Deciding to chuck-it and stay out of the industry..

[obionespeedonly]

Having lost my job last December has made me reevaluate a lot of things, most of all, where i can go in life.

I love mechanicals, building stuff, taking it apart, talking about it, all that junk, so this thought came to me..

Why not just figure out school once and for all, pick up a generalized degree, then get my credentials in industrial arts or math and sciences, this way, I can still be involved and at the same time, shape and help those coming into the market when things finally do get better.

Some have said I'm good for doing that route for the simple fact i'd get a higher education, but at the same time I am wasting my talent and in some way burning a bridge by not helping out those riders around us. I say I am sick of working for lousy shops. There have only been a few key people who have made it all worth while in my eyes, and even they are struggling and it would not make sense to impose on them and have to commute to work, when in my opinion I am supposed to be promoting a bike centric lifestyle.

I got into the industry out of my love of riding, and I can honestly say, I think most places have taken advantage that, not listened to my advise in time, and are now just beginning to see the failures created by my leaving.

(*No I am not trying to be cocky, I know bikes and I know business, and yes, I don't take anyone's crap.)

So do I:

1. Chuck it all and go for a degree?
2. See who needs my talents and ask for a real wage of at least $18/hr?
3. Sit back and watch things play out?

[Ben]

Explore: Industrial Design. Sounds like it'd be your cup of tea. =)

Not necessarily get a degree, but learn all the intricacies to the point where you feel confident enough to do it yourself.

[obionespeedonly]

Zero market outlook unless I relocate. Even then, the progress curve is so high it's like having a degree in computers, your education's obsolete every few years.

Teaching, that is a market that is not gonna disappear anytime soon. I am considering that after I (hopefully) finish up this AA (Lib Art Opt.1) in December.

[obionespeedonly]

Bump..went for Social/Behavioral Sciences Degree, got n A.A. but still waiting on state to up admissions so I can finish the last few classes for a possible B.A.

It all correlates with business in that I now can readily understand and study market situations, clients, customers, etc.

In the meantime, it looks like I might be back in a shop.

How about we get this site rolling again or something?