So where to next?

Sizey · 30-09-2010, 10:00 AM

Hey guys,

Wondering if anyone has any suggestions about where I should venture next as I am stumped for ideas. I am currently a second year apprentice mechanic and have had some major back problems of late. It is not due to incorrect work habits etc, just due to pre exhisting injuries and the fact that my body just may not be cut out for this sort of work.

I have been off of work for a week now and have been to both ciro and physio and they have both quite bluntly said the same thing. If you do not want to do further damage, leave the trade. I am seriously considering it as this week has left me unable to work either of my two jobs therefore seriously lacking cash. I know I push myself to the limits for money however at the age of nineteen, I should not have already reached them.

Anyway I am seriously considering leaving the trade as these injuries are on the way to doing me some serious damage. However I was planning on starting my own business later this year when the car goes back on the road as a mobile guy doing small mech and electrical jobs but that wont happen now either.

I still want to stay in the industry and want to have alot of money and am willing to work for it. I have finished school therefore having a SACE (equivalent to any VCE or yr12 completion cert) but no other qualifications as my apprenticeship would have been a qualification under my belt.

Any suggestions?

Regards
Tom

blackjack74 · 30-09-2010, 12:00 PM

Become a partsperson/sales rep. Some storeman make decent money- especially if you can get onto a minesite.

Mr Hardware · 30-09-2010, 12:03 PM

yeah thats not a bad idea blackjack - spare parts interpreter, sales etc is always an option

either that or you can change career paths entirely.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sizey

I still want to stay in the industry and want to have alot of money and am willing to work for it.

Sorry mate, but unless you can figure out some way to be a tycoon, a lot of money and the motor mechanic trade are inversely proportional, regardless of work ethic.

banarcus · 30-09-2010, 12:06 PM

What sort of activity gives you pain? Have you tried pilates, big rubber ball, stretching and core muscle strengthening? Ask your boss if you can go on light duties or something while you get yourself back on track.

Alternative is to find a job that has activities that wont give you back pain. That normally means getting more education to get a better job.

Fev · 30-09-2010, 12:32 PM

Parts Interpreter?
Sales
Perhaps spray painter? I know your on your feet alot but i'm guessing it would be a lot easier on your back.

GTJOHN · 30-09-2010, 01:50 PM

be carefull...
25 years ago i was doing my mechanic apprecntiship , finished my time and had back issues..i kept doing it for a few more years , back issues would falir up now and then , i ignored them ..After 8 years i left and worked in parts indusrty , but lifting still played up with my back... 10 years agho I had to have some discs cut out due to slipping and damaging nerves, then had the back fused ... Dont muck about with your back, once it goes beyond repair, you will have years of pain..I left it for 15 years and suffered and still do now at times... get your back checked and work out a training ( Swimming is best) routine and fix your sitting/ standing and work practices

dsyfer · 30-09-2010, 01:53 PM

What about the electronics side of things? Tuning etc

grandpa_spec_F6 · 30-09-2010, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Hardware

either that or you can change career paths entirely.
Sorry mate, but unless you can figure out some way to be a tycoon, a lot of money and the motor mechanic trade are inversely proportional, regardless of work ethic.

You have a fair point there mate, I mean your brother is a tradesman and he gets paid to sit in an office all day. A sales role would be good as you could still be part of the industry, just not skinning your knuckles all day long.

ZA-289 · 30-09-2010, 03:21 PM

I was going to say spare parts also.

Sizey · 30-09-2010, 04:17 PM

Yes I know that the industry and cash do not go hand in hand. Was looking at a sales position not that long ago.

When I spoke to my parents about leaving the trade, they said "don't make a rash decision" However I don't want to sacrifice my health too.

My workplace does not have any such thing as light duties. I have begun things to stregnthen core and correct posture however the pain still is present.

I really want to start my own business(s) one day within the industry. (I have a few ideas of what I want them to be) however if not surrounded by the industry, I am afraid I will loose touch with it and obvuously I can't start some of those things now as cash and assests as a nineteen year old just starting out don't really exist.

KYSBF · 05-10-2010, 04:32 PM

So they just told you your back was nearly rooted and sent you packing?
If you don't mind me asking can you be more specific about the cause of the pain and when it occurs? And how and when the original injury happened?

Franco Cozzo · 05-10-2010, 07:07 PM

Maybe auto electrician? I WAS an apprentice mechanic at a dealership, I left for a different reason, but now I'm an apprentice auto electrician and the work is a lot physically easier, no more lifting off and putting on wheels from cars all damn day.