unemployed in California

[Zorlac]

Sorry about your situation and I hope it works out OK.

A friend of mine got fed up working on cars at a dealership recently and started selling Cornwell tools and it seems to be working out for him.

 

[1911]

Sorry to hear of your misfortune.

Mechanic, I assume? Fellow mechanic here. If so your plight makes me wonder how bad things are on the west coast. Around here most of the mechanic jobs are commission, so when things get slow, you don't get laid off, you just stand around with nothing to do, withering on the vine. That said, here the economy going down the tubes had an interesting effect. People that gave up on trading for new cars regularly started to spend more $ keeping their old cars up. It didn't help the dealerships much, but the more reasonably priced independents didn't get hit as bad.

I didn't see you blow off the leave Cali remark. I know the real estate situation isn't what it was a couple years ago, but a friend of mine moved out from Colorado a while back. He sold an average middle class family home in Colorado. He asked his real estate agent here to show him homes in the price range of the Co house he had just sold. They started touring PLANTATIONS. He bought average and pocketed the difference.

Good luck, I'll be watching to see how this turns out.

 

[Panman]

Mikey, it sounds like you've got it handled.

Who knows? This could be the best thing that coulda happened.

In the meantime, if you need money or liquor to tide you over, call me...

...and I'll give you Dr. Rich's number.

Yea bring Terry up to the North Wet we'll all go over to Rich's and drink.

Good luck, I don't need to tell you to keep your chin up as you will.

This happened to me twice, once when I was 48 went back to after a couple of years then again when I was 52 the second time I took some HVAC training and went to work as a appliance and HVAC service Tech for half the money. I wound up going back again as the money and the pension seemed the smart thing for me to do.

But even at fifty two I was able to reinvent myself, and old tool makers are hard to train. You'll do fine, take some time and enjoy yourself a bit.

 

[old&slow]

HCYLE,

Sorry to hear about the job.

The company I worked at for 32 years came in and said it would be a good time to retire because we are closing down.

I think everybody there had trouble dealing with and coping with it. You question your self worth. What do I do now ?

Everything I've been doing for the last 30 some years was for not... Etc.Etc.

I had enough time to retire, So, I did. A few months later I got a part time job doing something I had always thought I wanted to do.

But, had never done it because I had a family, paying bills , making a living and had a steady good paying job.

That was 9 years ago. Everybody that I worked with seems to be doing OK. Ranging from getting new full time jobs , to part time jobs,

to total retirement. I'm still working the part time job ,, a day and a half a week , six months out of the year. ( I take the summers off )

Things Seem to work out,,, Hang in there ,, GOOD Luck .. Old & Slow Dan <<<<

 

[puppychow]

Way to keep your chin up Mike! I admire your strength and courage to try to make the best of the situation and to seek to better yourself and your education and training.

My best thoughts are with you as you embark on this new journey to bettering your personal and career development!

 

[Khunajawdge]

Mike -

I like your attitude. Try to always turn the situation into something positive in order to gain ground. Maybe it's not on the monetary front, but losing weight, becoming more physically fit will pay huge benefits in later years.

A friend of mine found out that a portable moto-lube service (his pickup tuck) was his way of making a useful contribution and gain a little extra income. It's kind of like replacing auto glass. They come and find your car and replace the windshield while you're parked; at work, shopping, or in your driveway. Lots of fleets of vehicles park in yards at night, no?

just my CO2

best,

 

[FastJoyRide]

Everything happens for a reason Mike - what the hell that may be in this case, who knows? But then who knows why you've helped Jill and Andy become armed and dangerous!

The advice in the posts above is real-world and practical. It sounds to me like you're starting down the right track and I liked the comment that when you do figure out what you want to reinvent yourself as, involve this FJR brotherhood/network. Most of the great jobs aren't even advertised - they get filled by friends recommending friends.

Good luck with this latest adventure amigo and don't underestimate the gift that you have in the love of a good woman!

 

[CAJW]

Mike,

I second JB's suggestion of reading the Parachute book. I did and it changed my life as I ended up flying helicopters for 20 years. That book really helped me hone in on what I was good at and what I really wanted to do. You have a positive attitude so my advice is to figure out what it is you want to do and go for it! I did and I was never sorry I took the chance. Good luck!

John

 

[HYCLE]

Mike,

I second JB's suggestion of reading the Parachute book. I did and it changed my life as I ended up flying helicopters for 20 years. That book really helped me hone in on what I was good at and what I really wanted to do. You have a positive attitude so my advice is to figure out what it is you want to do and go for it! I did and I was never sorry I took the chance. Good luck!

John

The Parachute book should be here by Saturday.

Now I need to find room in the garage for all 5 tool boxes.

35 years of collecting tools takes alot of space.

 

[ramrezz425]

I have been a Real Estate Broker since 1994. In September 2007 I caught 2 agents copying files in the ReMax office I brokered. They were taking deals down the street where that broker would "Make the file work", I would not do what they wanted so the files were being returned to the applicants, The owner of the office did not back me up and stopped paying me my broker retainer, took off and eloped with the receptionist and left me thrown under the bus. there is so much more to this story but the topic will get thrown off. Basically I was left without an income, In trouble with the DRE and endured threats from the owner of the ReMax Office (Who is a Mongol biker), I was so shocked and could not think straight for 3 months. My new wife stepped up to the plate and worked extra to cover my lack of income, after 3 months of clueless ideas I came across my Piaggio Certificates from their tech school, I found a job in a Chinese scooter warehouse where they tested bikes from china and Korea for emission qualifications as it applies to CFR part 40 regulations. Some of the bikes were horrific messes and would belch smog no matter how far we leaned it out. The Vespas and Piaggio bikes I worked on before were a breeze compared to these bikes. What it boils down to, is that most people like yourself may have some phantom skill like I did. They even sent me to New Jersey to train on emission test equipment and I had only been working there a week. I came back and set up a Dyno test lab like I was trained on in Jersey. It got me back into a work ethic that allowed me to clear my mind where I eventually got back into Real Estate which is what I do now. I genuinely hope you find something to do that allows you to regroup and experience new avenues. I also have sold cars as well and I know many used dealerships who have service depts. Keep us posted on your progress. Good Luck. DR

 

[Checkswrecks]

Mikey

Sorry to hear about it and don't underestimate the amount of personal dedication it'll take to get past the emotional aspect.

In the meantime, don't sell yourself short. Youse gots SKILLZ dude!

Great advice here!

Another idea: Figure out how to load the tools in the car/truck and start placing Craigslist ads as the ASE certified mechanic who will come to the customer. There are lots of shade tree guys, so be a PRO and word will get around quick. I got through college this way years ago, with a roll-away bolted into the back of my Jeep.

Craigslist ads are cheap so think of others you can place too. How about Buyer's Assistant for people uncomfortable buying cars?

Gotten your NRA Instructor cert yet? Motorcycle instructor? Neither pays much, but they're cheap to get, will keep you involved, and pay enough to shoot & ride.

Bob

 

[beemerdons]

Direct Quote from FastJoyRide: "But then who knows why you've helped Jill and Andy become armed and dangerous!" Brother Mike, you certainly do know that armed English have historically always made we Forum Irish such as Old Michael, ShinyPartsUp and Paddy Stanley very nervous!

Mike, you have gotten extremely great advice from some very intelligent people. My two cents is that it seems to make sense to stay with what you know: Mechanics. I especially like the advice from Checkswrecks regarding your setting up a mobile repair shop for autos, trucks and motorcycles.

I am always seeing posts here on our FJR Forum regarding suspension upgrades, perhaps offer this up as a service to the forum. If you go that route, I would hire you to upgrade the suspension on my Miss Lucy Liu; eight years with my fat *** on my 2003 FJR has killed her suspension.

If you do get your National Rifle Association Certificate, please don't teach Fairlaner how to shoot! But if you do get your Motorcycle Instructor Certificate, please do teach Richard how to ride properly!

 

[kaitsdad]

Mike, sorry you're out of work. There's lots of possibilities out there, just keep swinging, and remember that you've got a huge support group here.

I'm in month 20, and it's looking like I'll become a "99er" - so if you need any help navigating the EDD, I've been there and can certainly help you with it.

Above all, keep your chin up. PM to follow -

 

[BikerGeek99]

OK, so we're at 50+ posts now, and it'll be Friday tomorrow, so what the hell.

Here goes.

Mike - have you considered being a Man Ho / 'Male Escort?'

h34r:

 

[beemerdons]

OK, so we're at 50+ posts now, and it'll be Friday tomorrow, so what the hell.

Here goes.

Mike - have you considered being a Man Ho / 'Male Escort?'

h34r:

Oh come on now Andy, Mike has been there, done that and got the damn T-shirt! When he retired as a Man Ho, he handed that job over to Old Michael!

 

[sonicspeed]

Mike, come to ripley, tn and i'll teach ya the hardware/lumber biz . i'll hire ya. you have to be a hell of lot smarter than the folks around here

 

[HYCLE]

Mike, come to ripley, tn and i'll teach ya the hardware/lumber biz . i'll hire ya. you have to be a hell of lot smarter than the folks around here

Thanks for the offer, sister in-law lives in Johnson City and nephew is in Memphis. Terri's family is from the Johnson City area.

I have only been to Tennessee one time and it was all from Nashville to the east.

 

[HYCLE]

Direct Quote from FastJoyRide: "But then who knows why you've helped Jill and Andy become armed and dangerous!" Brother Mike, you certainly do know that armed English have historically always made we Forum Irish such as Old Michael, ShinyPartsUp and Paddy Stanley very nervous!

Mike, you have gotten extremely great advice from some very intelligent people. My two cents is that it seems to make sense to stay with what you know: Mechanics. I especially like the advice from Checkswrecks regarding your setting up a mobile repair shop for autos, trucks and motorcycles.

I am always seeing posts here on our FJR Forum regarding suspension upgrades, perhaps offer this up as a service to the forum. If you go that route, I would hire you to upgrade the suspension on my Miss Lucy Liu; eight years with my fat *** on my 2003 FJR has killed her suspension.

If you do get your National Rifle Association Certificate, please don't teach Fairlaner how to shoot! But if you do get your Motorcycle Instructor Certificate, please do teach Richard how to ride properly!

Sorry for arming the Brits, my Irish grandfather never told me it was wrong.

Let me know if you need work on the bike, glad to be of assistance. I could install a new rear shock in a parking lot with hand tools I carry on the bike. How's that for a mobile mechanic.

 

[beemerdons]

Direct Quote from FastJoyRide: "But then who knows why you've helped Jill and Andy become armed and dangerous!" Brother Mike, you certainly do know that armed English have historically always made we Forum Irish such as Old Michael, ShinyPartsUp and Paddy Stanley very nervous!

Mike, you have gotten extremely great advice from some very intelligent people. My two cents is that it seems to make sense to stay with what you know: Mechanics. I especially like the advice from Checkswrecks regarding your setting up a mobile repair shop for autos, trucks and motorcycles.

I am always seeing posts here on our FJR Forum regarding suspension upgrades, perhaps offer this up as a service to the forum. If you go that route, I would hire you to upgrade the suspension on my Miss Lucy Liu; eight years with my fat *** on my 2003 FJR has killed her suspension.

If you do get your National Rifle Association Certificate, please don't teach Fairlaner how to shoot! But if you do get your Motorcycle Instructor Certificate, please do teach Richard how to ride properly!

Sorry for arming the Brits, my Irish grandfather never told me it was wrong.

Let me know if you need work on the bike, glad to be of assistance. I could install a new rear shock in a parking lot with hand tools I carry on the bike. How's that for a mobile mechanic.

Mike, with my upcoming off road trip through Mexico's Copper Canyon with the other mooks from our FJR Forum; and, with the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays with my Son Seth (14 on 10/30!), I am pretty well bike trip and Father-Son events booked up until year's end.

But, after the first of the year: I do want to hire you to upgrade the suspension on my 2003 FJR, as your paying customer. Give me your thoughts on the components that I need for my body weight and my old man's riding style. 265 lbs. of pulsating quivering solid fat.

Speaking of the Brits, I wonder if we could sweet talk Fairlaner into letting us use his garage in Torrance to do the work. Would be an 8 hour ride South for you and an 8 hour ride West for me. Perhaps I can schmooze Richard with fish and chips, and spotted **** for dessert!

Would your being a Commercial Mechanic allow you to buy the components at a better price that a civilian like I could? If that is the case, you could add your Shop Markup and I would pay you direct for the parts. I would rather pay you $500, including your $50 markup, than pay an unknown $500.

 

[painman]

Mike, sorry to hear of this major suckage but good to hear Terri is still at work. Really good advice already said and I can't add much but to just stay focused and things can work out for the better. Also it is good unemployment benefits has been extended and one note is in Cali they do tax your benefits so set some aside for the crooks involved. My wife and I found this out the hard way.

Personally most if not all the jobs I started were because of someone I knew personally weather it be family or a friend or through those mentioned. Keep the faith and prayers headed your way. Painman. ><>