Learning More???

WrenchRust · Post by **WrenchRust** » Tue Sep 21, 2010 11:34 am

I'd really like your advice on this, if anyone cares to comment...

I've been a bartender now for just over 20 years. And as much as I love my work and I think I'd be ok if I had do it for another 20 years, I do wonder about about a change. Bartending really is a young mans job, and over the last 10 or so years, I've thought pretty seriously about changing paths.

That being said, what do you who are in the Motorcycle Field feel about your career choice?

If you've read my other posts, do you think I'd be fit for this line of work?

How would I get more involved, apprentice?

I've looked for schools around me and haven't found any, so I guess either way, I'd have to travel for this (which I'm willing to do)

Any Suggestions?

Joel

davomoto · Post by **davomoto** » Tue Sep 21, 2010 12:22 pm

WR, it's ultimately your decision of course, but here's my own experience..... My first job out of high school was at a Harley dealership. I loved the job, started as a gopher, and worked into a mechanic position. The main issue for me was low pay, and lack of work during the winter months. It's also an economy sensitive business, and the economy isn't exactly thriving right now. I now do work on bikes, out of my home, as a side job. This works out pretty well, I usually have more work than I want, but my own bikes suffer, as I'm usually trying to get customers bikes done. On the other side there is that famous saying "find a job that you love, and you'll never have to work a day in your life". My hope is that when I retire, I can segway into my own business more, and actually be able to maintain my bikes as well as I'd like .

Snakeoil · Post by **Snakeoil** » Tue Sep 21, 2010 1:09 pm

Like Dave said, it's all personal preference. But I'll give you my perspective at 58 years old. First, your career path may end up being something you never intended and that could work out for the best or worst. All I can say on this is, if a door opens for you, think long and hard before you choose not to walk thru it. I am where I am today because a few people opened doors for me at appropriate times in my life. The old adage opportunity only knocks once is fairly accurate. Don't let it get away. I would think in your line of work, you meet a lot of people who could open doors for you. Don't be afraid to ask.

That said, if you want to fiddle with bikes or other things and not be worried about having to sacrafice to do so, find yourself a well paying career. You have to consider your future, your golden years, etc.. Some folks are free spirits and live day by day. Some give up everything in their youth so they can feel secure in their old age. I think there is a point somewhere between those two that will fit your needs and personality. But only you can pick that point.

I spent a good portion of my career living and traveling all over the world. I've seen and experienced some amazing things. But, I gave up having a family because it just would not fit into that lifestyle. I am married now to a great woman who appreciates me for who I am, including my bikes, my job and my twisted sense of humor. I'm in a position where I can pretty much buy any bike I want when I see it, but that is not normally what I do. I worked hard to get where I am and started with nothing. It's hard to spend like a drunken sailor when you know how hard and long it took to get here.

So think about where you want to be in 5 or 10 years. I know several guys who tried to make a living wrenching on bikes. All failed, and not for lack of knowledge or trying. It's like Dave said, bikes are economy sensitive. If you work hard now for little return, I would suggest you find a new career path that pays you for the effort you put into it. Maybe go back to school part time. One thing is for sure. You will always have the time to better yourself if you start today. There is nothing worse than looking back on your life and saying, "I wish I had done what I wanted to when I was X years old."

Good luck,
Rob

WrenchRust · Post by **WrenchRust** » Tue Sep 21, 2010 8:33 pm

That's good advice and exactly what I was looking for. I'm not sure why I keep thinking about getting outta bartending. I really do love it. I guess it's the 8 to 16+ hour days on my feet that gets to me, and thats always without a break. heck, since I gave up smoking, I don't even get that occasional 5min break anymore.
But the money is usually pretty good for the kinda work I do.

Joel

jerry · Post by **jerry** » Tue Sep 21, 2010 9:19 pm

Very well put Snakeoil. What you wrote is way way better than any mechanical advice that could be given at anytime. Always live for the present but be mindful of the future. Jerry

Hahnda · Post by **Hahnda** » Tue Sep 21, 2010 10:15 pm

About 18 months ago I lost my job for the second time in one year. The first time the company I worked for was sold and closed. The second time work just ran out as sales dropped off. I was without work for about 6 month when I came to my decision. Because of my location and the field I was in there were very few jobs within a reasonable commuting distance. I had just read "Shop Class as Soulcraft" and that sealed the deal. I decided I was not going back to a 9-5 office type job. If there was any time I was going to be able to make this happen, it was now.

I made the investment in a new building for my shop and did quite a bit of the construction work myself. Late this past spring I opened up Scrambler Cycle. Are people knocking down my door? Sometimes. I am quite busy for a one man shop, or at least I think I am. When not working on customer bikes I work on bikes I have purchased for resale. I also keep myself busy selling NOS and used parts. Luckily I have a supportive wife and her health insurance!

I have aspirations of being some sort of dealer some day but I'm getting along just fine for now. Times are tight but I'm having a such a great time I don't even care. At least it gives me an excuse to have 150+ motorcycle.

G-Man · Post by **G-Man** » Wed Sep 22, 2010 2:03 am

Hi Joel

Your reaction to your bike restoration is understandable. It becomes an obesession and is great fun. I grew up on a farm and was tinkering with bikes and tractors form the age of about 13. I fancied the idea of becoming a bike mechanic but met a guy who was mid-way through an engineering degree.

That sounded cool so I went off to do my studies (using my CB400F for transport) and got a decent degree in Mechanical Engineering. I joined British Rail's R&D department and enjoyed a varied existence, eventually becoming Head of Product Development. In my later years I got to travel quite a lot and eventually started to travel to the US to sell and promote UK railway technology and products. (eventually 2 weeks each month)

All along I have had several motorcycles and always worked on them myself. An understanding of engineering principles helps you understand why things don't work properly and how they might.

I took early retirement after 30 years (this year) and was immediately offered a job by another rail company. By agreement, I now work 3 days a week (from home) and have the rest of the time to devote to other interests. My motorcycle collection is growing but I don't believe I could have ever made the living I now have from just working on bikes. I read the 'Shop Class as Soul Craft' book but I don't really want to work on other people's bikes where I have to do everything for a (low) cost that the customer is prepared to pay

I recall the Jay Leno quote from this forum. "if a bike is worth more than you paid restoring it - you've done it wrong" !

Throughout my working life I have had bikes which I worked on myself. I wrote as a side-job for an English Motorcycle magazine and that got me involved with the classic scene. I got to do 'how-to' articles and photography for road tests etc.

You have to make your own choices but I decided to make my bikes and enjoyable hobby rather than an everyday chore.

G