Re: is it worth it?
What you make at any job depends on a several things -- some you have control over and some you do not. 1) You chose a profession. That decision should have included the question "Can I make a living at this profession?" 2) what area of the country do you live in? 3) How big is the marine industry in your area? 4) How successful are the marine dealers in your area? 5) Did you simply accept the first job that came along or did you actually shop around (not necessarily just locally). 6) Did you negotiate the wage or did you just accept whatever they offered?
You see, YOU are in primary control of your destiny. You chose a profession so you must now guide yourself down the path you chose. Employers are not going to do that for you. And just because you had one year of training you should not stop. The more ammunition you have when talking with other employers the better chance you have and the more negotiating power you have. Times change quickly and if you don't change with them you are doomed. One of the biggest mistakes I see when people try to start their own business is that they have zero business skills ranging from managing, book keeping, tax acounting, other record keeping, customer service skills, marketing and advertising. It costs $500 or less to start a legal business so if you feel the need go for it. But do not underestimate the stuff I just mentioned. It takes a good deal of your time and even one man shows require management skills. I suggest you continue to train, spend some time at the place you are at, do everything you can to make yourself "valuable" and then quietly begin shaking the bushes so to speak to see what other opportunity is available at other dealers, engine builders/rebuilders, or related industries. Lastly, don't limit yourself by thinking you need to stay put in your current location. Go where the opportunity is. By all means don't start a family until you are on solid ground financially. Lastly -- NEVER trash your employer to anyone -- you may be back for a job there someday. NEVER trash your current employer to a prospective employer. That should be obvious but I cannot believe that people cannot keep their mouth shut on that topic and shoot themselves in the foot. Don't talk about money to others as you will either make yourself depressed when you find out they make a ton more than you. Be smart! Work hard, play hard, but know where to draw the line!!!!!
