As a diesel mechanic, you can work for thousands of employers across many industries. The demand for your skills is constantly evolving. Today, it has never been higher.
Although this can make it difficult to choose a company to work for, it also gives you options when moving on from an employer.
Leaving a job — especially if you’ve been in it for a while — can be difficult.
But sometimes, it’s necessary — if your current situation doesn’t align with your goals or meet your needs.
I’ve been in the heavy equipment world for nearly twenty years. Over this time, I’ve seen technicians enter RDO Equipment Co. looking for a new challenge or a change of scene.
To be honest, there are a lot of great companies out there. You deserve to find a situation that works for you.
But how do you know whether a new job is what you need? Changing positions isn’t always the right solution when something is wrong at work; sometimes, a candid conversation with your manager will do.
In this article, I’ll outline some signs that might be time to start looking elsewhere as a diesel mechanic.
1. You’re Ready for Something New
Sometimes, this is all it takes. Throughout your working life, you might seek a change of scenery at some point. Many people do. Occasionally, mechanics transition away from the service department, entering another line of work — like parts, administration, operations, sales and support— or into another industry (from trucking to heavy equipment, for example).
If your current company doesn’t have options for leaving the service team, other companies might.
On the other hand, testing your skills in a different industry (like forestry, mining or heavy equipment) will probably involve finding a company in that industry.
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2. You’re Not Seeing Advancement Opportunities
If you want to advance your career, you’ll need to find a company that offers these options. Even if you like your employer, not all of them offer options for career advancement.
After a while, if it becomes apparent that your employer doesn’t have a career path for you, this could be a sign it’s time to find another opportunity.
Wherever you work, you should have regular conversations about moving along in your career, whether that’s in responsibility, job title or compensation.
3. You’re Not Gaining Skills
As diesel-powered machinery and equipment evolve, success as a mechanic means growing your skills to meet these changes.
The best companies invest heavily in the training and development of their team members. Not having this option might be a deal breaker for you. If it is, it could be time to look for a company that can offer ongoing training and development.
4. You Don’t Feel Valued
You’re an important part of what your company does. Feeling like you’re not being valued or recognized for your work can be painful.
Great companies strive to provide feedback, praise and support through regular check-ins with their technicians.
You should always feel heard when you ask for help and respected in the workplace.
If this isn’t happening, it might be time to move on.
5. You Don’t Enjoy Coming to Work Every Day
A telltale sign that the window is closing on your time at a company is not enjoying coming to work. You got into the field because you like working with your hands, solving problems, learning new things and fixing machines.
If you have trouble going to work every day, because of the culture or work environment, it might be time to evaluate your options.
6. Your Pay and Benefits Aren’t Where They Need to Be
Compensation and benefits is a big reason why you work. To make ends meet and live the life you want, you probably need to make a certain amount of money.
The wage you require and the benefits you need will change throughout the course of your life. Sometimes, your workplace won’t be able to meet your needs as they change.
In these instances, you might have to look elsewhere to find a new job. It’s a good idea to talk to an employer first before doing this, however.
What to Look For In Your Next Employer
Knowing when to move on from an employer can be challenging.
While you want to avoid job hopping, there are several instances where it makes sense to move along, including when you’re ready for something new, you’re not seeing advancement opportunities, you’re not gaining skills, don’t feel valued or don’t like coming to work every day.
The right employer can help you grow tremendously in your career as a mechanic.
As you evaluate whether it’s time to search for your next employer, here are some things to look for in a company.
Join RDO as a Service Technician
RDO is hiring service technicians across our organization. Consider a position here if you’re looking for a company that will invest in your development and help you reach your career goals.
For more information on RDO service technician careers, check out our Service Technician Careers page.
Shawna Garza
Shawna has been with RDO Equipment Co. since 2005. Over the years she has excelled in a number of roles across our organization – first as a service administrator, then as a sales coordinator before transitioning into management. Today, Shawna serves as the regional aftermarket manager for North TX (Ft Worth, McKinney, and Irving) where she utilizes her leadership skills and industry knowledge to work alongside her team to grow RDO’s ability to find the best solution to each customer need.
