Thinking about calling it quits

mrclean81

mrclean81

New member
Ive found myself in a position of working 3 jobs (dealership, weekend detailing, and also working in a machine shop at night sometimes 7 days a week), and when factoring in the extreme heat and humidity in the summer, negative temps all winter, and never being home Ive decided something has to give. Im 30 years old and have terrible back and shoulder problems from fighting a rotary every day for years. I started detailing with my dad when I was 13 or 14 and have been doing it ever since. To be honest Im burned out on it. I will probably keep my weekend gig because Ive worked too hard to establish the client base that I have, but Im starting to think the dealership is just too much. Its not average daily drivers, but rather TOUGH resto details over and over, and its wearing me down. Nothing is really set in stone yet, just thinking out loud more than anything.
 
They pay a whole lot better and the hours are crazy. 70 hours per week is a normal work week there. I worked for them from 01 to 07 while also detailing on the side. I would never have left if the recession hadnt shut them down for a while. Dealerships pay like crap and I have no intentions of ever working for myself full time again. Its not worth the bs or the worry when the phone stops ringing.
 
I can understand. I wish you the best. This as a full time profession can take a toll on your body and income. Trading more hours and paperwork involved to run it can be exhausting. Sometimes better opportunities come about that better you and your needs. Keep us informed but don't lose touch.
 
Sounds like it's really taking a toll on you. I switched what I do at my job a few years ago, and to be honest my lower back feels the best it has in a long time. It took me a while, but I finally figured out for me personally that sacrificing my body wasn't worth it. Hope it all works out for you!
 
Totally understandable. You have to do what's best for your health, your sanity, your family, and your income.

Good luck with whatever route you choose!
 
Thanks for all the kind words. It will be a while before anything drastic happens either way. I havent said much to my wife about it yet or really done much more than think about it. Anyone who does this work for a living knows that its not as glamorous or rewarding as what some make it out to be. Especially mobile guys who work in less than desirable conditions and locations, and those who work on really tough disgusting vehicles regularly. No matter what happens I plan to stick around here. I'll probably never give up detailing completely because it really is a passion and hobby that I truly love.
 
I used to be in pain for years with my neck and back , got all kinds of treatments for it that didnt help much and practicing regular yoga has cured about 99 percent of my aches and pains!

You are young and shouldnt be in so much pain. But do what makes you happy !You should be enjoying some free time and having fun!:)
 
Hey man, I think we've all been there, take some time off, enjoy life. Then if you ever feel like you want to take on more work then take on more work. Best wishes hope everything works out:bigups
 
Just an update on the situation. After months of thinking things over and discussing it with my better half, I've decided to turn in my 2 month notice at the dealership. Not that I can train someone to do full blown resto details in 2 months time, but it will be enough to give them a general idea. Some things are better learned the hard way anyhow. In fact Im considering throwing in the towel on detailing all together...Im that burned out on it. I have a few classic cars lined up this winter that will require 30 hours + of work, and after those are done that may be it for me. I've made a lot of friends in this industry over the years either in person or on the forums, and I definitely plan to drop in from time to time, but probably wont be posting as much as I used to. Ill be going back into the Tool & Die business full time after I leave here. Im going from polishing paint to polishing million dollar machine tools. Its still a tedious and painful job, but it pays much better and its definitely a skilled trade that takes years to master. Anyway, thanks to all of those who offered advise and know how over the past couple of years. You folks helped me to reach a level that I never knew existed and I owe you greatly for it. Ill be lurking :)
 
mrclean81 said:
Just an update on the situation. After months of thinking things over and discussing it with my better half, I've decided to turn in my 2 month notice at the dealership. Not that I can train someone to do full blown resto details in 2 months time, but it will be enough to give them a general idea. Some things are better learned the hard way anyhow. In fact Im considering throwing in the towel on detailing all together...Im that burned out on it. I have a few classic cars lined up this winter that will require 30 hours + of work, and after those are done that may be it for me. I've made a lot of friends in this industry over the years either in person or on the forums, and I definitely plan to drop in from time to time, but probably wont be posting as much as I used to. Ill be going back into the Tool & Die business full time after I leave here. Im going from polishing paint to polishing million dollar machine tools. Its still a tedious and painful job, but it pays much better and its definitely a skilled trade that takes years to master. Anyway, thanks to all of those who offered advise and know how over the past couple of years. You folks helped me to reach a level that I never knew existed and I owe you greatly for it. Ill be lurking :)
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Wow. I can totally relate and must commend you on doing so much for so long. Professional detailing, particularly when you take pride in your work, can quickly burn you out to a level that you never knew existed. Sometimes stepping back and remembering why you love detailing as a passion vs business is enough to light the fire to get you going, sometimes you just gotta walk away and have the best looking cars in your town.
 
mrclean81 said:
Just an update on the situation. After months of thinking things over and discussing it with my better half, I've decided to turn in my 2 month notice at the dealership. Not that I can train someone to do full blown resto details in 2 months time, but it will be enough to give them a general idea. Some things are better learned the hard way anyhow. In fact Im considering throwing in the towel on detailing all together...Im that burned out on it. I have a few classic cars lined up this winter that will require 30 hours + of work, and after those are done that may be it for me. I've made a lot of friends in this industry over the years either in person or on the forums, and I definitely plan to drop in from time to time, but probably wont be posting as much as I used to. Ill be going back into the Tool & Die business full time after I leave here. Im going from polishing paint to polishing million dollar machine tools. Its still a tedious and painful job, but it pays much better and its definitely a skilled trade that takes years to master. Anyway, thanks to all of those who offered advise and know how over the past couple of years. You folks helped me to reach a level that I never knew existed and I owe you greatly for it. Ill be lurking :)
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Always take care of one self and the family, keep us post down the road on how your doing and take care......................
 
Best of luck MC it has always been a pleasure to read all your posts you will certainly be missed my friend :(

I would however like to make a request for some pictures of the machines :D I have a soft spot for heavy duty industry machines lol
 
Good luck to you in what ever your decision turns out to be. That's what kills me about people they have no idea just how much work cleaning cars is and have the nerve to ask if thats your best price.
 
Best of luck my friend. Sometimes a total change is what you need. You are an extremely talented person. The things you have turned around are true testaments to your ability.

I hope if the bug bites once your settled and have some time
away you feel inclined to post. Don't be a stranger, keep in touch. You still have alot of experience and knowledge to pass on even if your not still doing it. I have always respected and appreciated your work.

I wish you and your family the best.

John
 
I wish you the best on your new adventure. I can understand how you can get burned out doing something for so long.
 
I wish you the best of luck on whatever road you choose! There is one constant in life and that is change. Make the best of life while you can. :D
 
Thank you all very much. Its a really tough choice to make, and nothing is ever really set in stone. The dealership has to go one way or another because the place drives me crazy, but the thought of someone else working on my clients cars is a hard pill to swallow. We will just have to see where I stand when spring comes around.
Btw, Pockets I do plan on doing a couple more writeups on some nasty bucket trucks and crains before I leave there. We are supposed to be getting a Top Kick as well :-)
 
Good luck in whatever you decide to do. Do whatever it is that is going to make you happy and remember that you can always go back and change your mind if you decide to later. Life is too short to work your self to death all the time. At some point in life we need to take a little time for ourslef and enjoy what life has to offer.
 
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