Originally Posted By: Pop_Rivit
First off, you'll be attending a trade school, not college. There is a big difference between the two.
Have you really thought about where you want to be when you're 50? 55? 60? Have you talked to people who have made auto/diesel tech a career and are now in the 50+ age bracket?
I don't see many 50 year old auto techs, and the ones that I do see seem to be burnt out from the job, therefore I'd be concerned about the long term prospects in the field. Your late 40's and 50's time period is when you start making some serious money, and if that's about the time you start getting burnt out and looking for a career change it will make a huge impact on your future earnings and retirement.
By all means, if that's the career choice you've made and you really love doing it, then more education is always better. Remember though, there are much better career choices available, even in the trades. And by all means, please don't walk into a tire shop, get a job there, and pretend that makes you a real auto technician.
What seems fun as a hobby now may turn into a mind numbing grind when you do it for a living. Keep that in mind as you plot out your future and your career path. Keep in mind too that no one ever became wealthy by wrenching on cars. However, quite a few became wealthy by owning the chain of shops that employ the mechanics.
This is the dilemma of every single serious career. A lot of people got burn out a few years after they graduate schooling and late into their career. Even desk jobs can take a toll on your body in neck, back, wrist, eye pains and you end up making less and paying a lot in medical and health.
I'd say go with what you enjoy doing and watch the ergonomics, even when you don't feel the hurt in the early ages, because a lot of conditions will slowly show up and by the time it shows it is too late.
