I'm an aircraft mechanic working as a civil service worker for the Air Force. I'm 22 years old making ~ $20 an hour, with time and a half over time and full benefits. So far it's paid for my 99 Ranger, Engine rebuild on the 84 Ranger, and in the next couple month pay off the storage building and 03 Honda shadow sitting in the yard. Later this year it'll also be paying for a laptop. At times I wonder if it's worth it, my upper level management makes work a living nightmare. They are to stupid to realize that if they would quit micromanaging and let us do the work morale would improve and production would increase greatly. Of course I think about leaving and realize where else could an unlicensed (or licensed around here) 22 year old A&P mechanic get this good of pay and benefits. Need to go take those tests and finish my associates degree.