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?
Find an independent repair shop with a good reputation and go to work there. I did the dealership thing for 20 years and was ready to jump industries, found a great independent shop. I am now happier than I have ever been, it’s an honest straight forward shop with a salaried position and great benefits. No weekends and no holidays all around made me happy to be a tech again. Good luck