Chainsaw Collectors
ArboristSite Operative
That’s my plan too.
I Am A Now Stihl MasterWrench Certified Technician!
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I have a Masters in Economics from a private 4yr liberal arts college and an AAS in Network Administration, Software Programming, and Mechanical Drafting. I came out of 4yrs full time and 4yrs part time schooling with $14k-ish in debt from well over $120k in tuition cost. It can be done. That being said, I have peers that weren’t smart about using their time and are still paying on their college loans in their mid-30’s.
I’d highly recommend at a minimum some courses on small engine repair and a couple business classes. Well worth your time.
When i was a kid living in the sticks of rural Yukon i learned my mechanic skills by listening and watching those older than me.
I built my first "dune buggy" with my Dad at 13
I rebuilt the engine on my own at 14, by that time i had seen dozens of VW engines torn apart and rebuilt by then, i was the parts washer and light holder if i was in the shop while grown ups were working.
In the winter it was Ski-doo engines that occupied my free time.We kept Tiltson carb kits in our coat pockets and replaced them in the bush many times
Went to high school in the big city 125 miles from home, took mechanic's 11 and 12. Was easy credits as by that time there wasn't a lot on a vehicle that i hadn't worked on.
I built my first "dune buggy" with my Dad at 13
I rebuilt the engine on my own at 14, by that time i had seen dozens of VW engines torn apart and rebuilt by then, i was the parts washer and light holder if i was in the shop while grown ups were working.
In the winter it was Ski-doo engines that occupied my free time.We kept Tiltson carb kits in our coat pockets and replaced them in the bush many times
Went to high school in the big city 125 miles from home, took mechanic's 11 and 12. Was easy credits as by that time there wasn't a lot on a vehicle that i hadn't worked on.
Good luck.
The concept of getting RICH from a 14 year olds perspective living at home will fade quickly when the real world comes into perspective. Not saying college is the only answer but college (with a decent major) or a skilled trade will quickly outpace a one man mowing business.
Well I went college. 2 year tech school for Automotive repair. Debt was paid off in 2 years. Have not been out of a job until I retired. Still have my Stihl Tech job.
Was told I was throwing my life away by a guidance counselor and Phd.
Married and raised a family.
I have a good retirement and can do the things I want to do.
Yep, it can be done.
Was told I was throwing my life away by a guidance counselor and Phd.
Married and raised a family.
I have a good retirement and can do the things I want to do.
Yep, it can be done.
EchovsStihl63
ArboristSite Operative
I was going to say, if you go to school, go for something worthwhile, don't go just to go. I graduated with a BS in Mech. Engineering and had it paid off in less than 2 years after graduating. I took advantage of a guaranteed transfer program at the community college and was able to keep my job at the local boat rental shop that helped me pay that off as I did it. I did have to take out some loans for the big university but if you invest some money/time there it will pay big time in the long run. I had very little to no outside assistance.
Now I still get to build old cars, restore old tractors and collect so many chainsaws that my wife asks me if I am going to open up a shop lol, and I don't have to grind myself into the ground to do it.
Took 2 years of 1/2 day Vo Tech for auto mechanics while in high school. All I heard from rich relatives was "why do you want to be a grease monkey?" One night, was out with a bunch of 4 year degreed friends who were 30k plus k in the whole. They couldn't find a job in "their field". I'm thinking that I'm making how much $$$$ working on cars, changing oil, and these guys are unemployed? With the lack of quality back then, everyone needed a mechanic.
Went to work at an Oldsmobile dealership for 27 years. Taught myself engines, diesels, carburetors etc., and rode the electronics wave of the 80's until I retired comfortably at 57. I must have done something right.
To this day, I wish I had gone to college. Not necessarily for a different field, just the quest for knowledge.
Went to work at an Oldsmobile dealership for 27 years. Taught myself engines, diesels, carburetors etc., and rode the electronics wave of the 80's until I retired comfortably at 57. I must have done something right.
To this day, I wish I had gone to college. Not necessarily for a different field, just the quest for knowledge.
EchovsStihl63
ArboristSite Operative
Definitely nothing wrong with that path. My dad always told me to get a job where I feel like working on my projects and farm when I get home, because he was starting to not feel like it after a full day. I respect this guy as well for wanting to start out on an entrepreneurship deal, but knowledge in your field is never a bad thing. My education and experience has opened up a lot of avenues for my home projects that I would have never known about otherwise.
I like to look at it as I can be a grease monkey when I want/need to be. Funny enough I am a mech. engineer at the same plant that my dad works at now.
Mr.Metsä, whatever you choose to do, don't put all your eggs in one basket.
No matter trade or business you work in there is always a chance that your line of work becomes unobtainable, obsolete, outsourced,
or you may not be physically able to continue.
As Mad Professor stated above, the other things he learned can pretty much can be covered by "Farming".
That's because it's hard to stay in the black, if you have to pay someone else todo those things for you.
If you are mechanically inclined and you learn more than one trade you'll always be able to find work.
It's great to be able to work with your hands but it is just as important to use your head.
Kid ,you can't go wrong fixing things it has become a lost art, there will be a big demand for skilled persons . Stick to one type of thing and get as good at it as you can.
Anyone who's school was dis-accredited has essentially lost their degree.
The state school I graduated from almost lost its accreditation right after I graduated, but they made the changes needed to not lose it.
But I've never used my degree. It's barely good for toilet paper.
Bill G
ArboristSite King
I was able to get all my degrees without a penny in debt. So did my sons. I understand not everyone has to go to college but ................
1. No one has ever had a college degree taken away from them
2. Everyone needs education.
3. I have only had my degrees held against me once. That was when I was young with 2 little boys and a pregnant wife. I interviewed for a job at the local turd processing plant and the boss said he would hire me but hought I would leave as soon as something better came up.
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Just keep at it. You have quite a drive in you that is quite unusual for someone your age in this day and age. Don't get stale or closed minded, you can never learn to much. Don't get burned out, enjoy your youth while you can it doesn't last forever.
Bill G
ArboristSite King
The thing is you went to college and got a degree in a skilled trade. No one can take that from you ever.
Two 21 year old kids walk into a Ford dealership looking for a job. The service manager asks what type of skills, certifications, and trainings they each have.
1. ......ahh well I like cars and I like to tinker. I fixed my Escort once.
2. Well sir, I completed the two year Auto-Tech program at the regional vo-tech center while in high school. I then went on to to Wyo-tech and completed their Automotive Tech program. I am now ASE certified.
Which one will be first employed?
Bill G
ArboristSite King
Sounds like you chose a bad school
Good advice from MrClyde. I was fortunate to ride the wave so to speak on car repairs. We sold hundreds, with all always needing something. What I hear now, the guys in dealerships aren't as fortunate as I.
I was ASE certified, and a GM Master Tech. Both were useless although I did get a nice award from GM. Paper on the wall means way less than ability with the hands.
I agree too, there will always be a need for guys (and gals) to fix and repair things, although with most appliances, cars, even chainsaws etc., they get tossed . Cheaper to buy new .
I was ASE certified, and a GM Master Tech. Both were useless although I did get a nice award from GM. Paper on the wall means way less than ability with the hands.
I agree too, there will always be a need for guys (and gals) to fix and repair things, although with most appliances, cars, even chainsaws etc., they get tossed . Cheaper to buy new .
i like his tech quals! just think a work/shop apron saying Cert Stihl Tech, Don't Ask To Borrow My Tools!... mite of been ideal to complete the training....
when i started college my first quarter tuition, full time load, 12 cr hours... cost: $35.00/qtr!
when i transferred to the U of W... (University of Washington) tuition, full time 15 cr hrs, was $135.00 per quarter. entire time i attended (3 years) tuition never went up!!
with a low draft number, staying in school did not take too much motivation back then!!!
my college debt: -0-!
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