Career Choices...

99RangerKrazy · Jan 12, 2009

I'm a freshman at Washington State University, majoring in history to become a high school teacher (at least that's the plan for now). I really enjoy learning about history and I like instructing and showing people how to do things. Anyhoo, I also like wrenching, working on the Ranger, welding, fabbing, etc., etc. I know it's still early in my college career, but I'm already having second thoughts on what I would like to do as an occupation for, well, the rest of my life. I don't know what point I'm trying to get across here, but I know a lot of you have careers in the automotive field, but a lot of you just do it as a hobby. I guess I was wondering what the longevity is of careers in the automotive field (mainly due to the recent economic status of the industry). What are your guys' thoughts on the matter? I just really don't know what I want to do for a career.

Hewgull · Jan 12, 2009

I think a lot of it depends on the area you are in. I personally went to tech school 3 years and got a technical diploma in the Automotive Technician field and I also got one in Engine Machining. The only thing was that by the time I got out of school there were no job opportunities around the area. So I got into the parts end of it and got a job at NAPA. I really like the job but I really want to get back into turning a wrench.

The Jester Race · Jan 12, 2009

How about being an auto shop teacher?

-Jester

4x4mike2004 · Jan 13, 2009

when i went through college for automotive most of the shop teachers had or worked in shops of their own. that wouldnt be a bad deal you get to teach, are always traines=d in the most up to date stuff, and run your own shop. they seemed pretty happy.

Mudbogger · Jan 13, 2009

At half way point of my first semester, I'm a freshman as well, I switched majors.
I'm now going into criminal justice. Its for police, but I need to switch to correctionals.

Alot of college students switch majors. Some do it as many as 2-4 times before they find something they like.

Xploda · Jan 13, 2009

lol I started out being a auto tech with no college out of high school went to school for diesel and then went to school for Aviation Maint Id rather work on planes more pride to work on a plane than a nast truck or car that no one takes care of lol. dont get me wrong I still love workin on cars n trucks just get irritated when people dont take care of there shit and look at me wierd when I tell when was your last oil change lol. but I tell you what general aviation is far more satisfiying for me than auto

I get free plane rides lol. best advice I think you could get is do what makes you happy

JTH1972 · Jan 13, 2009

I'm a second year Heavy Duty Mechanic Apprentice, currently laid off. I'm getting out of it. With a kid on the way, I'm having a real hard time justifying having to spend over five figures on tools just to do my job! Would probably be a good career choice if I was young and single, but I'm neither! I've talked to a few mechanics who say that if they had to do it over again, they would never have become a mechanic.

I like wrenching. It gives a great deal of satisfaction being able to fix your own stuff (that and I'm cheap!), but I'll leave it as a hobby for now.

Now I'm looking into nursing. Pays well, no working outside in the cold and mud, and I probably won't ever have to worry about getting laid off!

littleme13 · Jan 13, 2009

if you want a job that pays good and you dont have to worrie about a demand for it be an enginneer. will always be in demand. plus you can put the things you learn into use in a hobby with the automotive, thats what im doin.

superdave1984 · Jan 13, 2009

Look at jobs that cannot be outsourced or cut out completely. Jobs in the medical field will never go away, nor will law enforcement, transportation or food industry.

Career Choices...

99RangerKrazy

15+ Year Member

Hewgull

15+ Year Member

The Jester Race

15+ Year Member

4x4mike2004

15+ Year Member

Mudbogger

10+ Year Member

Xploda

15+ Year Member

JTH1972

15+ Year Member

littleme13

15+ Year Member

superdave1984

15+ Year Member

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