1978 was hungry for extra cash, had a word of mouth local quarry needed a contract mechanic not full time just now to then and somewhat on call as did not want full timer's on benefits any more. Was working as working foreman Heavy trucks, trailers, cars and small trucks, some smaller scale paving company equipment for a lease company. Walked in the shop to speak to the foreman had my pickup and tools outside, looked at me asked if ANY Detroit experience when said yes pointed to a Euc dump with a 110 and said get that running you're employed. Hour and Twenty minutes later was a Contractor. As well SCARED To Death of what I was entering into. Ended up more full time than not, lots of weekends lost to working, some days would leave the quarry to go straight to the other shop and start at quarry again before daylight next day. Did that off and on between moves out of state or when came back as the work load was always there and they were only too glad to see me return. Spent a lot of summers buried under some piece of crap they had to keep and keep running. Tried my own fixed location shop, business license, permits for oil waste, tax number and all, never made enough to warrant keeping so sold that off to another looking that same consideration over where he lasted just a short time and just sold it off.
Was really trying during the 'Bad' years when mechanics were 'A Dime a Dozen' but good ones limited and few, shops would hire/fire/roll out or turn over employees regularly, was my job at the lease yard to manage the night shifts work, interview prospects give recommendations or denials, determine those that needed to go and fire as necessary while delegate work as the mechanics could handle. Was a greater level of wrench turners and bolt busters than decent mechanics back then. Always a self starter, always working to better myself and my wallet.