Hate to see people get into accidents but as long as people drive cars, they will wreck them...

Cars, trucks and SUV's all need repair

...you as a tech have to be capable of fixing any make/model hit in every conceivable way...

I am beginning to hate fixing cars

I am beginning to hate fixing cars for a living

Hello all, This blogging thing seems to have a therapeutic effect by allowing me to vent somewhat (at least to myself) or to anyone who may stumble upon this.

I used to LOVE the challenge of fixing smashed up cars of all kinds and make them like new again. The joy on the customer's face was priceless and a tribute to your talents, completely dispelling the myth that "my car will never be right again" and was confirmation of a job well done.

Whoever coined the term "think outside the box" must have been an autobody tech. Simply put, there is no way possible to be proficient at this type of work without having that ability. There are no manuals to show disassembly procedures or instructions on how to "un-smash a car".

Cars used to be very simple and easy to understand back in the '70's and 80's. Now you have to be part magician, engineer, electronics geek, artisan, and have to use all types of specialized equipment.

This used to be a very satisfying and lucrative profession until the early '90's. Since then things have really changed for the worse and new designs and construction have really made things harder for us technicians.

I am at the point that I have made the decision to go back to school and go work for an insurance company or possibly open my own place of business. It really bothers me that what I once had a passion for has gone sour and is forcing me to look at other ways to make a living.

Hopefully the economy will recover and the business climate will improve to the point where an ownership position would be viable. As long as gas is available and people drive, there will be work and good money to be made as an owner.