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Any list of Jobs a 40plus Autotech/bodytech in Rural Area do??W/O Lifting over 20lbs? - borninabarn - 08-16-2008 05:46 PM
Hey Friends,
My back is shot.I have been in the Automotive Field all my life.Tech Autobody/Mechanic over 40 not being able to lift over 20lbs anytime.Living in Rural America W/O many jobs in my area.What is a person supposed to do to make a Living?I cant climb ladders,Lift,bend much Etc...My Doctor also knows about living in the rural area and the amount of jobs that are just not availible for me that I would be able to do with my back problem.Is there a list of jobs that any of you might know that might work to make some money??The closest big town is 50 miles away one way but as soon as they check me out I am sure a Red flag would come up.What to do??Thanks Born
RE: Any list of Jobs a 40plus Autotech/bodytech in Rural Area do??W/O Lifting over 20lbs? - Bad Boy Bad Boy - 08-16-2008 06:12 PM
Born, give total location of your area.
Also, are you willing and surely capable of writting service repair now.
I too am a TECH, but in the 1980" I had performed every job there was in a Dealership, I was well self trained, and very verse in the auto business. I will try to help you, but you have got to want to make the change. I know many in our field, that used their skills to make great to the best service writters in the world. We can explain things much better to customers then non-tech writters. Also, you can ask your employer of the tramsfer, and tell them your very willing to train.
RE: Any list of Jobs a 40plus Autotech/bodytech in Rural Area do??W/O Lifting over 20lbs? - borninabarn - 08-16-2008 07:13 PM
Bad Boy Bad Boy Wrote:Born, give total location of your area.
Bad Boy Thanks,
I live in NW Iowa,My Father started working for Kaiser-Fraiser way back!He had a Dealership in the east and moved back to Iowa in 69 had the dealership till 1990 Pushed out from gmac small town new car dealer.I grew up w/cars Detailing,Parts dept,Service dept everthing!Parts,service GM/Nissan 6 years in my blood!To be Honest w/you I feel so run down from this back problem/self esteem.Meds.I know I was very good and have awards from Nissan for parts/Service/Customer service.I am having a problom getting going!Getting back to what my body and brain knew so well!Thanks,Born!
Also, are you willing and surely capable of writting service repair now.
I too am a TECH, but in the 1980" I had performed every job there was in a Dealership, I was well self trained, and very verse in the auto business. I will try to help you, but you have got to want to make the change. I know many in our field, that used their skills to make great to the best service writters in the world. We can explain things much better to customers then non-tech writters. Also, you can ask your employer of the tramsfer, and tell them your very willing to train.
RE: Any list of Jobs a 40plus Autotech/bodytech in Rural Area do??W/O Lifting over 20lbs? - Bad Boy Bad Boy - 08-16-2008 07:29 PM
Born, NW Iowa, I would need more to get closer into your area. If you need to, PM with full location.
You need to figure out, do you want to stay in the auto repair business. if so, I will try and help you if I can. Also what brand Auto, would you rather stay with as first choice, and then give me the 2nd choice.
Would you write service?
Were you in a Union, and is there a Union in your area for tech's. if so I need to know what Union it is.
You old enough now, to get out from under the hood anyway. Time and your body is telling you that also.
I had my share of awards, money, gifts, and on and on, for all the same you listed. I was also awarded and allowed to make my own decissions on wether I should extend a warranty to an out of warranty car or truck. My shop was sent trouble auto and trucks that other dealers just couldn't fix. We had a 98% turn out on those problem cars and trucks. I shared skills with 6 others in my shop, and there were 17 of us in repair. Goes to show, those who wish to advance will and those advance numbers are low with today's Tech's.
RE: Any list of Jobs a 40plus Autotech/bodytech in Rural Area do??W/O Lifting over 20lbs? - 1171 - 08-16-2008 10:57 PM
Sounds like you might have to relocate to find a job.
I'd contact a job placement firm or a voc rehab specialist
You might have to try a couple areas before finding the right one for you. Maybe a good opportunity to do soething different-that you always wanted to try.
It's scary starting over - it can also be stimulating.
RE: Any list of Jobs a 40plus Autotech/bodytech in Rural Area do??W/O Lifting over 20lbs? - chrischris - 08-16-2008 11:56 PM
Sometimes you just have to go outside your comfort zone if you want to work. I gave up my desire for advancement and took a job completely outside of what I was trained for. Humbling to have to take a demotion just because I was injured and my job was eliminated. I have decided to work to live now, rather than live to work.
Good luck on your job hunting. Just be completely honest with your perspective employers. There are some really good people in ths world who might give you a chance to start over. Start knocking on doors and asking if you can work a "trial" day for free so both you and the boss can see if you are capable of the required work; and if there might be some possible accomodations available.
RE: Any list of Jobs a 40plus Autotech/bodytech in Rural Area do??W/O Lifting over 20lbs? - sparkey - 08-17-2008 06:52 AM
How about something maybe in sales of auto parts? Go to different shops and try to sell equipment? Who knows really. It is hard when there is a injury like that. I was stumped at trying to find a job one handed and had to change my career. I still use two hands, but take long breaks when in pain. If not for pm i would not be able to work.
RE: Any list of Jobs a 40plus Autotech/bodytech in Rural Area do??W/O Lifting over 20lbs? - Pooh - 08-19-2008 07:37 PM
Born,
I know in rural Iowa there isn't a lot except gas stations and stores -- but seems if I remember correctly there seems to be a napa store around everywhere or even an auto zone these days - have you checked into one of them - normally with more people around they can accommodate you when you need to lift something more than 20 lbs such as a battery.
I don't have to work - because driller is working - yet I went back to work in retail sales of all things -- trust me don't do much for my anxiety at times when we are crowded but it sure has helped with other things - like depression from being in pain and not being able to work. Like sparkey there are days I come home, sit down and when I go to move I hurt and walk like a 90 yr old ......... lol But you know it's fun to be back to work. Time to think outside the box