rate.These guys were all seasoned vets in the industry. So maybe their opinions must be taken with a grain of salt, but unless you do want to do this, It might be jumping out of the pan and into the fire.

Tom · #15 01-11-2013, 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rango88

I can't divulge what I do in such in a public place, I did 1 year of law and completed 2 years of Police Foundations. My current employment is based on my 2 years of Police Foundations.

I have looked at opportunities in regard to auto tech and there are lots out ther, but most are looking for prior education or experience. This Ford posting is the only I have found willing to take in someone green.

There's some mechanical related jobs that deal with law enforcement. Things like being a fleet mechanic or inspecting peoples vehicles. Maybe you could tie your interest in with your experience?

IMHO, just apply for the Ford position. Just because the posting says they will hire without experience doesn't mean they will offer you the job. So apply... see what happens. Even if you change your mind and they offer you the job, it's not like you have to accept the job.