I’m 37 been in the trade for 7 years in dealerships of 3 different makes, Maserati/Alfa, CDJRF and Volvo. same dealership tech exploiting bullshit at all 3. Corporate chains, franchise chains and one salary position (no benefits) in commercial fleet maintenance shop. I hate it. Long hours, working days off, stress of flag, moving toolboxes between jobs, extraordinary tool costs. I like electronic controls and computerization diag and generally the technical aspects of the work itself but the environment and employers and never ending financial catch-up game are sucking the life out of me. Nor do I want to be a self-employed mobile mechanic as working on broke peoples shitboxes in their driveways sucks even more.
What are the other options?
I was a dealer tech for 25 years. I got into warehouse maintenance job. Repairing machinery. Conveyer belts and such. Pay is less of course. But I have better healthcare, Monday-Friday schedule. Work in climate control warehouse. All holidays off. No overtime. And best no need to buy tools. If your good at diagnosing vehicles then this will come easy.