Not sure I would recommend anyone to be a auto mechanic. And I love working on cars.Both are hard high skilled and high pressure jobs, who wants to work hard? Kids with zero drive don't want to work hard.
They are paid by the job, not the hour. Which would be ok, but getting the same book hours for a job in San Diego compared to the same job in Albany, NY.... how can that be?? Every part on that Albany car likely has major rust/ corrosion issues. Definitely takes more time, expertise, and tools to do the same repair in Albany, NY than it does in San Diego.
Our bodies get beat up as one gets older. Not sure many auto mechanics make enough to retire at 38 years old. That's likely about the time many mechanics bodies start to break down. How about health care, disability insurance, etc. A public electric utility sure sounds like a better choice in the long run over a auto mechanic. How about vacation, that public electric utility likely two weeks first year, after 20 years likely four-six weeks paid per year. The auto mechanic being paid by the job.... may not get paid during a holiday....or vacation.
The employers of many auto mechanics are simply not good people/ organizations.
I am retiring in exactly three years and one day from my current job. Considering opening up a auto repair shop (one man) was something I considered. Came to the conclusion fast that my body was not a match at my retirement age.
Finally, this forum has some of the most honest and competent auto mechanics/ shop owners in the United States. Some of them I wouldn't think twice of transporting my car 1,000 miles for them to perform a major service. Yet I am not confident bringing my car to a OEM dealer or local shop...... Auto repair is simply a very tough business at all positions in my humble opinion. Yes some have made it and done well for their customers and themselves. But those men are few.
And I would rather work hard doing something like installing drain tile in wet clay based soil by hand then going to Hawaii all expenses paid for two weeks. I like hard work...... Something very satisfying about it.