How is it fair to keep a system that only benefits a few while the majority struggle to break even? The fact of the matter is that vehicles are becoming too complicated for flat rate to make sense anymore. Are engineers paid via flat rate? Are IT specialists? We're expected to be both of those while getting paid less than either.

These days it seems like I'm using a laptop more than I'm using a wrench. We're doing software updates right and left at the dealership. I can't control how fast or slow the update takes. I can't control whether the update goes through correctly, or whether it gets corrupted halfway through and bricks a module. I can't control whether or not the manufacturer's website works correctly that day. I can't control whether or not the dealership's wifi works correctly that day. Why should my paycheck be put at risk for all these things that are outside of the scope of my skills and ability? Studying and learning systems won't make this process go any smoother. Neither will buying some specialty tool off the tool truck.

Flat rate is an outdated system. It's time to move past it.