Don't know what to do.

I need to change jobs but don't know what to do. I have worked as a mechanic for decades but as I age that is getting too hard on my hands and I can't do it anymore. I don't want to work in customer service because I am highly introverted and talking to people drains my energy too much. I don't want to do office work because it would kill my soul. I am trying to learn to trade stocks but that is very challenging and will take years to learn if I can do it, and I don't have much capital to work with. At this point I almost feel like giving up my apartment and living on the street. But I don't want to do that. I just don't really know where to go from here. I don't think retraining or school is an option because I don't have much money, won't go into debt, and can't think of what to do. I am totally confused and running out of time and getting more anxious. I know we all face similar challenges. I don't mean to sound holier than thou, I just know I am not very well suited to most kinds of work. I could handle being alone and fixing stuff, but that has to stop or I'll have arthritic fingers by the time I'm 40. Thanks for listening.

14 Comments

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Teach

Sep 19, 2019 at 11:58am

You could consider teaching your skills to some apprentice or student mechanic. It would save your hands, but you'd still be in the shop environment that you enjoy. I remember an old friend who was an upholsterer teaching at BCIT, same with an accountant friend who was looking for a change. Just a suggestion. Good luck.

Try

Sep 19, 2019 at 12:05pm

Power Engineering?

Teach

Sep 19, 2019 at 12:58pm

Teach Auto Shop in high school. If you have all your mechanic training levels, red seal or whatever it's called, you can teach that course with out a teaching certificate. They are desperate for shop teachers.

Interesting

Sep 19, 2019 at 1:06pm

While reading your post I assumed you were in your late forties or fifties. But maybe you're in your 30's, wow. Just surprised as I'm in my 40's and am in the same boat.

Ugh

Sep 19, 2019 at 1:48pm

Homelessness is really better than debt? Sorry but that sounds like the voice of someone foreign to struggle, and when that's the case, reality is sure going to bite.

Anonymous

Sep 19, 2019 at 2:00pm

You're getting some decent advice here, pal.

@ Teach

Sep 19, 2019 at 2:17pm

I've been a teacher for over 30 yrs and I don't know of anyone who didn't have to be qualified. 4 to 5 yrs of university at least plus student teaching after. The idea is good though , if you can figure out something out of the school system.

I get it

Sep 19, 2019 at 2:54pm

Some last in the trades longer than others but it always takes a toll. It’s tough because your best bets are car sales or teaching and both are challenging for introverts. I recommend something around driving/truck/taxi/forklift. If walking and standing are not an issue; security/Transport. Keep an eye on posting with CORCAN, you could really be an asset.

Suggestion

Sep 19, 2019 at 2:56pm

I appreciate when an experienced professional can help when I have a question at Home Depot or Lowe's or whatever. Maybe one of those places? KMS, Princess Auto NAPA ? Lots of options. They probably won't pay much, but if your alternative is moving to the streets, well that's an improvement.

Ancient wisdom

Sep 19, 2019 at 3:21pm

"Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach." - George Bernard Shaw
"Those who can't teach - administrate. Those who can't administrate - go into politics." - H. L. Mencken
So assuming you can't teach, you can still work in a (or as a one-person) parts department. Hardly an office job, especially if you're managing stock. Logistics is an underserved and uncelebrated "red-headed stepchild" of administration (as in "Administration and Logistics"). Leverages your experience, and you're set until ride-sharing and/or automation make you obsolete, in 20 years or so.
Barring that, you're doomed to run for office. Maybe you can be a Parks Commission-thingy, or an Ombudsbeing...

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