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Is diesel mechanic a good profession to join? Age 30.....?

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by dudedriver, Oct 31, 2019.

Page 1 of 5
  1. Oct 31, 2019 #1
    dudedriver

    dudedriver Bobtail Member

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    Hello everyone. Currently wanting a change in careers. Was thinking of becoming a diesel tech. Anyone know if this is a good profession that will allow to support for a family? Is it indemand? Is it hard to find a job?
    Currently working in a call center...Wage is set. Wont move up or down. Looking for a path that would increase wages with time and experience.
     
    dudedriver, Oct 31, 2019
    dudedriver, Oct 31, 2019
    #1
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  3. Oct 31, 2019 #2
    Goodysnap

    Goodysnap Road Train Member

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    Yes, it will support a family and in the top end you can do quite well. Yes, shops are always looking for skilled mechanics with experience and even without it, if you have drive to succeed. No, it is not hard to find a job.

    Take your time and search for jobs that are willing to reward and train on the job. Get in the door and bust your hump, if they dont live up to their end, move on.
     
    Goodysnap, Oct 31, 2019
    Goodysnap, Oct 31, 2019
    #2
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  4. Oct 31, 2019 #3
    buddyd157

    buddyd157 Road Train Member

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    yes, just be prepared to shell out money weekly for the tools you will need.
     
    buddyd157, Oct 31, 2019
    buddyd157, Oct 31, 2019
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  5. Oct 31, 2019 #4
    stayinback

    stayinback Road Train Member

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    Off Topic right quick-

    You guys that work for others in their shops- Who Pays For the HEAVY impact guns? Specialty Pullers?
    And Who pays for stuff like Kroil,Brake Cleaner- RTV, Antiseize,Pb Etc Etc??
     
    stayinback, Oct 31, 2019
    stayinback, Oct 31, 2019
    #4
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  7. Oct 31, 2019 #5
    Goodysnap

    Goodysnap Road Train Member

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    Shop, shop and shop.

    Pays, buys all specialty tools and 3/4" and larger sockets and impacts, torque wrenches.

    All shop supplies and PPE.

    Techs own and maintain all hand tools, carts and creepers in their own box.


    The real answer to your last question is the customer. But the shop purchases them, not the tech.
     
    Goodysnap, Oct 31, 2019
    Goodysnap, Oct 31, 2019
    #5
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  8. Oct 31, 2019 #6
    dudedriver

    dudedriver Bobtail Member

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    Thanks guys for answering. Just a little more about me. I graduated with an accounting degree. Decided to start my own business, the business failed. Now I work in a call center. I am very hesitant to go back to school *given my track record,* however, I heard many good things of the diesel program. I am not an office guy. I use to work as a furniture upholster apprentice. I grew up with my parents owning their own furniture business. So I am use to "getting dirty." Thus, that is why I am asking. (I am a hard worker, just had bad luck with my own business) But thank you all for your replies.
     
    dudedriver, Oct 31, 2019
    dudedriver, Oct 31, 2019
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  9. Oct 31, 2019 #7
    WrenchWrenchWrench

    WrenchWrenchWrench Light Load Member

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    Can you make a good living? Absolutely. With enough experience you should make 70k plus. Willing to work away from home for extended periods of time? 100k plus. But over the years I've noticed the people that are clearing those numbers or better are the ones who enjoy it and actually get a sense of satisfaction or accomplishment out of the job and repairs they perform. You will also have to spend a lot up front on tools. (like before your first day at work)
    If you decide to give it a shot I would suggest trying to get on with a company that maintains their own equipment instead of a shop that works on customer's equipment. In most cases you will find it a friendlier and more forgiving environment to learn in. You'll work on a lot of the same things over and over again which will build your confidence and core knowledge. Then after a while you'll start seeing other avenues you can explore to make more money or branch out.

    Long story short, it will be rough the first couple years but if you like it and stick with it, its a great career. That's my experience at least.
     
    WrenchWrenchWrench, Oct 31, 2019
    WrenchWrenchWrench, Oct 31, 2019
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  10. Oct 31, 2019 #8
    AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    Big money, home every night.
     
    AModelCat, Oct 31, 2019
    AModelCat, Oct 31, 2019
    #8
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  11. Oct 31, 2019 #9
    QUALITYTRUCK

    QUALITYTRUCK Road Train Member

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    So much great advice in thread, it would take me too long to quote everyone who posted before me. Everything said so far is 100% true.
     
    QUALITYTRUCK, Oct 31, 2019
    QUALITYTRUCK, Oct 31, 2019
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  12. Oct 31, 2019 #10
    Tx Countryboy

    Tx Countryboy Road Train Member

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    Brake cleaner , anti seize etc. Charged to customer as shop supplies.
     
    Tx Countryboy, Oct 31, 2019
    Tx Countryboy, Oct 31, 2019
    #10
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