Ok, here's my story... and it's kind of a long one...
Ten years ago, I thought I wanted to fix cars for a living. But not just a grease monkey. I was going to be the guy who did the drivability/electrical/computer systems. I wouldn't be getting dirty. Computers were really getting to be mainstream, and all the old guys didn't want to mess with them. So, I figure it's only going to advance more and more, and I'll be a commodity.
Well, most of that happened, except that they industry didn't advance as quickly as I'd predicted. It's boring, and you generally get treated like crap. (I.e., I didn't get last year's X-mas bonus, because I didn't show up at the party. Stupid, huh?) Anyway, I pretty much topped out in salary (around $50,000/yr, because I know you're curious) and I haven't gotten a raise in three years. Not a cent. I couldn't hate my job any more than I do. I could tell you stories, in which the general reaction is "Is that legal for them to do?". But I won't at this time.
So, I decide I want to go into high-tech. Call Intel multiple times. They want a two-year electronics degree. I have a two-year automotive degree, specializing in electrical/drivability. Not good enough, the first dozen people I talk to. I keep studying digital electronics, chemistry, and micro-electronics on my own. Finally find someone, through someone else, who's willing to give me a phone interview. And even still, that wouldn't have happened if a friend of mine (who works at intel) hadn't vouched for me. I owe him big time.
Next thing I know, I'm sitting at a table with four "high level" technicians grilling me about micro-electronics. It sure was a great feeling convincing them that I'm not your average grease monkey.
Although, I couldn't enjoy it yesterday, as I was completely beat up mentally.
Today... it feels damn good. And I find it much easier to go fix cars tomorrow.
By the way, Intel was really my only choice because they have a three-day work week. And if I were to work five days, I'd have to put my kids in daycare, which doesn't intrest me in the least.
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