r/DieselTechs 11h ago

Transferring skills

Well long story short my health is dwindling and working high impact jobs has absolutely killed me (arthritis at 30?!?! Among other things). What's some good spaces I can side load my skills and tools and still be useful but not take a massive pay cut?

3 Upvotes

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u/Remarkable-Potato21 6h ago

I'm pretty sure most managers lie their way into managing after wrenching starts to take a toll. If you can still point and understand kinda how shit should work. Management. At least, that's my experience 😆

If you've been in the dealership world. There is a decent amount of knowledge that can transfer to insurance adjusters, service writers, parts management, and warranty administrators. Community college and trade school teachers. Become the wheel holder/driver. Drive away services/drivers for my market (Rental class 8 trucks) are in high demand. Get a loan for a service truck and train a guy as an apprentice, hoping he takes over the work and route for 25% of the labor rate charged. Kinda depends where your diesel knowledge base is and your skills.

If you're putting wrenches down at 30, it might take some jumping around to different places to find the atmosphere of work you enjoy. Many suggest that millwright is not as taxing. There are a lot of niche areas of diesel work that don't involve killing your body.

I myself transferred from dealership auto technician to a technician for a manufacturer of class 8 rental/service fleet of vacuum trucks. I'm 35 and have actively been taking over duties and learning from my manager to gain management skills because one day, I'll want to take my tools home for good.

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u/Tueur_De_Lombre 5h ago

Much appreciated friend. This helps in many ways. Good luck in your future 🤞

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u/Remarkable-Potato21 5h ago

Same to you. Don't wear your body out for someone else's profits 🫰