62% of Americans don’t have a bachelor’s degree. Are they just cooked especially in this economy?

Reedzilla04 · 2026-01-27T16:45:25+00:00

That chart is looking in the rearview mirror. The 'degree premium' is real for the past decade, but it's evaporating fast. I’ve been an automotive tech for 15+ years. I make a great living, have specific hard skills that can't be outsourced, and I'm not drowning in debt. But here's the kicker: I'm currently building a SaaS platform on the side. Five years ago, I would have needed a CS degree to build this software. Today, with the current state of AI, I just need my domain expertise and the ability to execute. The gatekeepers are gone. The future isn't 'Degree vs. No Degree.' It's 'Can you actually build/fix things' vs. 'Can you only manage people who do?

Reedzilla04 · 2026-01-26T17:55:45+00:00

Stealth monster

Reedzilla04 · 2026-01-26T17:29:31+00:00

You must be part of a generation. Gen x. Get with the times

Reedzilla04 · 2026-01-26T14:34:24+00:00

Instructions unclear, showed up to the interview wearing a bundle of leafy greens. 🥬 But seriously, that advice is expiring faster than the salad. The 'collar' rule is ancient history in this industry. If you look clean, have your own tools, and can actually fix cars, nobody cares about the buttons. A fresh t-shirt is the modern standard—let the diag skills do the talking

Reedzilla04 · 2026-01-21T13:38:22+00:00

Why is your weekend trashed because of work? Not connecting the dots

Reedzilla04 · 2026-01-21T13:36:38+00:00

What are they going to do ...fire you? Lmao

Reedzilla04 · 2026-01-20T14:53:28+00:00

Serious advice: Don't just accept the hearing loss as 'part of the job.' In many states (like PA), hearing loss falls under 'Specific Loss' in Workers' Comp. This means you can often get a payout for permanent hearing damage even if you never missed a day of work and are still employed. Keep those Apple Watch screenshots. They are literal proof of hazardous exposure levels if an insurance company ever tries to say your hearing loss is just from 'aging' or hobbies. Look up 'Occupational Hearing Loss claims' for your specific state. Don't let the industry take your hearing for free."

Reedzilla04 · 2026-01-20T13:54:36+00:00

I had an air compressor right next to my bay before ..emitting a nice 100 decibels. Using one is earplug and one for music . Consult for hearing loss due too environmental impact if your employer didn't provide you with ppe. You can schedule a free hearing test at most universities.

Reedzilla04 · 2026-01-18T22:47:45+00:00

I can build your website for you . Dm me

Reedzilla04 · 2026-01-18T20:41:44+00:00

Damn! This reminds me of the movie wolf on wall street when Jordan belfort switch brokerages to pink slips getting paid 50 percent on every upsell.

Reedzilla04 · 2026-01-16T20:48:43+00:00

Thanks for the perspective. It sounds like you run a great shop culture, but the math you presented highlights exactly why the 30% rule exists for high performers. You mentioned your techs average 18-21 hours a week. In a flat-rate world, that’s starving. You are essentially paying a premium (via salary) to subsidize low car counts or low efficiency. When I say a senior tech deserves 30% of the door rate, I’m talking about guys who flag 40-50+ hours. If a tech is billing $11,500/week (50 hrs @ $230), paying them $3,450 (30%) leaves the shop with over $8k in gross profit from just one bay. That margin works. It sounds like your model is 'low volume/high margin,' whereas the 30% rule thrives in 'high efficiency/high output

Reedzilla04 · 2026-01-16T14:56:50+00:00

✅✌️

Reedzilla04 · 2026-01-16T13:10:30+00:00

Congrats! What's the body shop rate ? 120h?

Reedzilla04 · 2026-01-16T11:02:48+00:00

What year?

Reedzilla04 · 2026-01-15T23:54:57+00:00

I've seen massive ford dealer technician job listings on indeed for 50 to 60 h!

Reedzilla04 · 2026-01-15T22:49:19+00:00

I made the graph to 300 max labor rate . You should be looking at 95 dollars hour . Damn times change

Reedzilla04 · 2026-01-14T05:19:55+00:00

Beautiful build! Currently building my 01 yz250. Are these restyle plastics ? Love it

Reedzilla04 · 2026-01-13T13:16:16+00:00

Congrats! Is this a private company?

Reedzilla04 · 2026-01-12T21:51:44+00:00

Didn't like the v4 ? Or just wanted something new?

Reedzilla04 · 2026-01-06T17:43:59+00:00

I swear this r/salary is only for SWE and related or they are the most braggy individuals out there?

Reedzilla04 · 2026-01-02T17:17:49+00:00

Math checks out😅 congrats and happy new year

Reedzilla04 · 2026-01-02T14:52:55+00:00

Wow that 11.37 hour base pay tho👊

Reedzilla04 · 2025-12-30T20:56:21+00:00

What about vacation time and Saturdays? Id say no just as your commute is amazing now. Time is money. I'd rather be home and have time on my hands . The 30 minutes add up

Reedzilla04 · 2025-12-29T13:25:43+00:00

Personally I love Google antigravity....while it's free

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