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JohnP · Newbie Joined: 16 Dec 2007 Posts: 2 Career Advice: +0/-0

Hello all! It is good to be here. Smile

I am seeking advice from you all to see how I should help my father. He is a very hard working mechanic supporting all five of us, however with the many bills he has to pay, and the wages he earns at $15/hour, it is becoming too much. He is 50 years old and it is hard for me to see him working so hard for so little pay and I would like to see him in another field but I'm not sure what or where?

I am a full time student and I work as well to try and help him out. The thing is, his options are limited because he can speak English fluently, but not as strong as his mother tongue (German). So I think that a translator position might be out of the question, but are there any other options that you can help me with?

I will be grateful forever for your help!

Yours,

John

Pauloz · Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 3:42 am Post subject:

JohnP-

Suggestions:

1. Interpreter work can also mean technical work in his own field. My family is German on both sides, and I speak enough of the language to know that technical interpretation of German is a tricky thing, because of the idioms and compound words. Some words in German don't have literal English translations, etc. They need explaining, in technical manuals.

Technical interpreters can earn decent money, and provide consumers with meaningful information, also a help.

2. I'd think he's probably trained a lot of people? He could get work as a trainer, far less strenuous, better money, definitely, and much less stress. This is also a logical career move for a senior mechanic, probably more valuable to an employer or business than actual mechanic jobs.

With hard workers, it's usually necessary to make the point that this is actually work that can only be done by experienced people, and needs to be done properly.

Viel Glück!

lexa10881 · Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 5:36 am Post subject:

Both of those are very good suggestions, Pauloz.

He might be able to get a job working in a different type of mechanical repair, like something government related, since he is fluent in more than one language? The translator idea is a great idea, even if he does it as side work at home in his spare time if he is able.

http://www.cvtips.com/dir/

Randy · Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 9:17 am Post subject:

Has your dad expressed dissatisfaction with things, or are you acting on your behalf, which shows great respect and love, no doubt about that.

I.E., it could very possible that your dad might hate every moment of his job but is already seeing his true success, that of a loving family, kids going on to college in the hopes that they'll do better in life than he has, and so forth. Men especially can reach a sort of "comfort zone" regarding their employment, a sense of accepting the inevitabily of it all so that even if they do hate it, they've accustomed themselves to it and would rather stay in the hell they know than moving to a new one.

A man I loathe so badly once told me something very true when it comes to money. Everything regarding money can be reduced to four words: Make more, spend less.

The most immediate thing a family can do is to "want" less. It's amazing, and frightening, the degree to which Americans confuse "wants" with "needs." These little things do wonders in relieving much of the misery that comes from employment one may not particulary enjoy.

Sounds like your dad is more than a great provider--he's a great man. It's reflected in his children. That makes him a true "success story."

KA · Expert Joined: 26 Mar 2006 Posts: 231 Career Advice: +2/-0

Another option would be to move up to a service manager position in an auto dealer department. Would certainly earn more & they'd need his expertize.

JohnP · Newbie Joined: 16 Dec 2007 Posts: 2 Career Advice: +0/-0

Thanks everyone for your responses. I have been searching for things online these past few days, so please forgive me for the delayed response.

I will try to address some of you directly. Smile

KA, how does one do that? I've worked in a mechanic shop before myself and it seems that the only way to do that is if the current service manager leaves for some reason... Confused

Randy, many thanks for your kind words. No, my dad has never expressed any dissatisfaction with things at work. In fact, the poor guy is quiet and reserved and I can honestly tell you that he never even speaks of his work (e.g. the headaches there, his problems, what he worries about, etc.) and even though it makes things at home smooth (by that I mean that when he doesn't mention his troubles at work during the day, the family can be happy and not have to worry about anything), I still worry about him because I am sure that he goes through things just like the rest of us in our daily lives. It's just that he does it so well that you wouldn't think anything of it. The man is genuinely happy over all thank God. Sure the bills make him worry, but, as he's always told me, he is sincerely thankful to God that he is healthy and employed and has an income which is what others less fortunate don't even have. That's what I admire, but nature is cruel. Today we are healthy, but what about tomorrow? I think the hard labour will wear him out eventually (God forbid), so that's why I've been searching for things on my own to possibly transfer him into another career...and everything you said was true too. Smile

Lexa10881 and Pauloz, thanks a lot for your advice. I hope maybe some "freelance translating" might help, but those are always hard to get. I don't know, maybe the lottery will help too. Wink

Pauloz · Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 11:28 pm Post subject:

JohnP

The translator job would be based on expertise. People with both the technical and bilingual skills are hard to find, too. Could be ongoing work, and pays well.

The training job is the most easily achieved. I'm a little surprised a guy with years of practical experience isn't doing that already. It's a waste.

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