Hey everyone, I lost my leg in high school about 5 years ago now, right at my hip. I am wondering if there are any other mechanics in here who have lost limbs. I am really mobile with my forearm crutches, I go hiking, have no issues with falling or being off balance. No prosthetic limb. I guess I am just worried about how I will be seen. I love working on cars, and I plan to start automotive technician training at my local technical college starting April. But something in me keeps thinking I am wasting my time because of how I will be seen. any advice is welcome. Thanks everyone.
My honest opinion ...
If I were an employer, I am most interested in your manual dexterity, problem solving skills, attitude and work ethic. If you're able to: knock out jobs efficiently, and reliably so they aren't coming back to the shop. That means you're helping me to make money and I can count on you. I won't think twice if it takes you an extra 2 seconds to get around the car.
If I were a customer bringing you my car, I just need you to fix my problem. If you can do that over and over, then customers will keep coming back, and you can build a business out of that.
Sure, you'll encounter some shallow people. But you don't need to concern yourself with them. They likely have priority issues, and won't be of much use to you anyway.
I retired after 32 years from a children's orthopedic hospital. I was in an administrative job and not clinical but I still saw the children everyday. Many of them had missing limbs and/or spinal issues that made everyday living a challenge. These kids were amazing at how they were able to adapt to their situations with a positive attitude and worked to make the best future they could. I'm a financial guy, not a psychologist, but it looks to me like it will be your own mental attitude that will determine if you can be a automotive technician. You have both your hands so I would think that would be a major plus for you.
Hy there!
Perhaps this video will interest you too.
Good luck!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sE_0-1Oz1s
