I.. uh... don't want to be a downer but I spent a few years working for various shops. Worst thing I ever did. Turning a hobby into a job was a huge mistake. Wound up having to go on the road-which I hate, fervently-and wound up having to climb around on garbage trucks and concrete trucks. Some of those places were so depressing I needed happy pills to function. Really. Radio repair powered by Xanax. 🙄 Not the job if you want to stay sober or have an anxiety disorder.
Most of the shops were small. No vacation, benefits, insurance, nothing. Each job was worst than the last. One guy I worked for was found dead years later. He was 48 and certifiably insane. Fights with his girlfriend in front of everyone in the shop. Knowing this, probably blew his brains out, I don't know, or care. Karma got him.
Finally I flamed out like a shot up fighter jet in a movie and got out in 1999. Went to work in an area hospital and was 1000% happier. I was so burned I didn't want anything to do with radio for a long time. Last hamfest I went to was around that time, and I used to hit 'em all. I had all the Motorolas, Icoms, you name it.
Quite a story, huh? 🙄