Truck/Equipment mechanic not sure what to do?

RLU_tech · Dec 15, 2018

I am 31 years old, and currently employed as a mechanic for a municipality. Been there 7 years now. Tried advancing in both pay and title ever since I’ve started but just doesn’t seem to happen. My skill set is diverse, my attention to detail is applauded by my peers, and my work ethic is strong. I consider myself to be easy to get along with. I feel that I’m spinning my wheels constantly going above and beyond and doing things outside of my job description.

I have recently been considering making a career change. I’ve worked at dealerships in the past, and I have no interest going to another. Do I join an operating union? Try starting my own business? Change the industry I work in completely? Trying to think outside of the box.

I struggle with trying to find the balance of a good wage, good benefits, time off, etc. I know depending what you do, it’s give and take.

crane operator · Dec 15, 2018

Typically extra work won't help you any in advancing at a municipality, it matters more what the letters are behind your name to get into management, and it can be a politcal game, and nothing happens fast.

The advantages in the municipality- are the good pay, good hours, lots of vacation and good benefits. Usually good job security- tax $ is always coming in.

I enjoyed my time as a union operator, but I didn't have to travel, and a lot of those guys do.

If you are on your own, all the security disappears, but you can take it as far as you want to, and work as much as you want to. No more paid vacations, the expenses are all yours now, truck, fuel, tools, taxes, insurance. Battling to get paid. Sometimes it will be a even wash- $ in your pocket at the end of the year, working as a independent, vs. being on your own. But there are times when you can make some really good $.

I think it makes a big difference what's going on in the rest of your life. If your a single guy with some $ saved up, it wouldn't hurt to go for it, you can usually go back. If you're a sole breadwinner for your family with 3 little kids and some health issues (kids or wife), the benefits and job security, vacation etc. where you are is really important. If your wife is a doctor and you just work to get out of the house- do whichever will make you happier.

If you are 13 years from retirement and a good pension at the municipality, you better stay. If your vested now, and have 30 years of working left in you, going on your own can be more attractive. At 31, if you're going on your own, you probably would want to do it within the next 10 years or its not worth doing. You'd be better off then waiting until you had full pension and work part time on the side in your "retirement".

I enjoy having my own business, but I'm really wrapped up in my work and enjoy it. I don't spend a lot of time vacationing, or on hobbies. I love what I do. If someone else took care of my bills and I could do anything- I'd do what I do now. And I could go climb in a crane and run one for someone else tomorrow, and enjoy that too.

thepumpguysc · Dec 15, 2018

Sounds like dam near every single person on this forum.!!
Take what u can get and slowly ease your way out the door..
Don't leave anything behind.. I'm talking vacation & sick time.. When it was time for me to go, I was intight w/ the girl who was like HR in most companies.. we didn't have THAT dept so it was informal..
I found out what "needed to happen" to make sure I was paid what I was owed.. like putting in a 2 WEEK WRITTEN notice,.. make sure ALL your uniforms & coats were turned in.. along w/ all your keys..
OH.. & then they came up w/ the rule u could only take 2 weeks vacation & 5 days personal time when u left..
So I started taking all my time to get to THAT #.. 3-4 day weekends.. u get the idea.
HAVE A JOB/or a PLAN, BEFORE u leave..
Just be prepared to get "the talk" after u turn in your notice.. and they'll probably/maybe try to get u to stay..
IF u like the place..think about it..
Remember, theres more to work than money.. like negot. extra pay for "off site" jobs, 2extra weeks of vaca..
a 3.00 raise, no overtime.. getting your health ins. paid.. company truck w/ fuel card.. u get the idea,,

RLU_tech · Dec 15, 2018

crane operator said:
Typically extra work won't help you any in advancing at a municipality, it matters more what the letters are behind your name to get into management, and it can be a politcal game, and nothing happens fast.

The advantages in the municipality- are the good pay, good hours, lots of vacation and good benefits. Usually good job security- tax $ is always coming in.

I enjoyed my time as a union operator, but I didn't have to travel, and a lot of those guys do.

If you are on your own, all the security disappears, but you can take it as far as you want to, and work as much as you want to. No more paid vacations, the expenses are all yours now, truck, fuel, tools, taxes, insurance. Battling to get paid. Sometimes it will be a even wash- $ in your pocket at the end of the year, working as a independent, vs. being on your own. But there are times when you can make some really good $.

I think it makes a big difference what's going on in the rest of your life. If your a single guy with some $ saved up, it wouldn't hurt to go for it, you can usually go back. If you're a sole breadwinner for your family with 3 little kids and some health issues (kids or wife), the benefits and job security, vacation etc. where you are is really important. If your wife is a doctor and you just work to get out of the house- do whichever will make you happier.

If you are 13 years from retirement and a good pension at the municipality, you better stay. If your vested now, and have 30 years of working left in you, going on your own can be more attractive. At 31, if you're going on your own, you probably would want to do it within the next 10 years or its not worth doing. You'd be better off then waiting until you had full pension and work part time on the side in your "retirement".

I enjoy having my own business, but I'm really wrapped up in my work and enjoy it. I don't spend a lot of time vacationing, or on hobbies. I love what I do. If someone else took care of my bills and I could do anything- I'd do what I do now. And I could go climb in a crane and run one for someone else tomorrow, and enjoy that too.

Wow, really good write-up! You made a lot of great points. The thing is I do like my job and what I do. If I stay where I am, I’m not the type of person to just fall into the “typical” habits of many government workers. You know, the ones who basically show up and do just enough to collect their check. No, I am the type of guy who needs to have purpose and passion for my work. And when my employer doesn’t want to compensate competitively for a good quality employee, it’s a huge slap in the face! That’s really great that you love what you do to the extent that you do!

RLU_tech · Dec 15, 2018

thepumpguysc said:
Sounds like dam near every single person on this forum.!!
Take what u can get and slowly ease your way out the door..
Don't leave anything behind.. I'm talking vacation & sick time.. When it was time for me to go, I was intight w/ the girl who was like HR in most companies.. we didn't have THAT dept so it was informal..
I found out what "needed to happen" to make sure I was paid what I was owed.. like putting in a 2 WEEK WRITTEN notice,.. make sure ALL your uniforms & coats were turned in.. along w/ all your keys..
OH.. & then they came up w/ the rule u could only take 2 weeks vacation & 5 days personal time when u left..
So I started taking all my time to get to THAT #.. 3-4 day weekends.. u get the idea.
HAVE A JOB/or a PLAN, BEFORE u leave..
Just be prepared to get "the talk" after u turn in your notice.. and they'll probably/maybe try to get u to stay..
IF u like the place..think about it..
Remember, theres more to work than money.. like negot. extra pay for "off site" jobs, 2extra weeks of vaca..
a 3.00 raise, no overtime.. getting your health ins. paid.. company truck w/ fuel card.. u get the idea,,

Another great viewpoint, and January 1st I get another weeks worth of vacation. That also complicates the decision making process.

Birken Vogt · Dec 15, 2018

RLU_tech said:
No, I am the type of guy who needs to have purpose and passion for my work. And when my employer doesn’t want to compensate competitively for a good quality employee, it’s a huge slap in the face! That’s really great that you love what you do to the extent that you do!

If you care, your current position is going to grate on you more and more.

JPV · Dec 15, 2018

I was in your exact same position. I had worked in the private sector for about 7 years as an equipment operator/mechanic in a busy area and loved it but always wanted to move back to the rural area where I grew up. The county had an operator position open up in my hometown and I got it, I was 25 and figured I had the best job ever and couldn't believe how good I had it! After 7 years of spinning my wheels and finding out it made no difference if I did everything or nothing I quit and went back to the private sector. Before I quit I worked part time for the company I went to for 2 years as a mechanic evenings and weekends, it gave them a chance to see what they thought of me and I of them. It will be 7 years in February and I have never once regretted it, I do whatever they need and they appreciate it and reward me for it. I have decided if I need a union to protect my interests from who I am working for, why would I want to work for them? I was taught of you want a raise, show that you are worth it by making yourself more valuable than you were and it will be recognized and rewarded. If it is not, find someone else who will recognize! In the public sector it is about years of service and you are only worth what the union says you are worth. I thought it enabled some and cost others.
I would recommend looking around and see if there is any opportunities like I found and see if you find something better. I don't know about your area but around here everyone is looking for mechanics, everyone can use an extra hand on the weekends!

RLU_tech · Dec 15, 2018

JPV said:
I was in your exact same position. I had worked in the private sector for about 7 years as an equipment operator/mechanic in a busy area and loved it but always wanted to move back to the rural area where I grew up. The county had an operator position open up in my hometown and I got it, I was 25 and figured I had the best job ever and couldn't believe how good I had it! After 7 years of spinning my wheels and finding out it made no difference if I did everything or nothing I quit and went back to the private sector. Before I quit I worked part time for the company I went to for 2 years as a mechanic evenings and weekends, it gave them a chance to see what they thought of me and I of them. It will be 7 years in February and I have never once regretted it, I do whatever they need and they appreciate it and reward me for it. I have decided if I need a union to protect my interests from who I am working for, why would I want to work for them? I was taught of you want a raise, show that you are worth it by making yourself more valuable than you were and it will be recognized and rewarded. If it is not, find someone else who will recognize! In the public sector it is about years of service and you are only worth what the union says you are worth. I thought it enabled some and cost others.
I would recommend looking around and see if there is any opportunities like I found and see if you find something better. I don't know about your area but around here everyone is looking for mechanics, everyone can use an extra hand on the weekends!

Your story sure sounds similar to mine. When I started my current job, I thought wow I’m surely going to retire from here someday. Kinda surprises me now that I may consider it just another stepping stone.

Theweldor · Dec 15, 2018

TPG is on track that most everyone one on the forum loves what they. I mainly play welder and fabricator but also enjoy playing mechanic or equipment operator when needed. I am self-employed and work for some very large contractors. A day at work for me is a day of playtime. Must be a mindset of the older generation I guess.
I have worked a couple of municipal jobs over the years but it just wasn't for me. You do need to realise that the pay may not be quite as great as you would like but the benefits and no liability of any kind are certainly things to consider.

funwithfuel · Dec 15, 2018

There are great points here. From personal experience, I've never had the courage or confidence to step out on my own. Sole breadwinner for the family. Couldn't risk not getting paid or having someone file bankruptcy protection against me. Too many scary variables.
That said, I started out working my way up, proving my worth. That works up to a point. Then I joined the IAM , it was conditional to work at the international dealer. Hired in as ground level apprentice, made journeyman by years end. Ran that as far as I could. Took withdrawal and joined IUOE . Yes, I'm making the same dollar per hour as the guy who does the least. Yes, it irks me. But the paycheck helps it all go away. We have phenomenal benefits and retirement negotiated by the BAs. Don't misunderstand, I'm not a Democrat. I don't agree with their politics 100% and you know what, they're cool with that. They have friends on both sides of the aisle. They try to protect our rights. Of course they're looking out for themselves, yet foolish to think otherwise. The thing is, they know if you're making money and happy, they're making money and happy.
Come on down to the people's republic of Illinois. You're taxed to death but you earn a good wage. BTW , we are strapped for techs also. Parts changers everywhere. Not many techs.
Please don't accuse me of drinking the cool aid. I just realized late in life, no Mom n Pop can offer what I make, and those that can won't appreciate what I do anyway. Employers out here still think like we are in the Reagan era. They think if I or my coworkers leave, they can just run an add and have 15 qualified applicants. Nothing could be further from the truth. Once you weed out the dopers, you have to find capable,( lol)now that you've exhausted your applicant stack, what do you do? Start over hoping for different results.

Junkyard · Dec 15, 2018

I am formulating my “expert” opinion but here’s a nugget for you guys.....

I have been approached by manufacturers and dealers to be an independent tech for them. If that doesn’t signal there’s a vacuum for talent I don’t know what would.

It is a daunting task to consider sticking your neck out there. I am in the process myself as a few on here know....

Stay tuned.....

Birken Vogt · Dec 15, 2018

funwithfuel said:
Took withdrawal and joined IUOE . Yes, I'm making the same dollar per hour as the guy who does the least. Yes, it irks me. But the paycheck helps it all go away. We have phenomenal benefits and retirement negotiated by the BAs. Don't misunderstand, I'm not a Democrat. I don't agree with their politics 100% and you know what, they're cool with that. They have friends on both sides of the aisle. They try to protect our rights. Of course they're looking out for themselves, yet foolish to think otherwise. The thing is, they know if you're making money and happy, they're making money and happy.
Come on down to the people's republic of Illinois. You're taxed to death but you earn a good wage. BTW , we are strapped for techs also. Parts changers everywhere. Not many techs.

You have to understand that every month you are making sizeable campaign contributions to people who are absolutely antithetical to what most of us on here stand for. People you would never give a nickel to if their fundraisers came to your front door. That money goes to chip away at us. Our side (if there is such a thing) has to spend scads of money to counter that.

I don't fault anybody for wanting to look out for their security. It is just that the intangible costs have been well hidden, and this is by design. Many rank and file members turn a blind eye because of what it nets them and their families. But we are at point in this country where we don't want to be. Trying to be diplomatic here.

funwithfuel · Dec 15, 2018

I hear you, and you're right. But the simple fact is, I could not negotiate this wage and benefit package on my own. It's a necessary evil if you will.

Birken Vogt · Dec 15, 2018

funwithfuel said:
I hear you, and you're right. But the simple fact is, I could not negotiate this wage and benefit package on my own. It's a necessary evil if you will.

I bet you could actually. Not as a worker bee but there are plenty of small time owners who do OK. Although there are also plenty who do not understand their worth as well or don't do the books so well.

DARO · Dec 16, 2018

1. First ....... be very very selfish in your choices. You gotta live with it.
2. Its not allways the cash on the table. Vacation. health care. To name a few.
3. There is a huge need for experienced and capable RELIABLE mechanics. Both as employees and independent shops.
4. Selfenployment is a conversation all on its own. If you decide to move on from your current spot. Then look in to self employment over working someone else.

What ever the choice good luck.

Wes J · Dec 16, 2018

Keep in mind that the average person only stays at a job for about 4-1/2 years. It might just be time for a change of scenery. It doesn't have to be any more complicated than that.

DMiller · Dec 16, 2018

Longest I stayed anywhere was the Nuke power station but I was old beat up and looking to a pension when got there. When worked field I would usually hang to the 3-5 year mark, get bored with the machines day in day out problematic operators even more problematic owners or supervision and would move on. Did the Shop foreman, working foreman, service writer and mechanic gigs to know which I preferred so stuck with hands on approach. Did side work, burned out, ate my systems up, age creeps in ever faster burning candle at every angle beyond both ends.

AzIron · Dec 18, 2018

Ultimately what takes care of your family and let's you sleep at night that's the first thing to figure

Mom an pop places can't take care of you with benefits possibly overtime but that may not be there at times that said everybody I know is looking for a wrench bender of any skill and almost willing to sell the farm to have a good one

Self employment is great but not for the faint of heart it takes a lot can do attitude and at times taking the work no other company will touch to make ends meet as for the security of self employment I personally dont believe it's any less un secure than working for any other small outfits your just more aware of how tight the check book is instead of being blissfully ignorant of it. But you give up one boss to have 10 so keep that in mind

I wouldn't trade all the challenges of being on my own for punching the clock but if I fold up tomorrow by next Monday I will have a paycheck swing for someone else the best thing I was told was have a backup plan and a backup to that

Good luck

Birken Vogt · Dec 19, 2018

AzIron said:
I personally dont believe it's any less un secure than working for any other small outfits your just more aware of how tight the check book is instead of being blissfully ignorant of it.

This is a correct statement. No matter where you work you and everyone else can always be out in the cold unceremoniously. Mom and pop can fold up. Bigger business can be bought out and they close up your branch. Municipality might decide to turn to contract work instead of employing their own. Better to have it under your own control as much as possible.

thepumpguysc · Dec 19, 2018

Stick it out for that extra week, Jan. 1st..
MY ONLY regret was I left afew weeks to early.. NEW company bought the place in early Nov... gave everyone the Friday after Thanks giving off.. we ALWAYS had to work it..
THEN they gave EVERYONE $1000.00 Xmas bonus & a day EXTRA off for Xmas..
I left Dec. 7th..
If you can.. start doing side work..AND keep your job.. until u start making MORE on the side than u do at 40 hrs..
..it makes coming in, a LOT MORE enjoyable.. just knowing u don't HAVE TO stay & work for that 40 if u don't want to..

Truck/Equipment mechanic not sure what to do?

Well-Known Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Charter Member

Senior Member

Well-Known Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Charter Member

Senior Member

Charter Member

Well-Known Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Senior Member

Charter Member

Senior Member