Taking a step back from the bench to handle scheduling was the best career move I've made
There's a persistent belief in our shop that if you're not physically assembling engines, you're not a real mechanic. I respectfully disagree, as shifting to a hybrid role where I manage the service calendar and diagnose complex issues remotely has actually improved our shop's efficiency and my own job satisfaction. For instance, by pre-assessing customer concerns via detailed phone consultations, I can streamline parts ordering and prepare the bays, which cuts down on downtime for everyone. This approach has allowed me to focus on the puzzle-solving aspect of diagnostics while still keeping my hands dirty on the tougher jobs that truly need it.