How old is too old

Starting out, you will get all grunt, heavy and dirty work. Guys in their 20's can slug all day no problem, but us guys in our 40's is a different story. I am turning 45 this year and I honestly doubt I could go back to the heavy grunt work. Just something to consider. If you work in a fleet shop where it is mostly routine maintenance, that might be better for starting out.

 

I know a mechanic in his early 70's does mobile work, has a van , does a lot of tires, always busy.

 

Guy in Nashville like that. He came to the terminal to do some tire work and I'd never seen him before. Quiet, old guy that didn't say much.
Drivers said to watch him when he gets to work on those tires. As soon as he started removing rims and breaking down tires, he started screaming profanities. He was cursing those tires and rims and did it non-stop for at least a couple of hours.
When the work was complete, he immediately changed to that quiet, reserved old man again.

 

I have been a truck and equipment mechanic for over 40 years now. I turned 60 late last year and retired a month later. The aches and pains of old age are creeping up on me.
I still am working 2 days a week at a local private shop. I was going to retire completely but they made me an offer I could not say no to.
In the late 1980s when electronic engines made their debut I went to the local college in the evenings for several months and took an electronics course. It was one of my wisest career moves.It put me head and shoulders ahead of the rest of the guys I worked with. My employer spent a lot of money on training me afterwards. 90% of what I do now is troubleshooting and repairing electrical and electronic problems. At age 60 I don't think I could manhandle wheels and brake drums much longer and I really don't have to. I really enjoy the challenge that comes from solving problems with the electronics on trucks and machinery.

 

My wife's uncle was a truck mechanic and retired at about 65 and can barely walk or use his arms today. He really can't enjoy his retirement much because his body is just worn out. He tells me to retire as soon as I can! I think he is a wise man and I am going to listen!