18 replies to this topic

[Roadrunner]

Replying to Does this sound like YOU?

It sounds very familiar---- but not in the way you may be thinking!

Sure- I get questions about computers and solve their problems every now and again. But my problem is mainly because of another expertise.
My hobby is computers- not my profession. I am currently an auto parts manager, but I am also an ASE certified master technician. For years whenever anyone found that out I would be "persuaded" to diagnose or repair a problem in someones car. My new in-laws found that they didn't lose a daughter- they gained a free mechanic. All my new relatives found themselves obligated to send their cars over to me for repairs. They always would pay for the parts, but rarely offered compensation for taking away my precious time off.

I got into repairing cars because I loved to do so. Taking a broken vehicle and making it whole was a real joy to me. But when my children were born I just had to have time to enjoy life with my family. I finally had enough- I stopped working on cars- it just wasn't fun anymore. I had my wife tell my relatives that I couldn't work on their cars anymore.

Now I will occasionally work on my own vehicles or my moms'. Also, my son bought a '68 GTO that he is working on constantly, and working with him and teaching him what I know has been a real joy to me. But that is where I draw the line- no outside cars anymore- I've learned my lesson.

So you can see that while I am not a computer genius I still can relate to how others can ruin a real joy.
Perhaps if I was younger and they had home computers when I was growing up I would have gone that route instead of the automotive one.

[godless]

I would never do work on a car without getting paid for doing the work, and just getting people to pay for the parts, you must be really nice, cus I'd be shoving a tail pipe up there ass..

[bluerip]

Roadrunner, on May 7 2007, 09:07 PM, said:

Replying to Does this sound like YOU?

It sounds very familiar---- but not in the way you may be thinking!

Sure- I get questions about computers and solve their problems every now and again. But my problem is mainly because of another expertise.
My hobby is computers- not my profession. I am currently an auto parts manager, but I am also an ASE certified master technician. For years whenever anyone found that out I would be "persuaded" to diagnose or repair a problem in someones car. My new in-laws found that they didn't lose a daughter- they gained a free mechanic. All my new relatives found themselves obligated to send their cars over to me for repairs. They always would pay for the parts, but rarely offered compensation for taking away my precious time off.

I got into repairing cars because I loved to do so. Taking a broken vehicle and making it whole was a real joy to me. But when my children were born I just had to have time to enjoy life with my family. I finally had enough- I stopped working on cars- it just wasn't fun anymore. I had my wife tell my relatives that I couldn't work on their cars anymore.

Now I will occasionally work on my own vehicles or my moms'. Also, my son bought a '68 GTO that he is working on constantly, and working with him and teaching him what I know has been a real joy to me. But that is where I draw the line- no outside cars anymore- I've learned my lesson.

So you can see that while I am not a computer genius I still can relate to how others can ruin a real joy.
Perhaps if I was younger and they had home computers when I was growing up I would have gone that route instead of the automotive one.

Amen

[bluerip]

godless, on May 8 2007, 03:58 PM, said:

I would never do work on a car without getting paid for doing the work, and just getting people to pay for the parts, you must be really nice, cus I'd be shoving a tail pipe up there ass..

When it comes to family and friends thats hard to do. But I know what you mean. Cuz even if I was thinking that ("shoving"), well ya just can't do that. It's much better to just lie to keep the peace so that you don't get taken advantage of and also not create bad feelings. But it would be fun to tell 'em to shove it. Better not though