Should I leave my job?

[WingDingTE]

I'm relatively new to being a mechanic. I got my first job as a mechanic at a mom and pop shop by me. I'm kind of conflicted because all though I do kind of enjoy what I'm doing its not exactly what I want to be doing if that makes sense. The shop I'm at is a complete mess not organized at all. Also I'm getting paid 10 dollars a hour under the table working 40+hours a week Monday-Sunday. I'm not learning anything. Another problem is I've grown so close to everyone at the shop. We are all friendly and sometimes even hang out outside of work and one of my friends is the Owners son who works with us. but I know I can be making more else where. Hell even the grocery stores by me pay more than that. I've been here for about 4 months do you guys think its time for a change? I'm also really nervous I feel bad like I'm screwing them over because its almost winter and I don't know if they will find someone else during this time. I just want some opinions thanks.

[WindAtMyBack]

I'd get more experience first. Tons of people want to be a mechanic, but only have experience working on their own cars. To get a decent job as a mechanic you need line experience. Four months is not enough. I'd try to get at least a year before moving on. Or just start looking for another job now, and then quit if/when you get one.

Yea, $10 an hour is very low for a mechanic. I remember being offered $6 in the early 90s (which is more than $10 per hour now). I turned them down flat. It was a chain of shops and I've told everyone to never go there. I would never trust a shop that wanted to pay their mechanics that little. There is no way an experienced mechanic will work for that much. They made the offer because there are desperate guys who really want to be a mechanic and will work for anything to get experience. But if they are any good they won't stick around.

If you don't want to be a mechanic at all, you need to figure out what you do want to do. You ain't getting any younger. You still have plenty of time for a career change, but you can't wait forever.

[KrakenAttackin]

@WindAtMyBack. He needs certifications which will quickly translate to good jobs with benefits and a future.

[WindAtMyBack]

@KrakenAttackin
Certifications are definitely helpful but not necessary. Very few mechanics start out with any kind of certification.

[KrakenAttackin]

@WindAtMyBack. Perhaps, but to make real career progression he will need to document education, training, and stay current.

[WindAtMyBack]

@KrakenAttackin
That might depend on where you live.

The way the OP describes the shop he works for, it doesn't sound like a good quality shop to get experience. I suspect his best route if he wants to be a professional mechanic is to get out of there as soon as he can, and get to a better shop. But it's going to be hard until he gets more experience.

[WingDingTE]

I feel like a dumba** now I calculated my pay and I realized he's only paying me for 40hours which is M-F he's not paying me the for the WEEKEND AT ALL. I'm definitely going to put my 2 weeks in.

[WindAtMyBack]

Not paying you for your time is illegal. But since they are paying you under the table it's hard to do anything about it. Working on cars can be dangerous and you don't have workers comp either.

So if you quit, what next?

[Guy13]

You are hugely underpaid if you have full auto mechanic certification…

[WingDingTE]

sadly I don't have one

[Guy13]

If you are good then get one. There’s so much wrench and electrical computer garbage…if you can do both then you will do well 💰

[exitseven]

Yes you should get a job at a real garage where you will learn new skills and get certified in a specific skill. Ten bucks an hour is not a lot of money even though it is tax free.

[KrakenAttackin]

You need to get credentials and move forward. Mercedes Benz has a very solid technician program and you will receive a job after graduation.

[WingDingTE]

where can I find info on this?

[KrakenAttackin]

Check out indeed. com or glassdoor. com and do a search.

[iamaMAP]

Leave your job once you have secured another job or do so if you enough money to support yourself while you're looking for another.

[Avicenna]

It’s definitely time for you to find another job