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I want to share my story and maybe someone can relate.
Like everyone here, I love working on cars.
I went to tech school, graduated, and got my certificate in auto technology.

After school, I had 2 kids. Both now 1 and 2 years old. I haven't been able to touch my car because they and my wife ALWAYS need my attention. Also, I wasn't able to pursue my career in the auto field because there aren't any shops with the health insurance that I need for my kids. I don't even have time to read up on cars anymore.

Just wanted to share this and would like your opinions on this subject.
Or if you want to delete this, that's cool.

 
Rep Power: 811

well maybe in the future once kids grow up a bit more you can come back to it. you make it sound like you hate your family but you should be enjoying it now. unless youre over 50, i think you have some time in your life to plan other things for the future.

 
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Not at all, I love my kids and my wife. And do enjoy the time I have to spend with them. I'm just new to this(having to give up my things for my kids).
It sucks because I'm still paying on my student loans. And also forgetting what I learned. You know, most learning is through experience. It's hard trying to make a living and actually being a good parent. Because you have to give up the time that you need for yourself.

If you want to have a career as a tech, just make sure that there will be a job for you that offers good insurance. Kids need healthcare almost as much as they need water. Most shops don't give a **** enough about their employees to offer healthcare. Also, if you get hurt on the job, they can easily replace you. And, trying to make money on the side is becoming nearly impossible with all this drive by wire bs and other advanced technology in cars. Who has 10 g's to spend on a scan tool just to bleed the f' ing brakes in your abs system.

 
Rep Power: 303

Sorry to hear. But, yeah, just like gearbox said, you should come back to it in the future. In the meantime, just make sure to stay on top of the certification/ license and pay the renewal fees and such just so it doesn't expire. Let's hope (I'm assuming so) that you have a backup job/ career.

Whatever it may be, good luck!

 
Rep Power: 811

have you thought about working at a dealership? usually the certification program is not a big deal and alot of times they pay for it. im sure they offer better benefits than some street shop. and yeah family life can be rough because you have no time to yourself anymore, which is why its important to plan at least some alone time so you dont go crazy. even if its driving to a park and walking around. it will get your mind off home life.

 
Rep Power: 352

ur usename, 316, that from john? (just curoius)

 
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I should have went to school for automotive as i'm always workin on my car. That's prob the most I know how to do out of anything lol

 
Rep Power: 811

ya but do you wanna do that every day, on other ppls dirty and old cars.

 
Rep Power: 254

kind of random but... i love cars but i HATE repairing them. i love modding them to improve performance and all that but when it comes to repairing cars... i think its the worst. it gets so frustrating when stuff breaks, and you dont get much satisfaction for fixing it. on the other hand when you work on cars to modify them, you get 10 times more happiness than repairing it. i was wondering if anyone else felt the same way lol.

i agree with gearbox though, work at a dealership. i am sure they care more about their employees than some street shop. half of the people at street shops dont know jack anyways.. i seen this guy at a local shop trying to fix a boost leak and he told the customer that the spark plugs were causing it.. lul.

 
Rep Power: 811

maybe we should work for a performance shop then lol. mostly they only install aftermarket stuff like intakes and not really repair broken stuff. i know what you mean tho, i worked in auto parts and would always offer up my help, in many cases try and run outside real quick and fix their car if its something small. almost never even got a thank you. someone even told me i should be accepting tips and charging them money. why would i do that if im trying to help you.