Before I load up Hombres holiday thread. Let's just have a work chat thread so we can all bicker.

Today was my final straw with management.

Gives us a 21 f-350 super duty to put tires on and do an oil change.
We've gone through this at least 3 times in the last 2 months that we don't have a lift that can support a truck that big.
(Its a small 8 bay shop)
Much less with a 120gallon diesel tank in the bed and a tool box.
Boss man literally said "quit bi*chin about the truck and just do it"
largest rated lift we have is 12k. Truck tag said 14k before all the extra work equipment.
Safety hazard in my eyes. I'm the one under the damn thing.

Also our 2 master techs and 1 certified tech decided this week that "that's not my job" is an appropriate statement when it comes to anything that pays less than an hour.

Good times.

Derf. No shirt and tie for me. Ever. If they dont want me for my work ethic over my ragged rock n' roll look, I dont need em.

 

Since when do techs get to choose their tickets?

Sounds like an OSHA situation but you're leaving so it's too late to properly document.

All I meant with the shirt and tie comment is that it's a ot easier to walk in on day one making people already guess about you than it is for you to dig yourself out of a hole they throw you in that you don't belong.

If you're good with dishing out uncomfortably long eye contact to the point you can make others look away, that is a huge asset. Doesn't have to be threatening. Just unnerving towards people that you don't want to figure you out.

I never used to think this body language corporate America crap actually had any value in real life but against the right people it does. I'm not saying to go around and manipulate everybody in site. My point is that many people including those in positions of power can be completely unnerved by simple eye contact. Don't know if it works on gear heads, but I've yet to find a type of person it doesn't work on. It is my favorite passive aggressive activity in life. However you can choose to have it be your apparent normal response to everything without a threatening look to it. Then people just don't know what to do nor what you're thinking.
Had to do this at a job while back so that people could not read me as to my motivations or my next steps in dealing with the bull**** roadblocks they were trying to throw in front of me on a project.

Side note. If you wear contact lenses, you should be able to stare without blinking for close to 3 minutes with practice. Don't stare at the person's face. Defocus and stare over the top of their head at nothing. Even more unnerving.

 

Shook the man's hand this evening.
He said he would contact me tomorrow for paperwork and drug test info as he already stayed an hour late just to mingle with me for a bit.

Literally half the work for the same amount of pay. Paid training with GM. Along with ASE opportunities.

Walk in the door to my own stall.

Still wish it was FCA. But theyre doing away with anything fun. So it may be for the best.

 

Glad you're up out of that old job DropDead. Is your new job any closer to your home?

 

It’s a good time to be moving jobs as a tradesman. I got out of wrenching a few years ago (2017) and people have been banging on my door more loudly than ever since the pandemic trying to get me back in. The offers are pure insanity if you are willing to go where the work is. Any papered tech is worth over $30 an hour straight time, most are worth between $38 and $50. High demand areas I’ve seen over $70/hr. I’m Canadian and I even had some shop in flyover country trying to get me a green card to move to somewhere in the middle of no where to be a foreman for 120k salary with a top notch benefit plan, moving expenses and a company car (North Dakota if I recall, it was after the first wave). I used to have to fight to break $30/hr.

 

Well. He backed out.
called me this evening to tell me he has to retract the offer and will keep me in mind.


Yea, because I wanna be the second choice, right?

Oh well. Life goes on.

Northern, welcome!
That much experience in sure you can teach someone like me a thing or 7.
Glad to have you on the boards!

 

Well that bites.

Used to be able to do business on a handshake with a few people yet. Scratch one from the list.

If he's that dishonorable, I suspect there would have been other unsavory things waiting for you there. The stud muffin/labrapoodle mix he's hiring in your place is probably a meth head. He'll get his.

Oh just for some uplifting news. I still hate you.

🙃😲😄🤪🌚🤡👹😈💌🦶🧟👧👴🗣️🌀☄️⛈️🌈

 

Thanks for the welcome.

Don’t be discouraged, fire your resume out with the shotgun approach to everyone you think you’d be willing to work for. While you are at it make a realistic list of your skills, what experience you want or need to level up and your expectations on your comp plan.

The market for someone who wants to work has never been hotter. If you are a rookie I recommend aiming for experience over pay (I worked 7 years at an Indy that under paid by about $3 an hour but let me work on everything from ford to ferrari with great techs to learn from). When you have the right skill set then you turn it into a money printing game and go to the highest bidder each year. You never really settle down if you do it right but I’ve watched guys triple their vacation time and pay in 3 years. Loyalty doesn’t pay anymore, so if you want the money move around yearly.

 

Oh I know 💓

I'm not even mad. It is what it is.
I'm applying to all shops/dealers within a 25 mile radius until I have a gas saver again. Then I'll be willing to drive further.

Thats some of the best advice/words of wisdom ive heard in a while. Recently watched a video online stating something similar.

While I'm here I am still going to capitalize on dealer perks such as brand training and ase testing. Wont hurt anything.

 

Aim high, Billy. You should set a goal for ASE Certified Master Mechanic. I know two and those guys make a LOT of money.