You know I always thought it would be cool to learn one trade and go to work and be set for life. But I am not sure it works like that for most people in technology. Automotive is technology. And it changes.

I focused on being a generalist. I learned a lot of different things and worked my way through. I learned cars because I was interested. It certainly made me a better engineer. I got to work on everything from engine controls to long haul telecom hardware. (I am a digital designer by trade). There was nothing sadder than working with engineers who didn’t understand the platform we were making circuitry for. Seriously it is amazing to see how many clueless ABS programmers there are out there who do not know how brake hydraulics work. I literally worked on a project with a programmer who couldn’t tell whether his car was locked up or not in the rain. He consequently wrote lousy ABS control algorithms.

So I think it is worth learning. But being able to hang your hat on it “forever” to feed your kids? I dunno. Be ready to adapt and don’t borrow a ton of money for Snapon tools specific to ICE hoping to invest in your ICE workshop of the future.

__________________
79 300TD “Old Smokey” AKA “The Mistake” (SOLD)
82 240D stick shift 335k miles (SOLD)
82 300SD 300k miles
85 300D Turbodiesel 170k miles
97 C280 147k miles