Last winter I got bored, so I decided to get a part time job to keep busy during my retirement. I called upon my past experience in auto parts and landed a job at the local parts store. Well the "winter only" gig just kept going and here I am, still working. I foolishly thought that I could relive some of my glory days as a counterman. Heck, I still know the part number for Standard Motor Products Chevrolet V-8 distributor points, DR2270XP. Guess what, points aren't really sold anymore, except maybe for an old tractor. No need to memorize part numbers as you have a computer filled full of them, along with google, right at your fingertips. Don't know what a part is? Simply take a picture of it with your phone and hit search. Bingo! Instant results that can make anyone, and I mean anyone, look like they actually know what they are doing. Don't have any automotive or parts experience? No problem, it's really the computer doing all the work. The real eye opener was the prices. I know everything goes up and of course you have inflation, but how the heck does automatic transmission fluid go from 99 cents to over $12 a quart? Talk about sticker shock!
There is just no place, or need, for a former parts professional in the industry anymore. Nobody needs a carburetor diagnosis, timing suggestions, or tune up tips anymore. It's really a young persons game, old folks need not apply, except maybe in management and you can forget that. It's the same old corporate bull crap, jump through hoops to get your "bonus", work an insane amount of hours, chase an ever increasing quota, etc, etc. Been there, done that. No thanks! I think it's time I hang up my counterman's hat for good. I would rather remember the good old days of selling parts then today's pick and click and push this months promo pitch. Call me old, but those were the days my friend, and they are gone forever.
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