I marvel everyday at the feeling I get simply going to work and working on cars. I am a general service tech (G.S.) at Goodyear which means I do tires and oil changes, and rarely other minor work (tune ups, misc. gaskets, brakes) regardless I go to work everyday with a smile on face knowing I get paid to do what I love. Don't get me wrong my aspirations are far from doing oil changes, and tire rotations which makes my job even more desireable. I am learning more everyday simply observing the mechanics I work with, which in turn I get to apply to my job, and sidework I do at home. It is giving me an even bigger head start on my college courses, set to start August 16th, than I had before getting this job. I have only worked here for 2 months yet it has saved me more money than any job before, (discount at certain parts places) and given me more knowledge than any other job before. I have plans to hopefully be promoted to a general maintence tech (G.M.T.) in the next 6-8 months which is still an hourly based position that seldom does tires, and oil changes. The GMT at my shop does alignments on a daily basis, (which I have since learned how to do), along with tranny flushes, power steering flushes, radiator flushes, brakes, minor electrical and any overflow that our two master techs can't get to. Basically all the jobs that don't pay as well for the techs working on flat rate. It is a job that while many look at and see as not much of a step up I see as a leap in the career ladder. This blog itself may seem pointless to others or it may show them that my car is more than just an example of another Honda Civic on the road but on top of that a representation of my passion in life, or maybe even inspire people to follow their dreams. I am lucky to have found my passion at such a young age. Since I was 13 I read popular hot rodding magazines, and since I was 15 I have been working on cars on almost a daily basis. I have always looked at a car as a blank canvas in front of me waiting for something beautiful to be painted. I can see the potential in any car no matter how obscure. That is part of why I like posting on this forum so much. I get to speak to, bounce ideas off of, learn from, and find inspiration in other people who may feel the same as I do. Anyways back to the job...lol The GMT position poses to me an oppurtunity for major growth to me as a person as well as a mechanic. I feel that if I can take that step and continue to prove to my superiors that I am motivated to succeed not only in this company but in life itself I can continue to climb the career ladder. This job is more than just a way to pay the bills it is almost like a launching pad in which I am building the rocket of my livelihood, the countdown to the peak is far from near but with every passing month I am getting closer to that point. I have been told by many people that I am very driven for being so young...but I continue to answer back that I am not too young to follow a dream. If you put your dreams on the backburner to follow other paths you may never get that chance back. Which is why I am so set on succeeding not only at my job but in school. I will not be content with myself unless I continue to pay for my schooling as independently as possible, working 40 hours a week, and holding a 3.0 or higher gpa. These may seem like lofty exepectations for myself in some people's eyes but in my eyes they are almost too low. I feel like I am not doing enough to achieve the goals I have set for myself. At work I check my production numbers weekly to see if I am keeping above a 25% average which is the highest among all the general service techs, while still trying to learn more along the way. I feel like at school I should accept no more than a 4.0, and at work I should accept no less than a 28% to 30% average. Even though I am only 19 I have this feeling that time is catching up with me, which is a feeling I hate. I feel like if I don't run just a faster, and push harder it will catch up and pass me by. This may seem weird to some, a reaction which I have gotten a lot, that a kid my age is so worried about his future that he would rather work two jobs than have a normal social life is odd. Even my parents fear that I will burn myself out, and end up hating the very goal that I am trying so hard to get to, because that feeling, that I am not running fast enough. I am constantly trying to find more ways to better my situation. Trying to get further ahead of the curve. I always have to be the best. A feeling I have yet to have in life. If you chose to read this thanks for reading a rant of mine. Sorry it was so long.