I have been in your exact position before. I left a dealership position for a Independent garage. It is a major adjustment in so many ways. The pace of work, customers and work itself is so different at times I felt like in a different industry. There are clear advantages and negatives to both. First going into an independent , all your knowledge of one line dont mean nothing. You can have brand A or Z in your bay with the possiblity of a thousand issues you didnt know existed. At a one car line you can listen to a customer/read a RO and know exactly what the issue is.
The customer base is going to be very different. Most likely loyal customer base with fewer first time walk in, no warranty/recall type. Most of these cars are not late model but around 5-15 years old. As a advisor you will also become the one to source parts, locate and determine which brand to use. Other major difference is the atmosphere , it is highly dependent on the shop owner's personality. If he/she is hard to work with its terrible, good or happy owner its totally different. Some are super micromanagers others will let you do your job.
The best part for me was the schedule change , if its m-f you cant beat the indy schedule. Worst part of the dealership is easily the schedule. For me it was worth a small pay cut and a shorter commute, but I would firmly nail down the financials if you make the move. If you do expect a serious learning curve, its just not the same as your used too. Hope that helps, my experiences at least.
The customer base is going to be very different. Most likely loyal customer base with fewer first time walk in, no warranty/recall type. Most of these cars are not late model but around 5-15 years old. As a advisor you will also become the one to source parts, locate and determine which brand to use. Other major difference is the atmosphere , it is highly dependent on the shop owner's personality. If he/she is hard to work with its terrible, good or happy owner its totally different. Some are super micromanagers others will let you do your job.
The best part for me was the schedule change , if its m-f you cant beat the indy schedule. Worst part of the dealership is easily the schedule. For me it was worth a small pay cut and a shorter commute, but I would firmly nail down the financials if you make the move. If you do expect a serious learning curve, its just not the same as your used too. Hope that helps, my experiences at least.