Some got out...where did they go?

[zekensted]

With the number of opportunites out there shrinking, where are those who got out of the New Car/Truck Dealerships going?
Any success stories out there? Suggestions for those who want out while on there own?

[Art_Mopar]

I thought long and hard about getting out. I handled all of the IT needs at my old store, from building and configuring the Exchange Server, all the system maintenance, firewall, internet security, wired and wireless LAN, DMS needs and etc. When I sent out my resumes I got a couple of calls from Dealers looking for an IT guy, problem is the pay. I thought about going out on my own as a "freelance Dealer Only" IT guy but lost the nerve. Even though I have about 9 years of Networking experience I lack the required certifications to land a job (that pays enough) on the outside. I learned a lot over the years dealing with all of the third party vendors, DMS providers, ISP providers who all pointed the finger at the other guy when something went awry!

[KevvyG]

Ha! You just described me Art!! lol I keep it all up and running....completely self-taught IBM sent out a local "IT Specialist" when one of our servers went down. After a couple hours of frustration, the guy on the other end of the phone from IBM says, "Let me talk to that dealership guy" LOL We had the drives mounted and a server rebuild going in short order Sent the "specialist" away, and a week later a box arrives from IBM for me with a set of real nice, heavy engraved glass coffee mugs Thought that was a nice touch.....

[This message has been edited by KevvyG (edited 07-16-2009).]