[john walker's workshop]

a lot of the overhead in an independent shop is employees. don't have any. rent a 2 bay shop and do it all yourself. just narrow down what makes you money and what doesn't, what you WANT to do and what you don't want to do, and life gets a lot easier. know what jobs NOT to take in and refer them elsewhere. specialize in one or two types of autos that you know like the back of your hand and you'll do fine. it's hard not to be a mechanic after so many years in the trade, and starting as an apprentice at low pay in a different field is out of the question, so what choice do you have? you'll get over the burnout when you call the shots again. total control over your future, other than the rent, utilities and taxes. and no partnerships!! they rarely work out.