BK Shadow Nemesis

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Chapter6_Page18

kyupol

on Aug. 14, 2007

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RANT OF THE DAY
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Just got a job in an auto repair garage (started maybe couple weeks ago). Just a weekend job though… doing oil changes, tire changes, driving the cars around, in, and out… and assisting the auto technicians.

If I want to, I can do weekends and 3x a week (aside from my main office job… though that will exhaust me…).

And maybe I'll do a career change from the office into the garage. Since working on cars is much more interesting than the office. I'll see how it goes. Career changes are not as easy as it is. In doing a career change, it is always expected that you will take a STEP DOWN in your salary. I'm willing to take a step down… as long as its not below fuckin $10 an hour!!! If they gonna pay me at least $10 an hour and provide me with at least 50 hours of work in a week, maybe I'd take it.

Btw, a starting auto apprentice (you start as an apprentice before you become a tech) has a salary range from minimum wage - $15 per hour. And licenced techs make $25-$40 an hour.

Anyway, lets look at pros and cons and compare between an autotech and an office worker…


AUTOTECH

Pros:
- better pay (as a licenced tech or experienced apprentice… but as a starting apprentice, I might need to step down.)

- better opportunity. A chance to start my own garage and be my own boss.

- better stability… as the amount of cars in the road increase together with the human population. There's always a job. The technicians in the shop told me that they had to do 15 hours sometimes. Downsizing and automation of processes IS rare. Sure… invent better tools… but that can only do so much.

- good thing to learn! Fix your own car or your friend's car… hey… no problem!


Cons:
- work hazards. cars can run you over or someone else, oil can make you slip or cause skin cancer, fumes coming from car exhaust, glue, tires, etc… can give you lung cancer or respiratory problems… fumes are also known to be like illegal drugs that can make you high or decrease your brain cells.

- work discomforts: You could be at the weather's mercy. Also awkward positions and heavy lifting can strain muscles or your back.

- legal risks. You dont wanna go to court because a customer blames you for conning him or purposely breaking up his car.


OFFICE WORKER

Pros
- controlled, comfortable environment. LESS health hazards.

- sometimes stable. In my case it is… I got benefits and a liveable salary (though not enough to afford me a suburban home and the usual stuff. But as an auto tech, in the long run I might be able to afford the suburban home and a better-looking car).

- less physical work and less stress. (at least in my case… since I'm quick with the quota and writing reports… therefore I have lots of time to draw and relax. Also I like my work hours… and there is NO supervisor in my shift. Nobody to pressure me and bug me.)


Cons:
- Office politics. Especially "sexual harrassment" bullshit. That is why I always take some precautions..

- health hazards: prolonged exposure to a computer screen can give you eye or mental problems… I get bouts of depression or unreasonable anger whenever I do that. prolonged sitting down can give you back problems and make you more prone to muscle cramps.

- salary is limited unless you're at management level.

- low room for advancement.

- high room for out-sourcing and automation. Therefore more chances of getting laid off due to restructuring. As the guys on top are obsessed with "cost-cutting" and down-sizing. I ALWAYS hear that kind of talk in meetings.



So what do you guys think about these two career paths? If you were in my case, what would you chose?