You love cars. Why not get paid to work on them? Sounds like heaven to me! If you’re thinking about turning your passion into a career, check out these seven indicators you would be a good mechanic.
1. You love cars.
A love of cars can show up in many ways. Are you drawn to movies like the Fast and Furious? Did you play with Hot Wheels when you were a kid? Have you ever dreamed of being a race car driver? If a lot of your hobbies or interests involve cars, then you might be a good mechanic (with practice!)
2. You like to be active.
Auto repair requires you to squat, bend over, and lift heavy objects. If you’ve got a bad knee or achy back, it might not be the best career option for you. If you’re injury free, go for it. Don’t worry about getting bored. There are no long hours sitting at a desk or anything like that. You’ll always be moving!
3. You value hard work.
Nothing about auto repair is easy. Don’t like to get your hands dirty? Too bad. It’s a part of the job description. Don’t like to get sweaty? Ditto. It might not be so bad in winter, but you’ll be covered in sweat by spring. Don’t like to exert yourself? Sorry. Jacking up a car and replacing parts is tough work.
4. You enjoy fixing things.
There’s something personally satisfying about fixing a car. I think it’s because most people can’t do it. The average driver depends on mechanics for even the most basic repairs. If one of my friends or family members has a car problem, I’m the first person they call. It gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling. It’s nice to be able to help people out.
5. You push yourself to grow.
Technology changes fast. A few decades ago, cars required more frequent and thorough maintenance. Engine parts were mechanical. They weren’t nearly as high tech as the computerized engines of today. If a mechanic or auto shop owner doesn’t stay on top of industry trends, they will go out of business fast. Evolve or die (but not literally).
6. You are self-reliant.
Learning to repair cars is an empowering thing to do. You’re no longer at the mercy of fate. If you get stuck on the side of the road, you don’t have to sit and wait for a tow truck. You can solve the problem yourself if you have the required tools. No tools? That’s okay. You can learn basic preventive tasks. Something as simple as checking your fluids every month could save you from a bad situation.
7. You wonder how stuff works.
Car repair is like a puzzle. An engine could stop working for a lot of reasons. You can’t just fix a random part and hope for the best. You must investigate the situation to determine which puzzle piece requires your attention. Your initial attempt might not be successful. That’s okay. “If at first you don’t succeed, try again.” Do any of these signs sound familiar? If so, you might be a good fit for the automotive industry.
Let’s close with a game.
Count how many signs in this article resonate or sound like you. Give yourself a score.
