never mind.
I had about a bazillion word post written , then realized it would not change a thing.
here's the short version.
I've been repairing benzes for 21 almost 22 years.
started in 1981 (man I miss the 80s, you used to be able to make a living in those days) because:
#1 customers were loyal (unlike today where they take a 60k car to wal mart for service)
#2people didn't mind spending money on preventative maintenaince (they used to understand that maintaining a car was cheaper in the long run than fixing a broken one)
#3 you didn't have to spend 10k a year on elec tools scanners,etc,,,,
only to have people come in and ask you to shut off "that light" & then expect not to be charged for it
#4 MBZ prooducts used to be overbuilt and were very durable, making it easy to justify repairs when they were neded
#5 there's sooo many more, but I don't want to wear out my keyboard typing one post.
My working conditions are great because I'm at an independant.
shop has highest quality tool/equip available, we have A/C and proudly keep the place nice & neat.
I used to love it,,,,,,now sometimes I like it,,,,,,but usually I dread it.
I love it when you are appreciated for the work you do, and get a thank you note or some cookies or something. These are the people it is truly a pleasure to work for, because they are loyal, and don't question evry item on the bill.
I like the fact that I've been doing this long enough that I KNOW I can fix the car, no matter what is wrong with it, I am confident that I can figure it out quickly and accurately.
I hate the constant BS from people acting like I am ripping them off, or just being plain rude. It is really getting old having to justify what I charge to some moron who is crying like I am taking him for his last dollar. If I were taking advantage of this shmuck like he thinks I am, I'd be living right next to him in his "wealthy" neiborhood.
I also hate the fact that MBZ has lost their way. By this I mean that "they don't build them like they used to."
It's almost like MBZ is putting out today the types of products that Jag had in the 70s.
More and more, I am seeing parts on Mbs "made in mexico, etc.
As far as pay goes, it is laughable. I am paid well for a tech in this city. My UPS driver makes as much or maybe a little more than me, and all he has to do is bring me the box of parts
I have to have the skills/knowledge/tools to diagnose the car & install the parts. Does this sound like techs are paid fairly to you?
And it isn't that I ahev an employer who isn't willing to pay me what I'm worth. I "am" my employer. The problem is that the insurance and taxes are killing every small business in this country!
I better stop, as I see myself starting to write a book again.