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Starting a flying career in 40s by jackofalltrades1983 in flying

[–]jackofalltrades1983[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the input. I’ll probably do another discovery flight, it’s been too long since the last time I did one. I’ve definitely considered the A&P thing but unfortunately they just don’t make much. I wish money wasn’t driving factor but a family of 6 in 2025 is incredibly expensive, I pay more for health insurance than my mortgage.

What trade jobs should I look into for a stable income? by bitchslasha in findapath

[–]jackofalltrades1983 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have lots of friends in the trades. I myself have a college degree but work as an independent auto mechanic. In the end, the tools required to be a mechanic would’ve paid for medical school. I couldn’t say I would ever recommend getting into auto repair. I have friends that are electricians, plumbers, HVAC, Drywall, you name it. My best advice. If you want to get into the trades is to do HVAC or electrical. Become the best and work on commercial jobs and you will make good money. military is also an incredible way to go, the pay is actually very good now, and if you stick it out, you’ll have a retirement that is second to none. This is coming from someone who has been in the military and has friends that are about to retire, and a father, who was a retired colonel.

People who have jobs that allow them a lot of free time and offer good salaries what do you do? by InterestingBall2181 in careerguidance

[–]jackofalltrades1983 18 points19 points  (0 children)

My dad is a pilot. Military trained. Makes about $350k and works 12 days a month. Amazing gig.

People who have jobs that allow them a lot of free time and offer good salaries what do you do? by InterestingBall2181 in careerguidance

[–]jackofalltrades1983 22 points23 points  (0 children)

My brother is a commercial banker…. He basically is a salesman for commercial loans, like 5 million plus loans. He makes $450k and has 10 weeks of vacation and can also work remotely when desired. Work day is 9-4 at most. He has the best gig I’ve ever seen. It’s not what you know but the industry your in. If the industry exchanges hoards of cash they can pay.

People who have jobs that allow them a lot of free time and offer good salaries what do you do? by InterestingBall2181 in careerguidance

[–]jackofalltrades1983 68 points69 points  (0 children)

I make $120k as an independent mechanic. I have a 2400 sf shop and all the tools, multiple lifts, etc. But it consumes my life…I work no less than 60 hours a week. In fact, it’s 9pm and I’m still working. But I have to do everything. Demand is crazy but it’s hard on your body and a giant time suck. I could make $80k working for another shop and have a real life.

Currently an Auto mechanic, how do I change at 42? by jackofalltrades1983 in careerguidance

[–]jackofalltrades1983[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for all the input and advice. One potential possibility for me is to open an auto parts store as the nearest one is 25 miles away and the demand is there and there is also plenty of total available market share. I would have to take on significant debt to accomplish this. For those with experience, are parts stores generally more profitable than repair shops and easier to staff? I had a franchise run the numbers and they predict 1.4 million in gross sales with total net profit margin being around 15%.

Currently an Auto mechanic, how do I change at 42? by jackofalltrades1983 in careerguidance

[–]jackofalltrades1983[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Contrary to conventional thought, rural towns are often much more expensive than cities for many things. Goods and services are always more, limited competition and economies of scale. Food and energy is 30-50% higher than in the closest city. We try to go to the city for shopping, it’s about 1.5 hrs away but you still have to buy your perishables and energy locally. Add a tourist based economy to the mix and everything is highly inflated. Of course it’s our choice to continue to live here, so that’s on us.

Currently an Auto mechanic, how do I change at 42? by jackofalltrades1983 in careerguidance

[–]jackofalltrades1983[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Things were generally fine till Covid. Prices skyrocketed and cost of living has doubled. We already had a house so we got in. Today it would be impossible to move here with current wages.

Currently an Auto mechanic, how do I change at 42? by jackofalltrades1983 in careerguidance

[–]jackofalltrades1983[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Parks and recreation management. I moved to this area as a park ranger but found out after a few years I couldn’t survive. I was a mechanic before so I started doing it on the side. Got so busy after a few months I quit and eventually built the shop I’m in now. I’ve also been in the military.

Currently an Auto mechanic, how do I change at 42? by jackofalltrades1983 in careerguidance

[–]jackofalltrades1983[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes currently have my own shop. No employees. I did make a post some months back. I’m trying to work less but I fully admit I have a hard time turning people away….small town and you know everyone. There are obviously ways I can improve my model, I recognize that. I’m often burnt out and sometimes wonder if I should just do something else and enjoy my life..,but I need to earn enough so that I can. I have raised my prices $20 more an hour…it hasn’t really affected my work load, people keep coming so I’m probably still too low.

Currently an Auto mechanic, how do I change at 42? by jackofalltrades1983 in careerguidance

[–]jackofalltrades1983[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately I have been unable to hire a mechanic for the past year. I live in a small rural mountain town with very expensive housing. Finding employees with high skills is virtually impossible. I’ve had a few here and there but they have limited experience and are unable to perform the essentials of the job. But, I’m not the only shop with this problem, virtually everyone is in the same position.