new job oppurtunity- computer tech

[t-maxxracer32]

hey guys right now i am currently hosting/bussing at the local olive garden making 200 a week if i work 5-6 days. (get paid 7.5 an hour)

my dads freind has a computer supply business that sells and fixes computer equipment.

the tech that the guy used to have moved away and he is offering to give the business to my dad (its my dads land-the guys business)

i have always liked working on things- electronics especially, but without being a certified tech having all the knowledge do you think i would be able to fix computers? i am the type of person that likes to find out how to fix problems and right now since i know basically nothing id have to look it up on the internet- post problems on different forums and such.

would it be stupid for me to try this out?

maybe not stupid... but would it be pointless?

im sure there are some computer people here that can tell me how difficult it would be to start up.

its never too early to start what you would like to do for your career but the thing of it is is that i would have to quit olive garden for the time and try this out.

previously he was charging 75 bucks an hour to fix the comps. if he kept it at that rate and i got paid 10-15 and my dad pocketed the rest i still think itd be a great improvement from olive garden.

do you guys think i could do it?


what do you all think!

flame me if im being an idiot or whatever!

thanks!

[suicideneil]

Sounds like there is awesome potential there, but the only thing is.... Computer techs get paid massive $$ for a reason- they have trained for years and have degrees etc; its not something I imagine you could just 'pickup as you go along', if you get my drift (at least not very easily). And asking for help with minor things is one thing, but expecting people you dont really know on a forum to provide you with in-depth help and expertease for free would be alot to expect & ask for..... my 2c anyway.

[t-maxxracer32]

yes i definetly know what you mean.

im sure with research and everything i could fix some problems.

other big problems i do not know... the way i see it is you have to start somewhere.

im going to talk more with my dad about it.

[xcntrk]

Mmmmm Olive Garden… I love their Zuppa Tuscanna…

You're probably sick of the food huh?

if you want to be a computer tech you will need schooling/training.....and if you are serious probubly quiting the OG gig would be needed, and probubly a step in the right direction...Look at the other side, if you stayed at OG, What would that get you?, would you be in line for management? Would you want that?

[lincpimp]

Well, you can always charge less per hour, and people are more forgiving when service is cheaper!

You could also try an online, or paper course on computer repair. I am sure if you dedicated a few weeks study you could learn the basics. If you are quick and resonably intelligent you could most likely figure most things out. Also find a local established computer repair place and offer then the more difficult jobs. Maybe they will give a bulk discount, and all you have to do is take care of the customer portion. That way will not be as profitable, but you can satisfy the customer. That way you can accept all of the repairs and learn as you go.

I have a few friends that have owner computer repair business, and an a few that worked at them too. Seems like with decent customer service you could easily develop a good customer base (the crappy service I always get is the worst part).

[theJoker]

Go for it !!!! But only if you are interested in computers. The skills you will learn will be valuable all of your life .....

No risk no reward

[suicideneil]

I like Lincs advice, that makes alot of good sense.

On the topic of lousy service, my nan once needed help with her old PC- the company she went with wanted about $100 to replace a broken cooling fan.... indeed.

[BL_RV0]

Originally Posted by t-maxxracer32

i still think itd be a great improvement from olive garden.

Do you get really good breadsticks when you work on computers?

[t-maxxracer32]

hahaha ive only been there for like 5 months so the food is still amazing!

i actually rarely ever eat any while im working. too unhealthy


anyways linc that is some good advice! i have some freinds who know alot they just have their own jobs so maybe theyd be able to help. if needed.

and if i want breadsticks all i need to do is make a phone call and im sure ill get hooked up

plus. i will just tell the manager i need to quit for now so i can help my dad with his business. then if it fails i can always go back.

i dont burn bridges so i should be fine!

im going to talk to my dad more tonight to see what his final word is.

[bdebde]

Much of the computer certifications can be had with just a test, you will need to pick up the books and get some hands on too. I got mcse (microsoft certified system engineer) certified for win nt 4.0 just by getting the study books and setting up a network in my house to try it all out.

As far quitting OG if your hours are flexible or you work part time, you may want to do both until things pick up with computer repairs.

[t-maxxracer32]

I thought about doing that but the way I see it...
ill work the actuall store- clerk manager salesperson everything. then after hours I will fix the comps or during slow times I could do that.

I may try and work something with OG to where they don't schedule me but they can still call me in or I can pick up shifts

that's prbably what ill do

[JThiessen]

but without being a certified tech having all the knowledge do you think i would be able to fix computers? i am the type of person that likes to find out how to fix problems and right now since i know basically nothing id have to look it up on the internet- post problems on different forums and such.

I think you answered your own question there. I wouldnt want to spend my money with someone who doesnt know what they are doing, and is willing to rely on information they find in forums (where anyone that can type can sound like an expert). I think the best route is if your father hired a certified tech, and you also worked there, as an apprentice. Learning from an expert directly will give you much better experience than reading something from a book. One other thing. Books and such often just give "single solutions" - most of the time problems often involve multiple solutions. You cant learn that by reading.

[aqwut]

You'll never regret learning new things... especially with computers....

[t-maxxracer32]

Originally Posted by JThiessen

I think you answered your own question there. I wouldnt want to spend my money with someone who doesnt know what they are doing, and is willing to rely on information they find in forums (where anyone that can type can sound like an expert). I think the best route is if your father hired a certified tech, and you also worked there, as an apprentice. Learning from an expert directly will give you much better experience than reading something from a book. One other thing. Books and such often just give "single solutions" - most of the time problems often involve multiple solutions. You cant learn that by reading.

the business has been looking for a tech but it is hard to find one here who is really interested.

either the guy closes down the business or gives it to my dad and i try and run it for a while.

worse thing that could happen is its too much work for my and we have to completely close it down.

im not going to be stupid with the computers and do things i do not know how to turn back.

but i do see what you are saying.