Ive been a heavy equipment mechanic for over 15 years, I broke my leg to the point that I wont be able to do this type of work anymore.At 40 years old I worry about my familys future. I would like to hear some others success stories, Im trying to keep a positive mind set

 

catrepair,
Sorry to hear about your injury and pending life change. Making a career change (forced or voluntary) can be very traumatic. I made a change about 20 years ago and for me it turned out to be a very good move. Keep the positive attitude and look upon this as a chance to experience something completely new and exciting. Most people I know who have gone through this type of change have come out better off.

Best of luck to you!

 

Sorry about your leg. Your talent and ability start in your mind and heart, and are not bound by your physical condition. I believe that when one door shuts another opens. Be creative, patient, and steadfast and another opportunity will come, maybe where you least expect it. Don't let this problem mess with your family. Love them and be encouraged and encouraging. I pray that your leg heals quickly and your new career is right around the corner. Good luck.

 

catrepair,
I'm in the same boat as you, injured at work, can't go back to what I was doing, doctor won't sign off. Been off work since March. I thought about being an Insurance adjuster for home or vehicile.

I think that we will do alright. If your user name has anything to do with your job, maybe you could move into an office/parts job or a sales position. Your knowledge would be great. If your user name does not have anything to do with your job, then forget the other statement.

Good luck, keep us posted on your condition and job status.

Tom

 

catrepair...sorry to hear about your situation, but it can work out!

With your experience, you would be valuable for scheduling work, supervising a work crew, or being a rep for either the equip mfr or local distributor.

Might require some effort and searching around, but there is definitely a job for you given your background!

Good luck!!

 

catrepair,

My stepfather was in the same situation He worked for Alaska DOT as a roller operator and one day stepping off the machine he stepped down on a rock and shattered his lower leg and ankle. The docs said his ankle all but exploded and it fractured so bad it could not be pinned or cast. Had to have surgery to take out bone fragments and then fix what was left. He was close enough to retirement age they just retired him on a medical and he is home now.

Hope things work out for you. I know you are a ways off of retirement but like was said elsewhere, perhaps there's a desk job for you somewhere. Good luck and let us know how things are going.

 

I thought about doing the same thing myself this past year. I'm an Electrical Engineering Tech grad and I've been in IT for over 10 years now.The more I read about "outsourcing" - sending tech jobs like mine to Pakistan and India - the more I thought that IT was not the field to be in. I've been an EMT for a few years and thought about attending Paramedic school. Then I ran into the time and money problem. When I had the money, I wouldn't have the time. When I would have the time, I wouldn't have the money.
I'm still in IT and making good money now so my planned career change is off.

Those who are in situations like yours where you've worked all your life with your hands and now you can't do the work, that's quite a predicament. Ranks up there with "plant is closed - now what?" - I suppose there's management but management isn't for everyone. Job knowledge doesn't always make a good manager. Same goes for sales. Not everyone is cut out to be a salesperson.

Best of luck

 

Catrepair have you ever thought about teaching what you know? Maybe a community college?

 

It's a tough deal. I know exactly the kind of work you do and it would be hard if you can't climb well or use both feet.

I've had two friends with kind of the same problem.

Ron was a mason on big construction jobs and had beed doing it for 12 years. One weekend he was doing a residential side job when the scafold collapsed and shattered his leg below the knee - in traction for 9 months with no workers comp. His leg will never be the same. He was depressed for a long time and didn't think he would ever work brick again. He called his boss and they talked and when he came back they put him in training the new guys. Been a couple years now and he's a foreman, laughing, joking and yelling at everyone just like before the accident. He just finished a Wally superstore. His leg is always in pain, but he refuses to do the pain pill thing. (I've known others that relied on them and it never works out.)

Todd worked at a salvage yard. He was in a car accident as a kid that put him in a wheelchair. The guy is a great mechanic, for a chevy guy. He built 4 foot tall jackstands that they could put the cars on and he would get under to pull trannies/TC, brakes, whatever. He had all sorts of ways to get around problems. I mean, this place was a mud pit and he would 4 wheel his chair anywhere.. I haven't seen Todd for a while, he got a new job and moved someplace. Man, that guy could tune a motor.

Be kind of fun to take an old D2 and put you a lift chair on it..Kind of like, "Mad Max."..

Once you heal up a bit I think a path will open up. These things always get better, but they usually get worse first.

 

Catrepair: I will 2nd, DonsFx4 & Racerguy to good possibility's to explore. Good Luck you've got lots of Experience I'm sure working on Catapiler Engines.