ATTN: People in the car audio business...Help me make a decision!

[Rodeo91 10+ year member]

Car audio is my main hobby, and the thing I love the most. I have thought about trying to get into the business, by becoming an installer, or someone in the business side of a shop.

Now the thing I am most concerned with, is if I do get into this, it will become a job instead of a hobby. In other words, I will work all day and have no desire to work on my own system when I get home because I have been doing other peoples all day.

People always tell me, Do something that you enjoy! But I am afraid after a while I will not enjoy it as much because I am doing it everyday.

Can someone give me some personal opinions, and some examples of how you feel about this if you work with car audio?

Any input is appreciated!

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[vosschs 5,000+ posts]

where do you live

 

[squeak9798 5,000+ posts]

Now the thing I am most concerned with, is if I do get into this, it will become a job instead of a hobby. In other words, I will work all day and have no desire to work on my own system when I get home because I have been doing other peoples all day.

I've had many, many installers tell me that. Being a sales guy wouldn't be as bad (IMO)....but just about every installer I've talked to has told me that it killed their love for car audio has a hobby.

 

[ridnlow135 10+ year member]

Im in sales and i love my job.. its not really a job because i get to talk about the thing i love most.. car audio.. And because im in sales i have to keep up with all the things going on in the car audio world, whats new, whats good, whats not.. which helps me with my own system.. their is a few downsides to sales, you get hammered if you dont do well, and have to put up with STUPID people..

My best friend is an installer and while he likes his job it has become just that.. a job.. He doesnt care about his own stuff ne more.. he really doesnt even like talking about it away from work like i do.. hope this helps //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[grantrobarts]

You know, I think a lot of installers have a good time. I had a guy install my deck with an iPod adapter, which he hadn't done before. He was actually excited about it and got creative with it. He also wanted me to come back to show him how everything worked. I'm sure there are people out there that hate it and do it only for a job, but the guy I worked with seemed to enjoy his line of work.

 

[crhye250r 10+ year member]

I am currently an installer at a car audio shop. If you love car audio, and enjoy what you are doing it stays fun. Yes, it becomes a job in almost every aspect, and you very rarely have time for your own system. It can become a headache, but it is also a rewarding job. I enjoy my job very much, and would love to do it as a life long occupation, but i just cant make enough money to support a family while doing it.

To make a long story short, installing is very enjoyable to do, even professionally. It has its good points, with its bad points. You have to take pride in your work (as with any job) and be maticulous. It isn't an overly difficult job, but there are lots of aspects people wouldn't think of. As an installer, you are pretty well required to know how most of the electrical systems in a vehicle work, and use that knowledge accordingly. If you have a good strong foundation in knowledge and a love for the hobby, the rewards are greater than the downfalls. (minus the fact you dont get enough time on your own rig)