Starting Over.. The beginnigs of an Automotive Technician

Beginning a new job is always full of so many things.... There's the excitement of new surroundings, new co-workers and new goals, the stress of learning how things tick within the company and the pressure of making a good first impression. Particularly with my new job, there's also the more practical excitement/stress combo of driving some fine (i.e. Expensive) luxury vehicles.

I started my apprenticeship with a local Lexus dealership almost a month ago. So far, things are going fairly smooth. The people are pleasant, the shop is very nice with all of the equipment needed for the job and, as far as I can tell, I'm making a decent impression (for an apprentice anyway).
The biggest challenge I face as I near graduation and make my way into this field is transitioning from a career where I had been trained, experienced and respected to one where I have so much training still to come, very little experience and a lot of work to do to truly have anyone's respect.
Obviously, I knew what I was doing when I decided to make a career change. I wasn't expecting to be a Master Tech when I graduate, especially not before, and I know all to well about earning one's stripes in a career, but that doesn't make it any easier to give up the comforts of knowing exactly what to do when I start working and feeling as though I am respected by my peers because of the combination of skill and attitude that they have been witness to.
Lamenting for the luxuries of past jobs aside, I really have a lot to be thankful for.
I know respect is earned and training is something I am glad to know will be on-going for me, those things will come with time. The thing I am most excited about right now is getting started with the experience. No training or encouragement can equal the power of good old fashioned hands-on experience. I can't buy that from a school, no one can do it for me... Its up to me to earn and learn.
I am enjoying my new job and I appreciate the opportunity to get a head start working in my new industry of choice. I am grateful that my co-worker/shop mentor is patient, energetic and understanding (we do have the same Alma mater which has also proven to be a helpful common ground for us). I had to pinch myself when I received my first paycheck only to discover that the boss decided to pay me More than we agreed upon during my interview! What?? Does that really happen? I actually went to him to make sure it was correct and thanked him profusely when he confirmed with a smile.
I guess this is my official "So far, So good" to all of you loyal readers out there. Thank you for your support and stay tuned as I plan to weigh-in on the changing face of the automotive industry and the recent news coverage of the "Big 3" in the very near future.