Question for all you veteran techs...
yeah I was in the same boat as you. had to move to another state in a larger dealership to make more money, gotta do that sometimes.
I was with Mercedes benz, and after two many years of working for someone else I decided to go out on my own and do it mobile.
Most people end up going on their own with all the skills they learn from their job once they hit a pay ceiling and get burned out making other people money.
It's not too hard learning other makes as all systems are pretty much the same, just have to learn the different products/test equipment and keep an open mind and good work ethic.
My advice is to learn all you can, don't cut corners, lie or do half assed work.
Flat rate will always kick your *** and encourage you to rush through jobs to make money that's why i like being on my own, setting my own schedule, choosing the work I take on and taking my time to do it right and not answering to anyone but my customer's and my Wife. ha, ha.