Career Change

[BodybyFisher]

I have been in real estate since 76, and I have been a commercial real estate appraiser since 85. I absolutely HATE what I do for a living since I began. We are the black hatters of the real estate industry, when the market is rising our values are LOW, when the market is falling our values are high. We never get enough time to do an assignment right, are under constant deadlines in spite of slow receipt of data, difficulty, changes, etc. No one really cares what we think, if you raise an issue the client does not want to see, you are asked to strike it from the appraisal or you won't get work going forward. I think the industry has some inherent flaws that contribute to over valued properties, that NO ONE wants to hear. And then when you are done, some jerk behind a desk calls with his 'review' and asks dumb azz questions and requests stupid things. I used to have a client that would MISS serious stuff and worry about ARROW locations on a location map. Then after all is said and done, it can take MONTHS to get paid. Hate it.

I love working with my hands, engines, Cadillacs, computers and electronics. I worked in Sun Shipbuilding and Drydock during college as a mechanic, worked in an ARCO service station as a mechanic, have rebuilt engines and transmissions, etc. As one can see from my body of work on Caddyinfo, I love details, diagnostics, and doing my own work. My mechanical ability started when i was a kid and all of my friends leaned on me when their cars broke down. In high school after a basket ball game, my coaches car broke down, he has a Chevy straight six. It was pouring out. He was calling for a ride, I said, let me take a look at it, he said you know about cars? Na!, I listened to the click, said hit the horn, said, its your solenoid, grabbed a screw driver and started his car. It was natural and I continually did stuff like that. My friend Tony, recently passed away, I recently had lunch with him, and he said, you were amazing, you would take my carburetor apart all over the table, his eyes would bug out because of this, clean it, and reassemble it and the car never ran better. It is something I have always taken for granted as it came easy, so I went to college on a basketball scholarship and majored in Finance as my Dad said to do, and in doing so, by-passed my real love.

I want to become a GM Certified mechanic and would be thrilled working on Cadillacs. This would be a dream of mine. Anyone who knows me, knows that I would be GM/Cadillac's best ambassador as I love them. How do I go about doing this?

[Bruce Nunnally]

Only a partial response, but one resource is the Bureau of Labor Statistics' summary of careers by profession. This page is focuses on Automotive Technicians.

I would try to shoot for this type of training:

Various automobile manufacturers and participating franchised dealers also sponsor 2-year associate degree programs at postsecondary schools across the Nation. Students in these programs typically spend alternate 6- to 12-week periods attending classes full time and working full time in the service departments of sponsoring dealers. At these dealerships, students work with an experienced worker who provides hands-on instruction and timesaving tips.

What you might consider is a service writer position, since that would build on your analysis and appraisal skills. Then once you are employed by a Dealer you can figure out how to get the mechanic training courses?

[Bruce Nunnally]

http://www.search-colleges.com/articles/21/3/Auto-Mechanic

Finally heading into New England helps on discover that in Burlington, Vermont an auto technician earns $30,400 with $200 in bonuses and overtime. A Level II auto mechanic earns $39,500 with an additional $300 in bonuses and overtime. Last by not least; the Level III auto mechanic pulls in $47,800 plus an additional $600 in bonuses and overtime.

[BodybyFisher]

That is an interesting idea, I think my resume is right here... for all to see. I think I would be of value in that position don't you think?

[BodybyFisher]

http://www.search-colleges.com/articles/21/3/Auto-Mechanic

Finally heading into New England helps on discover that in Burlington, Vermont an auto technician earns $30,400 with $200 in bonuses and overtime. A Level II auto mechanic earns $39,500 with an additional $300 in bonuses and overtime. Last by not least; the Level III auto mechanic pulls in $47,800 plus an additional $600 in bonuses and overtime.

Hopefully the salary on Long Island is a little better, but there is something to be said at this point in my life for LOVING what I do. I can always consider the idea of rebuilding (head gaskets and case halfs) Northstars on the weekends for additional moolah..

[Bruce Nunnally]

Insurance appraiser, auto damage seems a natural transition:

http://www.acinet.org/acinet/occ_rep.asp?l...2&stfips=36

Appraise automobile or other vehicle damage to determine cost of repair for insurance claim settlement and seek agreement with automotive repair shop on cost of repair. Prepare insurance forms to indicate repair cost or cost estimates and recommendations.

[Texas Jim]

Mike,

I have heard good things about this book.

I have not read it.

Just a thought after reading your post....

You may want to give it a looksee.

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Boo...8&p=1004344

http://www.48days.com/products/workyoulovehardback.php

http://www.amazon.com/48-Days-Work-You-Love/dp/0805431888

[Bruce Nunnally]

Job listings for Service Writer type jobs in New York; provides some real-world research on type of experience desired and example employers.

My fav from that list would be the Mercedes Dealer but they would prefer that you be able to speak Korean.

[BodybyFisher]

Insurance appraiser, auto damage seems a natural transition:

http://www.acinet.org/acinet/occ_rep.asp?l...2&stfips=36

Appraise automobile or other vehicle damage to determine cost of repair for insurance claim settlement and seek agreement with automotive repair shop on cost of repair. Prepare insurance forms to indicate repair cost or cost estimates and recommendations.

Hmm, that is an interesting idea. Thanks for all of the quick ideas. The only problem is that I think I am too honest for that field, (hey buddy, ignore the fact that we inflated the costs to cover the deductible). But it is an extension for me.

[BodybyFisher]

Sorry guys I must have missed posts 7 and 8, they occurred at the same time I posted, thanks, I need to run out now, Ill look in detail later. I wonder how productive I would be if I did something I loved?

[Ranger]

FWIW, I don't think service writers do any diagnostics. They just write up the complaint and sell service. They make a commission on what they write.

[Patrick7997]

Service Writer = Salesperson.

In your meetings, your boss will continually emphasize that "Nobody leaves your desk for less than $500!!!", or whatever number they pick now....

I've toyed with the idea of being a technician.... It's hard to make enough, though...

Just my humble opinion, but if you went to a bigger place / dealership, learned all you could, and then went out on your own and started your own shop... Obviously, you love cars, you are detail oriented... If you can fix cars correctly, people will come back again and again...

But then, be careful working in a job doing what you love.... because then what you love becomes work, and ruins it for you...

[BodybyFisher]

I have a meeting in a couple of weeks with an old friend who has owned a Cadillac/Olds/Saab dealer for over 40 years, to discuss any opportunities. I am not really the salesman type.

I would need to not be so detailed if I were a mechanic, or I would make no money, speed is important. Will update when I have my meeting.

[ted tcb]

Good luck with your future.

Life is too short to "absolutely hate" what you do for a living.

Obviously, you need to determine whether your perception of the new career

matches up to the reality of the job. Talking to a couple of GM mechanics would

also be a good idea ... testing those greener pastures, so to speak.

It sure sounds like a career involving cars would be the correct fit.

Given the current economy, I'd rather make my income repairing older cars than trying to

sell new ones.

One of the guys on the other mb is an aviation mechanic. He seems to really enjoy his career and

work environment. Have you considered investing in some specialized education, and investigating

apprenticeships/co-ops.

Being good with your hands and having a real estate background, what about an apprenticeship in

plumbing or electrical?

Reading your tutorials on mechanical repairs, you have a knack for teaching in a clear, concise manner.

Have you considered investigating what educational criteria and mechanical experience would be necessary

to teach autoshop in a community college? Imagine the satisfaction you would achieve by passing on your passion

for auto repair to a younger generation?

You could possibly earn extra cash by appraising classic cars on the side ... who knows?

Its a shame to give up on your vast experience in real estate. The ideal scenario would have

you find a niche in appraisals that you enjoy ... a small firm with an appreciation for your skills.

I've had jobs where my stomach literally churned as I entered my office parking garage.

I'll never again earn my living at something I detest ... it will affect you both physically and emotionally.

I trust that all will work out for the best ... keep your friends posted.

[BodybyFisher]

Good luck with your future.

Life is too short to "absolutely hate" what you do for a living.

Obviously, you need to determine whether your perception of the new career

matches up to the reality of the job. Talking to a couple of GM mechanics would

also be a good idea ... testing those greener pastures, so to speak.

It sure sounds like a career involving cars would be the correct fit.

Given the current economy, I'd rather make my income repairing older cars than trying to

sell new ones.

One of the guys on the other mb is an aviation mechanic. He seems to really enjoy his career and

work environment. Have you considered investing in some specialized education, and investigating

apprenticeships/co-ops.

Being good with your hands and having a real estate background, what about an apprenticeship in

plumbing or electrical?

Reading your tutorials on mechanical repairs, you have a knack for teaching in a clear, concise manner.

Have you considered investigating what educational criteria and mechanical experience would be necessary

to teach autoshop in a community college? Imagine the satisfaction you would achieve by passing on your passion

for auto repair to a younger generation?

You could possibly earn extra cash by appraising classic cars on the side ... who knows?

Its a shame to give up on your vast experience in real estate. The ideal scenario would have

you find a niche in appraisals that you enjoy ... a small firm with an appreciation for your skills.

I've had jobs where my stomach literally churned as I entered my office parking garage.

I'll never again earn my living at something I detest ... it will affect you both physically and emotionally.

I trust that all will work out for the best ... keep your friends posted.

Thanks Ted, thanks for the insight.

Many people that I have spoken to about this see leaving real estate as a waste, but honestly, its run its course with me. I have seen a cycle from 86 to 93 and a cycle from 94 to now. I was laid off in 91, when banks sold defaulted and troubled commercial real estate for pennies on a dollar. Something is inherently wrong with the way lending takes place and appraisal takes place when the market is driven by low interest rates and when the lending instition is not keeping the loan on their books. Combine that with appraisers that ride the market up and ride the market down like puppets with strings ignoring the fact that cap rates drop so low that there is negative return to equity and no one wants to know about it and they get PO'd when you bring it up. Its a conduit, if you gum up the works, you are OUT. I have never been about money, and its about production to make money. The deals were going into conduits but I don't believe that they stood on their own. I hated it. I have branched out and I do real estate analysis for investors who invest their own money and care, but I saw a statistic today, that commercial real estate deals are down 58% from this time last year... Banks are idiots, they support the theory that “real-estate has a ten year cycle with a five year memory.” The egos that infest these establishments do not match the results attained.

I know the writer of this article and called him to thank him for standing up, his articles are incredible. At the height of the market, I began questioning the logic of it, yes, properties were selling for sub 5% cap rates and as low as 3% which is sick. I spoke to the best appraisers in the market about it and they agreed with me, that the market is not logical. At the end of the bubble, too much cash was chasing too little real estate and driving up the prices and driving down the cap rates and creating negative equity. I had some IDIOT bank appraiser tell me that, OH FUTURE APPRECIATION WAS GOING TO PULL the RETURNS UP, and my job was to MIRROR the market and USE 5% cap rates. Future appreciation?, the buildings were RENT STABILIZED and values were ALREADY at historical highs. Yes the appraisers JOB is to MIRROR the market UNTIL GD judgement is needed, and at that time STEP IN and INFORM your client OF THAT FACT and THEY need to take proper steps to make sure they are protected. Everybody was just RIDING THE MARKET UP... Did I say I hate it? What is my job about, what purpose do I serve?, a rubber stamp? Well I got news, this was a LONG LONG upward trend from around 95, when interest rates went historically LOW, I am not going to be surprised if this a long down trend. Not to mention, every time banks get into real estate they screw up, they do it together, but they screw up, growth is one pie.

Look at the first graph in this article, I began to feel really uncomfortable as those two lines on the graph converged. If you are into real estate read some of McCrates articles, I took one of my first classes with him:

<a href="http://soapbox.millersamuel.com/?p=330" target="_blank">http://soapbox.millersamuel.com/?p=330</a>

I will talk to a few mechanics thats a good idea. Thanks

[WarrenJ]

Mike,

At mid-life I went from one end of my field to the polar opposite end of the same field. I'm now happy, challenged, and well remunerated.

Is there no corner of your field where you might find yourself better served? I imagine you would bring great experience and knowledge to another corner, should there be one.

You could always continue to "wrench" on the weekends. I'll bring my car by.

Regards,

Warren

[Bruce Nunnally]

Mike, only marginally useful perhaps, but the AutoInc. Online is the online mirror of a magazine for the ASA (Automobile Service Association). Articles tend to be professional articles of interest to auto repair shop owners.

[BodybyFisher]

Thanks guys

[Bruce Nunnally]

Mike, this guy is working your NS headgasket repair plan. Maybe you should give him a call and chat?

Cadillac Northstar Head Gasket Repair Services - only $1250

Ad ID: 47424604

Visits: 572

Location: Woodstock

Date Listed: 13-Aug-08

I'm in the business of workinging specifically on Cadillac Northstar and Oldsmobile Aurora cars. Many of these cars have a head gasket problem which is nearly impossible to work on, and dealers are charging around $4000 for this repair.

My price? $1,250 flat including parts and labour (not including pickup/delivery of vehicle). This includes the new gaskets, new Quaker State oil/filter, Prestone Dex-Cool Coolant, and new custom machined, high-strength head bolts. No hidden costs or surprises.

I know these engines like the back of my hand and have the special tools and skills/experience required to work on Cadillacs and Olds Auroras. I have done this repair on 23 of these engines already with no failures. All are still driving everyday on the road with no problems.

Yes, I do fix the stripped threads in the engine block- but a different way than with time-serts, because time-serts enlarge the bolt holes in the block too much and when you torque the heads down, the block can crack. My method will NOT do this- and is far more durable than timeserts. I use premium FEL-PRO gaskets as well.

DO NOT have your Northstar engine rebuilt or changed just because of failing head gaskets- rebuild is likely not necessary, and if the engine is sound otherwise (no severe knocking sounds), the head gasket replacement is likely all you will need to go another 200,000-300,000 kms! And sometimes if there's a slight knock in the engine, it does not necessarily mean the engine's on its last leg. There's other parts on the Northstar that can cause a slight knock and can be cheap to fix. I will tell you what many other mechanics won't. I'm quickly building a good reputation amongst Cadillac/Aurora owners.

I am offering warranty on the head gasket job itself for 30,000kms or 1 year, but I believe the repairs will last the life of the engine with proper cooling system maintenance. You get this warranty in writing, but it does not cover the engine itself against wear or abuse. My shop is located near Tillsonburg, I can arrange towing to and from at reasonable cost within 300km radius.

My name is Jake and my phone number is 1-877-866-5355 (toll free). Leave a message, or call my cell # - 519-550-0056

Due to one wonderful customer who wanted to try to pay me by trading a jet-ski, swap services, and then insisted on paying me with paypal, and one who tried to pay with a rubber cheque, everything's done now with a small service agreement, which also includes proof of warranty. I also take photos of each job, so you can see the insides of your engine, and I will return the original gaskets to you as well. Payment can be made by means of cash or certified cheque, and I will issue a receipt as proof of payment. If paying by cheque, it MUST be certified. I do not accept uncertified personal cheques.

Northstar/Aurora engines for sale ready to drop in with new head gaskets, Guaranteed not to overheat due to the gaskets $1,500 for a complete engine, installation only $500 more. Good transmissions available as well for $250 each.

Options while it's in my shop for the head gaskets:

- new water pump and thermostat add $100

- new AC Delco spark plugs and wires add $150

- all engine oil seals, guaranteed not to leak $300 during HG job

- synthetic oil add $50

- oil undercoat entire car add $145 --best oil undercoat, this stuff lasts---

WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE - ANY 32 VALVE CADILLAC / OLDSMOBILE AURORA - WILL PAY ACCORDING TO CONDITION, WILL PICK UP.

[BodybyFisher]

Thanks Bruce, that is pretty interesting. I wonder what he is doing for $1250, seems light, I am also curious how he is fixing the threads