Filed under: News
I’ve not posted for a while now, things have been busy at the shop, and life, in general. I’ve moved to a new apartment, lot’s of travel plans have been executed, and while I’ve been at the shop the same amount as ever (six days a week), it’s been more exhaustive these past couple weeks.
It’s not the booming business the shop should be seeing that’s contributory to that exhaustion but it’s rather a subject that I haven’t found a way to describe on this site yet. I’ve been holding back on mentioning it, and unfortunately I have to continue to do so. But it has largely to do with control and value. Hopefully the rest of this won’t be too unbearably vague.
I went to UBI not necessarily for the experience or education but more for the certification. I wanted any prospective employers to see that I was dedicated to this industry. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but lately I’ve been feeling that the current situation I’m in is much more of an indicator of my dedication. I’m not satisfied with the shop I’m working at right now. I feel trapped in it, and yet I want to persevere. It is an obstacle I want to overcome on the one hand, but would walk away from the minute I am shown an opportunity elsewhere on the other. I know that sounds lacking in dedication, but there are many unrevealed circumstances being considered. The duality of the situation is thick. It is a challenge that I am unsure how to deal with.
As such, I’ve had a lot on my mind unfortunately; this website that, at times, is supposed to be a repository for these thoughts and considerations is unable to allay the stresses of my work at the moment. At least not publicly—yet, I have copious drafts written with much less vague descriptions of the frustrations I’ve alluded to above. Not publishing them however doesn’t quite lift their weight from my shoulders, writing them to begin with though helps nonetheless.
A lot of this has brought the notion of “valuable mechanic” to the front of my mind. I frequently wonder what other people think about that subject. I’ve been given the impression that my “employer” doesn’t value his mechanics, that they’re (we’re) quite easily replaced. Sure, I suspect there are people available that can fill the slot, but how does that make me feel? Am I working for some insensitive mega-corporation all of a sudden? Was my dedication and commitment to the industry even considered when I was hired? Is dedication and allegiance from an employee even valued in today’s businesses? Perhaps more importantly is the profession of a bike mechanic even viable, or valuable, in this era?
I try not to despair too much, but it is difficult; what’s eerily insightful is today’s Yehuda Moon. Maybe I do just need to be patient and weather the storm.
6 Comments so far
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individuals that are ready to devote their career paths to wrenching at the LBS are few and far between, no doubt. unfortunately this is something that is severely overlooked and under appreciated by all but a few shops, none of which are in Louisville. is it viable? you’re the only person that can decide that. since returning to the industry I know I will do everything I can to stay away from a desk and continue to work on bikes until it just isn’t possible. nothing else makes more sense to me.
Comment by jimmy 07.01.09 @ 8:59 amPoignant comment Jimmy. Thanks.
I guess sometimes I fear that “…until it just isn’t possible” point is closer than we think, and with the situation we’re in it doesn’t seem that we have any control over affecting that.
Comment by presta 07.01.09 @ 9:40 amid have to say that from the other side of the counter i definitely value your expertise. both of you. for something that is so important to me, like my bike, i like knowing what is going on and knowing how to fix it, but when i cant, im glad to know that there is someone that feels just as strongly and actually has the knowledge i lack. i can tell you that jackie is a nut, that extreme activists and capitalism dont mix and that he has no business running a business, but as far as what you should do about it, he’s still the boss. you can continue along the passive/aggressive path and try to teach him by not doing things, making decisions on your own or trying to make him look stupid or you could just tell him how you feel and how you think his shop could be a lot better if he actually stepped off his high seat post and realized all he really knows how to do is ride the damn things.
whew. sorry. i feel inclined to encourage people when they are under appreciated and the abuse is starting to wear them down. we still have polo.
Comment by mike mc 07.01.09 @ 10:00 amSounds like you’re in a similar situation as you were at Wright Bros. I think you stayed there way longer than you should have given how unhappy you were. When you say you’re persevering is that another way of saying you’re too stubborn to let this guy’s treatment of you force you to walk out until you absolutely can’t stand it anymore? Who’s game are you playing here, his or yours?
What are your prospects for opening your own shop?
Comment by James 07.01.09 @ 12:39 pmThanks for your comment too, Mike Mc!
It should be safe to say that the man doesn’t listen and doesn’t want to follow anyone’s suggestions but his own. I’ve tried, and he resists.
Comment by presta 07.01.09 @ 6:35 pm…and James, the walk out isn’t exactly an option. I mentioned being “trapped”, economic forces at the moment are unfortunately restricting much leverage. At the moment it is largely his game.
My own shop… hmmm, that’ll have to be in another town. It’d be short-lived here most likely. It is a constant consideration though.
Comment by presta 07.01.09 @ 11:13 pmLeave a comment
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