Thread: As a mechanic I sometimes wonder if I have what it takes

I've been swinging wrenches for about 5 years. Worked in dealerships, chain stores, and independent shops. There have been times where I seriously question my ability to be successful in this industry. Many of the events I learned the most from were traumatic and unpleasant. Tonight I did rear brakes on a truck and while on the road test noticed a strange clunk when the brakes were applied. I checked and sure enough the spare tire was not retracted completely and was thumping the frame when the brakes were applied. Will I ever get over the cold sweat feeling "Oh man I bet I totally screwed something up"? In my career I have had notable stupid moment such as:
1. Rebuild a transmission 4 times before discovering an overrunning clutch that would turn in both directions.
2. Had a drum brake poke the parking brake bar through the backing plate after I somehow managed to reassemble it improperly.
3. Tweaked a trucks bed while lifting it off the frame rails when I did not spot the 2 furthest forward retaining bolts.
4. Failed to tighten a K-frame retaining bolt and noticed it was sticking out 4 inches the next time the car was in the shop.
5. Had a car come back because it was missing a lug nut on a wheel I had recently serviced.

Do other techs have these moment and just keep quiet about it? Sometimes I feel like I am juggling chainsaws.

hey bro i just joined to reply to this...

Look i think everyone has been through that i think that you just getting cold feet. I can tell you about everyone else but i can tell you about me.
I have been there. Here are som FUN moments i have had.
*Started to fill the engine with oil before had put the drain plug....lol
*Had a car slip off (a lil) the hoist while i was working on it. The owners son lifted it up effing dumb a$s...scared the shit out of me...lol i laugh now
*I was in the bay working under a PT cruiser, and another effing dumb A$s lol the guy on top was not paying attention and instead of opening the oil cap he opened the pipping hot radiator cap dowsing me with WARM..coolant all over my brains... i almost kill him.
* Last one. The owners son for got to tighten the lug nuts on a brand new lexus ls 430 Ouch!. 2 miles later pissed off owner came back...lol

moral dont sweat it just try to do it right the first time.... check it... double check it tripple check it and then check it again...